Star Wars Actor Forced to Exit Ahsoka Following Pay Disagreement
Claudia Black, the actor who portrayed Nightsister Klothow in the first season of the Disney+ series Ahsoka, will not be returning for the show's second season due to an unresolved salary dispute with Disney. The performer disclosed that the offered compensation was insufficient for her needs as a single mother, forcing her to make the difficult decision to leave the project.
'They Could Not Support a Single Mom'
In a candid interview with Bleeding Cool, Black explained the situation with striking transparency. She confirmed that while season two had been officially greenlit and her involvement was initially planned, Disney's current corporate structuring meant they were unable to meet her financial requirements.
The core issue was the filming location. The production for Ahsoka season two is set to take place in London, while Black's home and responsibilities are in Los Angeles. "They could not, sadly, support a single mom," she stated, highlighting that the salary offered would not have enabled her to maintain her commitments in California while working abroad.
She elaborated, saying, "It was not something that they could make happen, and therefore, I had to bow out for season two." The Independent has reached out to Lucasfilm, the production company behind the Star Wars series, for an official comment on the matter.
A Sad Farewell to the Star Wars Universe
Black described the choice as a profoundly sad one, revealing that she sent a grateful email to showrunner Dave Filoni. She expressed what a privilege it was to be part of the Star Wars universe, a franchise she, like many who grew up in the 70s and 80s, has always admired.
She characterised the work environment as "very playful" and expressed particular gratitude that her young son, a fan of the series, got to see her involved in it. Despite her disappointment, Black demonstrated a pragmatic understanding of the industry's realities.
"They call it 'show business' for a reason," she remarked. "It's like 90 per cent business and 10 per cent show... I'm very sad about that, but I also understand market forces being what they are." She concluded by acknowledging the delicate financial state of the entertainment sector, noting that everyone involved had to "do our sums and move on."
The series, which stars Rosario Dawson as the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano, premiered in 2023. Filming for the second season is scheduled to commence in 2025, though now without Claudia Black's character.
