Now that we’ve gone back to check in onObi-Wan Kenobi, it’s time to focus on another upcomingStar Warsuniverse series that is coming our way.Andor, the prequel series that ties in withRogue One, premieres next month, and it’s safe to say we’ll get regular updates on the new show in the coming weeks. In this month’s edition ofEmpire Magazine, series creator and directorTony Gilroydissected how the series will play out – and a brand-new image from the series was also revealed.
The image shows the title character Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) with a determined look on his face as he navigates with Luthen (Stellan Skårsgard) on the back of his speeder bike. The series is set to showcase a very different Andor – the story starts five years beforeRogue Oneand chronicles his transformation from selfish nihilist to one of the selfless rebels who gave their lives to try and stop the Empire. And, as Gilroy comments, this five-years-before take will make for a show with a very unique structure:
“The scale of the show is so huge. Directors work in blocks of three episodes, so we did four blocks [in Season 1] of three episodes each. […] We looked and said, ‘Wow, it’d be really interesting if we come back, and we use each block to represent a year. We’ll move a year closer with each block. From a narrative point of view, it’s really exciting to be able to work on something where you do a Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and then jump a year.”
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We already knew that Disney+ was so confident in the scale ofAndorthat Season 2 had already been ordered and scheduled tobegin production. Now, this statement reveals that not only we can expect a fiery Season 1, but can already build up anticipation for a fast-paced Season 2. Gilroy also revealed that the timeline of the series also allows room for a more character-centered story:
“’Rogue One’ [was] more about an event than the actual journey of [the] characters. It’s quite amazing to start a show where it’s not about where we can end – it’s about, how did we end there?”
In addition to Luna, the series will also see the return ofGenevieve O’Reillyas Mon Mothma andForest Whitakeras Saw Gerrera. Newcomers to the series includeAdria Arjona,Kyle Soller,Denise Gough, andRobert Emms. Gilroy was brought on as the showrunner forAndor, followingStephen Schiff’s departure prior to the production beginning.Black MirrordirectorToby Haynesreportedly directed the pilot episode, as well as two other episodes, along withBen CaronandSusanna White, who were announced as directors for the 12-episode season.
