In a recent interview, Tony Gilroy, the creator and showrunner behind Andor, shared how the critically acclaimed Star Wars prequel series has become unexpectedly relevant to contemporary political conversations — especially for viewers grappling with the rise of what Gilroy described as “cosplay fascism” during the Trump era. Gilroy acknowledged that while Andor was conceived long before recent political turbulence, its themes — particularly sacrifice and resistance — have struck a chord with audiences trying to make sense of modern realities. Andor isn’t just a galactic tale of rebellion against the Empire; it’s a narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their own moral choices. As Gilroy put it: “I do hope we have some small part to play. You know, we’re one of many pieces, one of many paddles in the water… We spent like, five years thinking about sacrifice. The whole show is based on sacrifice. You’re trying…
Andor
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes Launching Major Andor Update Featuring Partagaz, Dedra Meero & New Cassian Variants
Fans of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes have something exciting on the way. After more than a decade on mobile, the popular collectible RPG is preparing a major update based on the acclaimed Disney+ series Andor — bringing brand-new character versions and iconic antagonists from the show to the holographic battlefield. New Andor Characters Join the Game The upcoming Andor expansion for Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes will introduce a selection of characters directly from Disney’s hit spy drama, including: These additions expand the roster of playable figures tied to the Rebel-Empire conflict and bring fresh tactical options for players. Developers Share Behind-the-Scenes Insight According to developers at EA’s Capital Games and Lucasfilm Games, the Andor update is designed to capture the feel and tone of the series as authentically as possible. Lucasfilm Games executive producer Orion Kellogg told Variety that the team wants players to feel connected to the…
Star Wars Scores Big at the Saturn Awards with Andor Leading the Charge
The nominations for the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards are out, and Star Wars is very much in the spotlight. Between Andor, Skeleton Crew, and Tales of the Underworld, the franchise picked up multiple nominations across major television categories — plus recognition for actors and Industrial Light & Magic in the film awards. Here’s how the galaxy far, far away is showing up. Andor Dominates the TV Nominations Andor leads the Star Wars pack with recognition in top-tier categories, reinforcing its status as one of the franchise’s most critically respected series. Nominations include: That’s a strong showing for a series that leaned into political tension, grounded storytelling, and character-driven drama rather than traditional space fantasy spectacle. Skeleton Crew Breaks Through as a New Series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew made its mark in the genre newcomer space and acting categories: It’s a sign that Lucasfilm’s newer storytelling directions are getting attention beyond…
Andor Writer Dan Gilroy Reveals the Historic Roots Behind Mon Mothma’s Senate Speech
One of the most talked-about moments in Andor wasn’t a battle, a betrayal, or a spy operation — it was a speech. Now, writer Dan Gilroy has shed light on just how carefully that moment was constructed, revealing that Mon Mothma’s Senate address was inspired by some of the most significant political speeches in modern history. A speech built like history Gilroy pointed out a striking detail: Mon Mothma’s speech measures 269 words — just three words shorter than Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. That comparison wasn’t accidental. The speech’s structure and tone draw directly from Lincoln’s rhetorical style, particularly the moral clarity and sense of historic urgency found in his first inaugural address. A blend of global voices But Lincoln wasn’t the only influence. Gilroy explained that Mon’s words also echo the oratory traditions of: That combination of voices helps explain why the scene carries such weight. Rather than sounding…
Star Wars: Propaganda and Truth — What the Video Breaks Down
A new cinematic video titled “Star Wars: Propaganda and Truth” examines how the Star Wars saga portrays the forces of persuasion, power, and information — and how those in charge shape reality to control the galaxy. The video isn’t a plot recap — it’s more of a montage and thematic exploration, pulling together scenes from across Star Wars to show how messages are shaped, narratives are controlled, and truth becomes a weapon in its own right. “Propaganda” as a Storytelling Device in Star Wars At its core, Star Wars is as much a story about information and influence as it is about lightsabers and space battles. Whether it’s the messaging used by the Galactic Republic, the Republic’s enemies, the Empire, or the Rebel Alliance, the way the saga frames truth and persuasion is a recurring theme that the video highlights: In Star Wars, such narrative battles complement physical ones: winning…
Andor Broke the Star Wars Template — and Filoni Wasn’t Involved
Whether you think Andor is the best Star Wars Disney+ series ever made, or just “not your vibe,” one thing is hard to argue: It doesn’t feel like the rest of modern Star Wars. And according to The Wrap, there may be a very specific reason why. In a recent explainer, The Wrap reports that Andor was one of the rare live-action Star Wars projects to have “zero input” from Dave Filoni. That’s not a knock on Filoni. But it is a fascinating insight — because Andor is also one of the rare Star Wars shows that felt like it came from a totally different creative universe. Filoni’s Fingerprints Are Everywhere — Except Here For the last decade, Filoni’s presence inside Star Wars has only grown. If a Star Wars project involves: …there’s usually a Filoni silhouette somewhere behind it. So when you hear that Andor had no Filoni involvement…
Kathleen Kennedy’s Lucasfilm Era Was Polarizing — But the Awards History Is Hard to Ignore
Kathleen Kennedy’s time as president of Lucasfilm will probably be debated forever — mostly on the internet, mostly loudly, and mostly with way too much confidence. But there’s one angle that cuts through the noise: Awards. Real ones. Industry ones. The kind you don’t win by having a loud fandom. And according to a new breakdown, the Kathleen Kennedy era at Lucasfilm has built a pretty serious awards track record — across Star Wars films, Disney+ series, and Lucasfilm’s broader output. So whether you view her as the architect of modern Star Wars or the reason your group chat still argues about The Last Jedi… This is what the awards history actually looks like. ✅ TV Shows — Total Awards Wins & Nominations (all award bodies) Here’s the scoreboard — total award wins and nominations across all major bodies during the Kathleen Kennedy era: TV Show Total Awards Wins Total…
Tony Gilroy Pushes Back on Claims That Andor Is a Left-Leaning Show
Andor has often been described as one of the most politically grounded Star Wars series ever made. That framing has led some viewers to label it as explicitly left-leaning. According to Tony Gilroy, that interpretation misses the point. In a recent interview, Gilroy addressed the assumption head-on, making it clear that while his own political beliefs lean left, Andor was never designed to argue for a specific political program. Why This Conversation Keeps Coming Up Andor arrived at a moment when audiences are primed to read politics into everything. The show deals with authoritarian power, surveillance, bureaucracy, and rebellion—topics that naturally invite real-world comparisons. But Gilroy’s position is that Andor isn’t interested in policy debates. It’s interested in pressure. That distinction matters, especially as Star Wars storytelling has increasingly been filtered through modern political lenses rather than narrative intent. What Gilroy Actually Said Speaking on a podcast interview, Gilroy explained…
This Year’s Lucasfilm Christmas Card Continues a Festive Star Wars Tradition
The holidays have always brought something special from Lucasfilm, but this year’s Christmas card captures the season with a distinctly Star Wars twist. Lucasfilm has revealed its 2025 holiday card artwork, featuring Andor characters K-2SO and B2-EMO hauling in a Christmas tree, set against a wintry backdrop that feels both festive and fitting for a galaxy far, far away. The piece was illustrated by Logan Crist of Industrial Light & Magic, keeping alive a tradition that stretches back decades. Why this matters now Star Wars holiday cards aren’t just seasonal niceties. They’re part of Lucasfilm’s long-running tradition of celebrating the franchise’s creative community while giving fans a collectible piece of art that reflects the tone of a given year. At a moment when Star Wars continues to expand across film, television, games, and immersive experiences, a lighthearted artwork like this offers a shared cultural touchpoint — a reminder that the…
Andor Season 2 Named TV Show of the Year by Empire Magazine
This isn’t just another accolade. It’s a statement. Empire Magazine has named Andor Season 2 TV Show of the Year, placing a grounded, politically sharp Star Wars series at the very top of television in 2025. For a franchise better known for spectacle than subtlety, that recognition lands with real weight. Why this matters now By the time Season 2 reached its conclusion, Andor had already earned a reputation for doing things differently. No Force mysticism. No legacy comfort beats. Just pressure, consequence, and the slow grind of rebellion. Empire’s decision confirms that approach didn’t just work for Star Wars fans — it worked for television as a whole. What Empire recognized In naming Andor its top series of the year, Empire highlighted the show’s ability to fuse political tension, character-driven storytelling, and moral complexity without losing momentum. Season 2 expanded its scope while keeping its focus tight. Cassian’s arc…
Andor Season 2 Named Best Television Series of 2025 by IGN
This isn’t a popularity contest win. It’s a credibility one. Andor Season 2 has officially been voted Best Television Series of 2025 by IGN, placing a grounded, politically charged Star Wars story at the very top of the year’s TV landscape. And that matters more than it might sound. Why this matters right now Awards season conversations often orbit prestige dramas, genre standouts, and cultural heavyweights. Star Wars television hasn’t always been part of that discussion. Andor just forced its way in. IGN’s recognition lands as Season 2 closes the book on Cassian Andor’s journey, confirming that the series didn’t just start strong — it finished with authority. What IGN recognized IGN’s Best of 2025 honor reflects the full scope of what Andor accomplished in its second and final season. The show leaned harder into political tension, moral compromise, and the personal cost of rebellion. It trusted silence as much…
Star Wars Battlefront 2 suddenly captivates players and breaks records after the success of Andor
This year, the eight-year-old shooter Star Wars Battlefront 2 unexpectedly came into the spotlight of the gaming community. The game set its own records for the number of concurrent players, and fan discussions and calls for a continuation of the series show no sign of stopping. How did a largely forgotten video game become a phenomenon again, and what role does the Andor series play in this revival? The return of Battlefront 2 and why the old project is being discussed again When Star Wars Battlefront 2 was released in 2017, the project immediately faced serious criticism. The reason was in-game purchases—the so-called “lootboxes,” which gave players a tangible advantage for real money. The wave of outrage reached not only website ratings but was also discussed at the level of US government agencies. Despite large-scale overhauls of the monetization system and the removal of most controversial mechanics, the game faded…
Andor Writer Dan Gilroy Explains Why Mon Mothma’s Speech Felt So Real
One of the most powerful moments in Andor wasn’t an explosion, a chase, or a secret mission — it was Mon Mothma standing in the Senate and speaking the truth, knowing exactly what it would cost her. According to Andor screenwriter Dan Gilroy, that moment didn’t come from Star Wars lore alone. It came from anger — very real, very current anger — at what he was watching unfold in the real world. Writing Star Wars Through a Real-World Lens Gilroy has revealed that as he began writing the episode featuring Mon Mothma’s Senate speech, he was closely following contemporary politics. What he saw directly shaped the scene. He described watching senators and elected officials abandon democratic principles, choosing comfort, safety, or power over accountability. That frustration carried straight into the writing process. When Mon Mothma speaks in the Senate, she isn’t just addressing the Empire. She’s confronting a system…
Why Andor Worked: The Power of What the Show Didn’t Show
One of the most striking things about Andor wasn’t its action, its sets, or even its political tension — it was what the series deliberately chose not to show. That idea was recently summed up perfectly by Robert Emms, who portrayed Lonni Jung in Andor. Reflecting on the show’s storytelling approach, Emms explained that much of Andor’s power came from implication rather than spectacle — from moments where something important was felt, hinted at, or discussed, rather than shown outright. And that restraint, he argues, is exactly what made the series so effective. The Art of Leaving Space for the Audience According to Emms, Andor thrived on the unspoken. Scenes were often constructed around tension, subtext, and quiet understanding between characters rather than overt exposition or dramatic payoff. The result was a form of storytelling where: Instead of presenting every major event directly, Andor often allowed the audience to piece…
Diego Luna Becomes the First Star Wars Actor Nominated for a Golden Globe Since Sir Alec Guinness
Every so often, Star Wars makes history in a way that doesn’t involve box-office records, new shows, or surprise cameos. Today, it’s something far rarer — and honestly, long overdue. Diego Luna has become the first actor since Sir Alec Guinness in 1977 to receive a Golden Globe nomination for a performance in a Star Wars project. Yes.It has been that long. Not since Guinness was nominated for his legendary portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars (later retitled A New Hope) has an actor from this galaxy far, far away been recognized in one of Hollywood’s biggest awards shows. Now Diego Luna has done it — and it’s thanks to Andor, one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars stories ever put on screen. A Historic Nomination Decades in the Making Let’s put this into perspective. Since 1977, Star Wars has produced: And yet no actor from…
Could Tony Gilroy Return to Star Wars? His London Love Says Maybe
For a man who reshaped the Star Wars universe with one of the most grounded, emotionally rich, politically sharp stories ever made, Tony Gilroy has been pretty clear about one thing: he wasn’t planning on coming back. After Andor Season 2 wrapped, Gilroy spoke openly about the toll the show took on him — the intense production schedule, the pressure, the scale of the project. Most fans assumed that meant he was finished with Star Wars for good. But now he’s hinting that there is something that might pull him back. And surprisingly, it’s not the franchise itself. It’s London. “London Would Be the Bigger Draw Than Star Wars” In a recent interview, Gilroy explained what might lure him back to the galaxy far, far away, and the answer surprised many fans: “I would say the biggest temptation to return to Star Wars would be to go back and work…
Diego Luna Earns Golden Globe Nomination for Andor — But the Series Itself Gets Snubbed
The Rebellion is celebrating… and side-eyeing at the same time. Diego Luna has officially been nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Golden Globe Awards for his performance as Cassian Andor — a well-deserved recognition for one of the most nuanced characters in modern Star Wars storytelling. But here’s the twist:ANDOR — one of the most critically acclaimed shows on television — wasn’t nominated for Best Drama Series. Yes. Really.Welcome to awards season, where logic goes to die faster than a stormtrooper’s aim. Diego Luna’s Nomination: Absolutely Earned Let’s start with the good news. Diego Luna’s performance in Andor Season 2 has been praised by fans, critics, and anyone with functioning emotional range. Luna brings a rare humanity to Cassian — a rebel who isn’t chosen by destiny, but pushed into the fight by oppression, circumstance, and sheer survival. He plays Cassian with: It’s the kind of…
Diego Luna Scores Critics Choice Nomination for Andor Season 2 — And the Rebellion Rejoices
The Force is strong with this one — or, more accurately, the acting is.Diego Luna has officially been nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Critics Choice Awards for his work in Andor Season 2, and Star Wars fans everywhere are nodding like, “Yeah… that tracks.” It’s one of those rare moments where the awards world and the Star Wars community agree:Cassian Andor isn’t just a rebel hero — he’s one of the most compelling characters on television right now. The Nomination That Feels Like a Win Luna’s Critics Choice nod shouldn’t surprise anyone who actually watched Season 2. The series has been praised for: And through it all, Diego Luna delivered a performance that never leaned on spectacle or nostalgia — just raw humanity wrapped in Star Wars texture. Where other shows rely on lightsabers, prophecies, or mysterious bloodlines, Andor stands out by focusing on people…
How Andor Season 2’s Mina-Rau Costumes Draw Inspiration From Brueghel and Van Gogh
Andor has always stood out in the Star Wars universe for its realism — not just in its political storytelling but in the texture of its world. In Season 2, that realism gets a powerful visual boost thanks to the costumes worn by characters on Mina-Rau, a new rural world introduced in the story. According to Emmy-winning costume designer Michael Wilkinson, the clothing for Mina-Rau’s people was deliberately designed to evoke the pastoral paintings of Pieter Brueghel and Vincent van Gogh. Source This artistic influence isn’t just a fun fact — it’s one of the reasons Mina-Rau feels so authentic on-screen. Why Brueghel and Van Gogh? Brueghel and Van Gogh are famous for capturing the lives of workers, farmers, and ordinary people. Their paintings often highlight: By pulling from this visual legacy, Andor grounds Mina-Rau in a familiar kind of rural humanity — even though it exists in a galaxy…
The Book of Boba Fett & Andor Character Packs for LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Released 3 Years Ago Today!
Time flies in a galaxy made entirely of plastic bricks.Believe it or not, it’s been three whole years since LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga dropped two of its most exciting character packs: The Book of Boba Fett Pack and the Andor Pack. Released on this day three years ago, these DLCs brought fresh faces, fan-favorite heroes, and some gritty Rebel energy into the already-massive LEGO galaxy. If you missed them back then—or just want to celebrate their anniversary—let’s take a quick trip back through the fun. A Look Back at The Book of Boba Fett Pack When The Book of Boba Fett DLC launched, fans got exactly what they wanted: a mix of bounty hunter swagger, Tatooine politics, and characters who thrive in the grey zone between hero and villain. The pack included: This set immediately stood out thanks to its blend of badass characters, vibrant designs, and the…
Disney Spent $705 Million on ANDOR — More Than Any Star Wars Movie Ever Produced
Disney has officially revealed new financial filings showing that Andor—the critically acclaimed Star Wars spy thriller starring Diego Luna—has become the most expensive Star Wars production in history, with a staggering $705.5 million spent across its two seasons. That makes Andor more expensive than The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, or Rogue One. No Star Wars film has ever crossed that number. And what’s even more remarkable:Season 2 alone cost $60.5 million in 2024, ahead of its premiere this April. Source A Decade of Mixed Results Leads to a Different Kind of Star Wars Investment Disney’s Star Wars journey since buying Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012 has been… uneven. After 2019, Star Wars disappeared from cinemas entirely as Disney pivoted hard toward Disney+ shows. But those shows also produced mixed results: The Mandalorian The Acolyte And then there was Andor. ANDOR: The Lone Critical Powerhouse…
Kino Loy Made His First Appearance 3 Years Ago: The Voice That Rallied a Galaxy
Three years ago today, a single voice echoed through the halls of an Imperial prison—and changed Star Wars forever. On October 26, 2022, Andor introduced us to Kino Loy, the no-nonsense floor manager of the Narkina 5 labor facility, played with fierce humanity by Andy Serkis. He wasn’t a Jedi, a smuggler, or a rebel leader. He was just a man trapped in the machine—until he found the courage to fight it. The Reluctant Leader of Narkina 5 When Kino Loy first appeared in Episode 8 of Andor (“Narkina 5”), he seemed like another cog in the Empire’s cruel system. His job was to keep prisoners productive and quiet. But beneath the surface, there was more than discipline—there was fear. Kino embodied the survival mindset of someone crushed by oppression. He believed in following orders because that was the only way to stay alive. But as Cassian Andor began chipping…
Andor Season 2 Lands Four Creative Arts Emmys—and We’re All Here for It
Let’s just say: Andor Season 2 didn’t just show up—it showed out at the Creative Arts Emmys. Four trophies later, and this Star Wars offshoot is getting more love than a limited edition lightsaber. The Four Wins That Made the Galaxy Go “Ooooh” Bold moves—and proof that technical craft can steal the scene. Why It Matters (Far Beyond the Credits) When a show nails editing, design, effects, and costumes? That’s the kind of precision that turns “just another streaming show” into bona fide world-building gold. Fans—especially those deep in Star Wars lore—feel it in their bones. It’s not just about looks; it’s about immersion. And hey, even in realms like esports and gambling, where visuals and aesthetics sell the experience, you see the same principle: phenomenal design and pacing are what pull people in and keep eyes glued. Breaking Down the Wins: What Was So Special, Anyway? Sprinkle of Star…
Dan Gilroy: How Palpatine Might’ve Snuck into Andor if It Had Spanned Five Seasons
One of the most compelling Star Wars spin-offs, Andor, concluded after two seasons—but it almost had a much different story arc. A Famous Emperor That Could Have Appeared According to writer Dan Gilroy (yes, Tony Gilroy’s brother), if Andor had gone the distance as originally planned, it likely would’ve brought Emperor Palpatine into the narrative. The show was initially envisioned as a five-season saga charting Cassian Andor’s rise and the Empire’s growing dominance. Even though Palpatine was frequently mentioned, his physical presence was always beyond reach—until now, at least in concept. Tony Gilroy previously confirmed Darth Vader was never a narrative priority. He felt that writing Vader was creatively restrictive—Palpatine, perhaps less so, but still a weighty figure to introduce. Why Andor Ended Early Andor wrapped up with a dramatic second season because the scale of production became unsustainable—both logistically and financially. Instead of traversing five chronological seasons, the team…