Disney+ has announced that its new series Star Wars: Ahsoka will premiere on Wednesday 23 August.
The synopsis reads: "Set after the fall of the Empire, Star Wars: Ahsoka follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
"In addition to Rosario Dawson in the title role, Ahsoka stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll, Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati, Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth, David Tennant as Huyang, Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn and Eman Esfandi appearing as Ezra Bridger.
"The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist is co-executive producer."
Lisburn-born Ray Stevenson, whose other credits included Rome, Vikings, Punisher: War Zone, the Thor films, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the Oscar-winning RRR, passed away last month at the age of 58.
A tribute posted on StarWars.com read: "We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ray Stevenson. Ray was an incredible combination of talent, warmth, humor, and heart.
"We were lucky to have Ray join the Star Wars galaxy as Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels and then more recently as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka. His ability to play a villain, while being such a kind and caring person in reality, is a testament to his incredible talent."
Dave Filoni, Creator and Executive Producer of the Ahsoka series and Executive Creative Director for Lucasfilm, continued: "We have lost a great talent and friend in Ray Stevenson. His kindness and generosity were felt by our entire team on Ahsoka.
"I always looked forward to working with Ray, and I appreciated his insight and daily wisdom.
"I am glad that his memory will live on through his family, friends, and the many characters he created. Thank you Ray, for everything."
"Ray was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this time," the StarWars.com statement concluded.
