5 Things We Learned at the Ahsoka Panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan

Lott kittens, Admiral Ackbar and the Chosen One are just some of the incredible discoveries.

The highly anticipated second season of Star Wars: Ahsoka doesn't begin filming until next week, but that doesn't mean the cast and crew haven't prepared plenty of previews, teasers, and a pre-production teaser to share with audiences at Star Wars Celebration Japan.

The jury included creator, writer and showrunner Dave Filoni, executive producer Jon Favreau, and Ahsoka herself, Rosario Dawson (they were joined a little later by a special guest).

Favreau called himself the show's number one fan and an "early viewer" of the second season, having had a front-row seat to Filoni's entire creative process. As he puts it, “He draws all the time. It's his creative process that just flows out of him. Then it becomes a script, and then it becomes a collaborative art.”

What does Favreau expect from the second season? “I could go on and on about the visuals, the sets, the fights, the ships,” he said, “but the show is all about family and relationships, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the relationships develop.”

So, what secrets of Ahsoka have been revealed? Read on to find out our top five takeaways to help you prepare for the upcoming second season.

1. Joining the cast will be Rory McCann, who will play former JediBaylan Skoll.

The role, of course, was created by the late Ray Stevenson in the first season, and Dave Filoni addressed viewers about the character's future journey. “[Writing] season two was especially challenging for me because of the loss of Ray,” he said.“He was the most wonderful person on and off set, and it was a challenge for me to even think about how to move forward.”

But the story continues, and after discussion with Stevenson's family, the role was recast due to its importance to the story. "Baelan is meant to be a parallel to Ahsoka in every way, a different journey for a Jedi who was lost," Filoni explained. “This parallel must continue.”

“Basically, because Ray played him so iconically, there was already a plan,” Filoni continued. "We needed to find the right person who not only understood the character, but also understood Ray." This right person is an experienced actor familiar to Game of Thrones fans. “Rory McCann will take on the role of Bailan and he takes it very seriously. He is a big man with a big heart. He has a lot of respect for Ray and his whole focus is on not letting Ray down and not letting you down. The strength is with him and I know you will be too.”

The announcement was also accompanied by incredible behind-the-scenes footage of the new cast member in his hooded suit, holding Skoll's flashy lightsaber, which looks like he'll be seeing quite a bit of use this season. As Dawson says, “We've been training for the last few months and it's been really, really fun.”

2. Admiral Ackbarreturns to fight Thrawn.

With an unpainted mask Mon Calamari on the screen behind him, Filoni confirmed that the leader of the Mon Calamari will return in season two, with an even bigger role: “He will go toe-to-toe with Thrawn. What is the Death Star compared to the blue guy?

The Aquatic Rebel will be a stalwart ally of the galactic heroes, his mask designed to emulate his classic spherical appearance in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.“I told Neil Scanlan I wanted all the wiggles!” - exclaimed Filoni.

Filoni gave a "hint" about his scripts for the second season, saying: "It took a lot of effort for me not to write the line: 'It's a trap.' He can’t always fall into a trap!”

Minature concepts of the actual Home One hangars were also shown, which appear huge when built. "We have two full-size X-wings, an A-wing... and I have other wings that I won't tell you about," Filoni teased.

3. Meet Lott's kittens

On a lighter note, new concept art and photos have revealed the latest (and potentially cutest) creatures to join the Star Wars galaxy. After confirming that Sabina's cat Lott, whose name is Murley, will return in Season 2, Filoni further revealed younger, smaller versions of Lott's cat - the Lott kitten. "Their legs aren't strong enough to walk, so they have to roll around," Filoni said.

Dawson dubbed them "little lott balls" on stage, and we have a feeling these fluffy little roll toys will be the next cute craze, with plush toys sure to be on the way.

“I have to pay for the show somehow,” Filoni joked.

4. The godsMortiswill be present.

As the final shot of Bailan on top of the huge statues on Peridea hints, Father, Son and Daughter will influence Ahsoka's story in Season 2.

The Mortis Gods, introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, are an interesting element to include in the new season, and not without their problems. “It’s massive, it’s crazy. It's a complicated thing,” Filoni said.

5.The Chosen One returns.

A surprise addition to the group was the Chosen One himself, Hayden Christensen, who joined the rest of the cast and crew to share his thoughts on the role he returned to in season one.

“It was too much fun. It was a very exciting time in Anakin's life that we've never seen live, and it was great to see a new look for Anakin," Christensen said. Filoni was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the prequel star.

“I had to bend entire dimensions to make this happen,” he said. “Besides, no one wields a lightsaber like you.”

Christensen also concluded the panel with a succinct but specific answer. "I can't say much, but Anakin will be back in season two."

And much more.

A quick reveal of the concept art also intrigued the audience, during which the narrator shared interesting details such as "ancient machines from a dark and dangerous past" and also confirmed that fan favorite Star Wars Rebels Zeb will appear in the new season!

Filming of the second season of the series “Ahsoka” will begin soon.