Reflecting on his Approach to Handling Challenges in the Production of Andor
In a galaxy, far, far away, Tony Gilroy, a visionary with a penchant for frankness, took the helm of Cassian Andor, a Disney+ series born from the extensive reshoots of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The show garnered critical acclaim, surpassing anything the galaxy had seen in decades.
Gilroy narrates his journey, recounting how a sudden realization midway through filming season one necessitated a radical rethink. "We were filming, cocky as hell, thinking we'd make five season, when reality hit- we couldn't. So, we scrambled to make it work. The budget, timelines, it all had to change," Gilroy said over Zoom.
Despite these challenges, Andor thrived, earning rave reviews and a passionate response from viewers. This success was instrumental in securing funding for the second season, which was about to begin production when Gilroy's grand plan unraveled.
Fast forward to now, Andor is just a month away from launching its second (and final) season. Lucasfilm is hyping it up, releasing a 14-minute recap video and announcing that the first three episodes would be available on YouTube for free. They're also planning a big reveal at the Star Wars Celebration convention in Japan, a crucial moment for fans eager for insight into the franchise's future.
Gilroy reflects on the show's transformation, joking, "Existence is the first one. It's the only way it could possibly exist. The hubris and naivety with which I entered this process... were we going to do five years? It was just impossible." However, he admits that this consolidation proved to be a galvanizing force.
As we gear up for the endgame, revisiting season one with Gilroy's hindsight provides an interesting perspective. Andor begins 15 years into the Empire's reign, but the face of the Empire is through the shell of corporate security. It's a unique opportunity to explore the seeds of resistance and the transition from corporate rule to fascism.
Character development played a significant role in Andor, with Syril Karn and Karis Nemik being two key examples. Gilroy remarks, "I never think about anything thematically, or where I want a character to go. I simply create themm and let them develop as the story progresses."
Gilroy's approach to character development is reflected in Syril's complex arc, from an obsessive investigator to a revolutionary. Nemik, on the other hand, represents the ideological antithesis of Cassian, embodying the revolutionist spirit.
Season two promises a world of familiarity, as organized rebellion emerges across the galaxy. Familiar faces like K-2SO and Director Kennic will reappear. Imperial military will be replaced by stormtroopers. Star Wars fans will appreciate the connections to other chapters of the saga, as events discussed and portrayed in other Star Wars material from this timeline will be addressed.
Gilroy ensures us that these connections are organic and serve the story, not just for easter eggs. "We would never add anybody for fun. We're not going to add anybody for a smile or a wink or anything like that. Everything has to be organic."
Andor will return to our screens on Disney+ from April 22, with episodes 1-3 of the first season now available to watch for free on YouTube. Don't miss out on the revolutionary journey!
Gilroy discusses the initial challenges during the production of Cassian Andor, stating that they had initially planned for five seasons but realized it was impossible.
The second season of Andor is set to explore the seeds of resistance and the transition from corporate rule to fascism.
Gilroy's approach to character development is seen in Syril Karn's complex arc, transforming from an obsessive investigator to a revolutionary.
Familiar characters like K-2SO and Director Kennic will reappear in season two, with the Imperial military being replaced by stormtroopers.
