REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Don’t expect to see any jedi or Skywalkers in Andor, the newest Star Wars offering streaming on Disney+.
The 12-part series is a prequel to a prequel – it’s set five years before Rogue One, the 2016 movie which told the story of Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso and the rebel spies who stole the Death Star plans ahead of the events seen in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Showrunner Tony Gilroy, who wrote four of the Jason Bourne movies, was responsible for script rewrites and reshoots on Rogue One, before being invited to return to a galaxy far, far away.
Andor is a thriller filled with political intrigue, danger, tension and high stakes.
“[Cassian Andor] gave his life for the galaxy, right? I mean, he consciously, soberly, without vanity or recognition, sacrificed himself. Who does that?” Tony asked, referring to the tragic conclusion of Rogue One.
“That’s what this first season is about. It’s about him being really revolution-averse and cynical and lost, and kind of a mess.”
The story begins with the destruction of his home world and follows him into adulthood. “His adopted home will become the base of our first season, and we watch that place become radicalised,” Tony told Vanity Fair.
“Then we see another planet that’s completely taken apart in a colonial kind of way. The Empire is wiping out anybody in their way.”
By the time the series ends, Cassian Andor’s path will be to block theirs.
Tony’s enthusiasm for a different kind of Star Wars story convinced Rogue One star GABRIEL LUNA (39) to return to play the titular rebel spy.
“[The series] Is not about one character saving everyone. It’s about community.”