Confirming what we have been reporting for years, fan-favorite actress Claudia Black (Farscape, Stargate) has now revealed she won’t return for Ahsoka Season 2 because Disney refused to pay her what she needed as a single mother living in Los Angeles while the production films in London.
Black, who played Klothow, one of the three Great Mothers, said Disney’s new internal structure made it “not something they could make happen,” forcing her to walk away despite Lucasfilm already picking her up for Season 2.
She called it “very sad,” adding that she emailed Dave Filoni to thank him for the opportunity.
Another Sign Disney Is Cutting Costs Across the Board
Black’s comments line up perfectly with what has previously been reported: Disney has slashed budgets across not only Lucasfilm, but Marvel, as well.
Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again, Agatha, and Echo all showed signs of the same cost-cutting low-budget approach.
Disney’s Bob Iger has openly admitted it’s restructuring after years of overspending, and this is what the fallout looks like: talent walking away because the studio won’t meet basic financial needs.
In Black’s case, Disney simply wouldn’t support a single mother who needed a workable salary to relocate for filming.
Black Praises Filoni and the Star Wars Universe
Even though she’s disappointed, Black spoke highly of her time on Ahsoka. She told Bleeding Cool that working with Filoni, the cast, and the directors was “extraordinary” and described the Star Wars set as a “fun, playful space.” She also noted how meaningful it was that her younger son—who loves The Clone Wars—could connect to her work.
She added that at the end of the day, it’s “90% business and 10% show,” and that the current Hollywood climate makes it difficult for studios to afford anything without downsizing.
Disney’s Budget Problems Strike Again
Black’s exit now becomes another public example of how far Disney’s cutbacks have gone.
When an established actress can’t afford to continue because Disney won’t pay her enough to survive while raising kids, it raises the question: How many more cast or crew members will walk away before these franchises suffer even deeper problems?
It also raises the concern that Disney no longer sees value in investing in these shows, which haven’t built a large audience and haven’t grown one on Disney+. The blame falls on the people who previously developed the content and sent the fans packing.
