Disney+ continues to dominate the galaxy far, far away with a growing lineup of Star Wars television hits from The Mandalorian to Andor and The Book of Boba Fett. But its breakout 2023 hit, Ahsoka, is facing a surprising cast shake-up ahead of its second season.
In a recent interview with Collider, actress Claudia Black, who portrayed Mother Klothow, one of the sinister Witches of Dathomir, revealed that she will not return for Ahsoka Season 2.
Black’s character made a memorable impression in the first season as one of the powerful Nightsisters living on the ancient planet Peridea, helping to shape the darker, mystical side of the Star Wars mythos. Her absence in Season 2 has already sparked disappointment among fans who appreciated the actor’s commanding presence.
“I’m going to be transparent,” Black explained. “They picked up Season 2, picked me up with it, and then Disney, which is structuring things differently these days, could not pay me what I needed to be paid as a single mother to keep all my responsibilities going at home in Los Angeles, because they were filming in London. It was not something that they could make happen, and therefore, I had to bow out for Season 2. It was very sad for me.”
Overview: Ahsoka Season 2
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Ahsoka |
| Platform | Disney+ |
| Creator | Dave Filoni |
| Main Cast | Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Lars Mikkelsen, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Hayden Christensen, Eman Esfandi, Rory McCann |
| Departing Cast Member | Claudia Black (Mother Klothow) |
| Filming Location | London, UK |
| Production Start | Early 2025 |
| Status | Filming wrapped (Fall 2025) |
| Expected Premiere | August 2026 (projected) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score (Season 1) | 85% |
| Franchise Timeline | Post-Return of the Jedi (same era as The Mandalorian) |
Claudia Black on Leaving Ahsoka: “It Was Very Sad for Me”
Black’s candid remarks shed light on an increasingly common challenge for international productions the rising costs and logistical hurdles of global filming schedules.
Known for her powerful voice and commanding screen presence in series like Farscape, Stargate SG-1, and Pitch Black, Black said that while she was thrilled to be part of the Star Wars universe, the financial and family realities of the production ultimately made it impossible for her to continue.
“Disney couldn’t make it work with my circumstances,” she shared. “They were filming in London, and as a single mother in Los Angeles, I just couldn’t balance it financially or personally.”
She added that despite the disappointment, she remains proud of her time on Ahsoka:
“It was very sad for me, but I loved being part of this world it was an honor to step into that mythology, even for a short while.”
Entertainment journalist Mara Kim commented,
“Claudia Black brought gravitas to Mother Klothow. Her loss is significant. The Witches of Dathomir represented an underexplored mystical side of Star Wars, and her portrayal was both haunting and elegant.”
The Character: Mother Klothow and the Witches of Dathomir
Introduced in Ahsoka Season 1, Mother Klothow was one of the Great Mothers, alongside Mother Aniseya and Mother Koril, ruling the ancient witches of Dathomir from the faraway planet Peridea. These characters brought Star Wars Rebels lore into live-action, expanding the mythos with elements of dark magic, necromancy, and Force mysticism.
| Character | Actress | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mother Klothow | Claudia Black | A Great Mother of the Dathomir witches, guiding Thrawn’s resurrection on Peridea |
| Mother Aniseya | Jeryl Prescott | Leader of the coven; ally to Thrawn |
| Mother Koril | Jane Edwina Seymour | Co-leader and prophet figure among the witches |
Mother Klothow’s death in the first season was left ambiguous, allowing for a potential return. However, with Black’s exit confirmed, it’s unclear if the character will be written out, recast, or simply referenced in passing.
Season 2: What to Expect From Ahsoka’s Next Chapter?
Created by Dave Filoni, Ahsoka continues the story of the titular Jedi-turned-wanderer Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), following her and her apprentice Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) as they navigate the post-Empire galaxy.
Season 2 will expand on the Mortis gods storyline, a mystical subplot introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and delve deeper into the relationship between Ahsoka, Sabine, and the mysterious dark Jedi Baylan Skoll.
Following actor Ray Stevenson’s passing, the role of Baylan will now be portrayed by Rory McCann, best known for Game of Thrones’ “The Hound.”
“Season 2 is more spiritual, darker, and more connected to ancient Force mythology,” an insider close to the production shared. “It’s less about empire politics and more about destiny and balance.”
Returning Cast and Characters
Despite Black’s departure, Season 2 boasts an impressive ensemble returning to continue the saga.
| Actor | Character | Status in Season 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rosario Dawson | Ahsoka Tano | Returning |
| Natasha Liu Bordizzo | Sabine Wren | Returning |
| Lars Mikkelsen | Grand Admiral Thrawn | Returning |
| Mary Elizabeth Winstead | Hera Syndulla | Returning |
| Eman Esfandi | Ezra Bridger | Returning |
| Hayden Christensen | Anakin Skywalker (Force Ghost) | Returning |
| Rory McCann | Baylan Skoll (recast) | Joining Season 2 |
| Claudia Black | Mother Klothow | Not returning |
A Lucasfilm insider told Forbes in October that Ahsoka Season 2 wrapped production in early fall and is now in post-production, targeting an August 2026 release roughly mirroring the one-year gap between Season 1’s wrap and its premiere.
Claudia Black’s Legacy and Industry Impact
Though her tenure in Ahsoka was brief, Claudia Black remains one of the most respected sci-fi actors of her generation. Her performances in Farscape and Stargate SG-1 made her a genre icon long before joining Star Wars.
Film historian Riley Donovan notes,
“Black’s voice alone carries mythic weight she was born to play a character like Mother Klothow. Her exit highlights how logistical challenges can cost franchises a truly commanding performer.”
Fans have since taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many calling for the studio to renegotiate her terms for future Star Wars projects.
Production Details for Ahsoka Season 2
| Production Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Showrunner | Dave Filoni |
| Executive Producers | Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Carrie Beck |
| Filming Start | February 2025 |
| Filming Wrap | October 2025 |
| Primary Location | Pinewood Studios, London |
| Visual Effects | Industrial Light & Magic |
| Music | Kevin Kiner |
| Projected Release | August 2026 (TBA) |
| Episode Count | 8 (Expected) |
What Claudia Black’s Exit Means for Season 2?
While Mother Klothow’s role may have been small compared to Ahsoka’s central cast, her absence removes one of the most intriguing elements of Season 1, the mysticism of the Nightsisters.
Without her, Season 2 may shift focus toward the Mortis gods’ arc, expanding on Ahsoka’s spiritual journey and Sabine’s evolution as a Force-sensitive. The narrative will likely also follow Thrawn’s attempt to rebuild the Empire, setting the stage for Filoni’s long-planned crossover movie connecting The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka.
Industry critic Tom Rivers notes,
“Losing Mother Klothow might streamline the story. The focus is now clearly on Ahsoka, Sabine, and Thrawn the spiritual and political halves of the Star Wars galaxy colliding.”
Recent Updates
- December 2025: Ahsoka Season 2 in post-production; awaiting Disney+ release window.
- October 2025: Claudia Black confirms her exit from Season 2 due to financial and logistical reasons.
- August 2025: Lucasfilm confirms recasting of Baylan Skoll with Rory McCann.
- June 2025: Dave Filoni teases that Season 2 will “bridge the gap between Jedi mythology and rebellion legacy.”
- January 2024: Disney officially renews Ahsoka for a second season following strong critical reception.
Why Claudia Black’s Exit Matters?
Claudia Black’s departure underscores broader industry challenges as studios continue to balance international production costs with actor commitments. For Ahsoka, it also means the loss of a powerful female antagonist whose presence deepened the series’ connection to Star Wars mysticism.
Despite her exit, Black remains grateful for the opportunity:
“I’ll always cherish being part of Star Wars. I hope fans know how much love I poured into that role.”
For fans, her portrayal of Mother Klothow remains one of Ahsoka’s most memorable additions, a character both ancient and commanding, who reminded audiences that not all power in the galaxy comes from the Force.
FAQs
Claudia Black’s Mother Klothow will not return due to financial and scheduling conflicts.
She cited Disney’s inability to meet her pay requirements while balancing single motherhood and filming logistics in London.
Game of Thrones star Rory McCann will take over the role for Season 2.
While no official date has been announced, reports suggest an August 2026 release window.
Their presence remains uncertain, though other elements of their lore may continue through Thrawn’s story.
