What If The Hound Was Andor's Best Friend?

Star Wars

Nov 16

Rory McCann as Sandor “The Hound” in Game of Thrones — Image Source: RoryMcCann.Tumblr.com

Rory McCann was announced as the late Ray Stevenson’s replacement as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 2. The announcement was made at Star Wars Celebration, where Dave Filoni revealed that McCann would begin filming shortly. Stevenson’s passing was a blow for the series, but it gave McCann his second opportunity to be a part of Star Wars. Surprisingly, McCann was first cast as Cassian Andor’s best friend and a Rebel from Ferrix, Brasso, who tragically lost his life in Andor Season 2. Brasso’s death broke Cassian and Bix’s hearts, but he played a significant role in the story of Andor. Actor Joplin Sibtain revealed this previously unknown fact about his character during a panel interview with the Star Wars Sessions podcast. He admitted, “The first day of filming, the guy playing Brasso played The Hound in Game of Thrones. They shot some of his scenes. He’s 6 feet 6, and I’m 6 feet 3. But he did his knee in.” McCann’s injury was so bad that he required surgery, so Sibtain replaced him.

Sibtain was impressive as Brasso, but it’s hard not to imagine how differently McCann would’ve portrayed the part of Cassian’s loyal pal. Being unable to continue playing the role in Andor opened the door for McCann to replace his friend, and former Game of Thrones star, Ray Stevenson. Not only were they friends, but they also bear a slight resemblance to each other. Rory has been praised by his Ahsoka co-stars, including Rosario Dawson and Ivanna Sakhno, for effortlessly taking over the role of Baylan Skoll. Skoll quickly became the most talked-about and appreciated character in Ahsoka, due to Stevenson’s majestic portrayal of the former Jedi, who knew Anakin Skywalker. Skoll may play a significant part in Season 2, as well as future Star Wars stories, so Rory McCann may end up spending a long time portraying the Jedi, who seeks an unknown power on Peridea. It would be interesting to hear McCann’s thoughts on losing out on a part in Andor, but being handed a lightsaber for an equally compelling character instead. Ahsoka Season 2 premieres in 2026 on Disney+.

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