Rory McCann on Taking Over Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka, Tornado, and His Nerdy Career – Interview

Rory McCann stars in a samurai western with edge and emotion.

IFC Films’ Tornado is now playing in theaters, and it’s unlike anything else out this year. Set in the rugged British landscape of the 1790s, the story follows a young Japanese woman who seeks vengeance after a gang of criminals murders her father. The film is a cultural mash-up of samurai cinema and gritty westerns, brought to life by writer-director John Maclean.

Among the film’s standout villains is Rory McCann, who reunites with Maclean after their beloved collaboration on Slow West. For McCann, signing on was a no-brainer.

“The last time I worked with him, I probably had one of the best times ever,” he said. “I didn’t even read the script. I just said yes.”

Embracing a new galaxy: Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka

While Tornado shows off McCann’s talents in grounded period drama, his biggest upcoming role takes him to a galaxy far, far away. McCann will step into the robes of Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka, taking over the fan-favorite character originally portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson.

“It’s a huge responsibility. Ray was incredible,” McCann told Nerdtropolis. “But everyone agreed that Baylan’s story shouldn’t just end. I was honored to be asked.”

McCann recalled his childhood memory of watching the original Star Wars in a Glasgow cinema with his dad. Now, decades later, he’s becoming a part of that very same universe.

“We’ve already started filming, and I’m still pinching myself. The team has been so welcoming, and I’m growing the beard—you know, doing it right.”

Baylan Skoll made a strong impression in Ahsoka Season 1, and McCann’s casting signals that the character’s arc will continue in meaningful ways.

A familiar kind of villain in Tornado

In Tornado, McCann brings gruff charisma to one of the film’s thugs. He joked that being cast as the big bad is just second nature at this point.

“It’s probably just because I’m big,” he laughed. “I’m usually the grumpy one on set anyway if I haven’t had breakfast.”

But despite playing hard-edged characters, McCann admits he’s a softie off-screen—though he says he complains about the cold far less than his co-stars.

Silence speaks louder than words

One of Tornado’s most striking features is its minimal use of dialogue. The film allows visuals, action, and performance to drive the emotion.

“Nobody talks for the first 20 minutes—and you don’t miss it,” McCann said. “John [Maclean] knew exactly what he was doing. Less was more.”

With a mix of haunting imagery, brutal fights, and stunning cinematography, Tornado stands out as a rare gem.

“I saw it once and came out saying, ‘Wow.’ I liked it more than I expected to. That’s always the best surprise.”

Rory McCann, the king of nerdy franchises?

Rory McCann’s resume is loaded with beloved franchises: Game of Thrones, Ahsoka, Transformers: EarthSpark, and even Knuckles. He voices Megatron in EarthSpark, something that still makes him laugh.

“I keep saying it to myself—‘I am Megatron,’” he chuckled. “It’s great fun, and voice work is quick. You’re home for dinner.”

When asked if he ever reflects on the sheer scope of his genre-spanning career, McCann said he’s just grateful the ball is rolling again after the pandemic and strikes.

“I let things come to me. What’s for you won’t go by you.”

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