When Tony Gilroy casually remarked that the use of the word “genocide” in Andor wasn’t meant as a direct reference to Israel but that he’s comfortable with audiences making the connection, he tapped into something that has always been at the heart of Star Wars: politics. Gilroy’s stance is refreshingly honest. He doesn’t deny that his show can be read through the lens of modern conflicts, including Gaza. Instead, he acknowledges that resonance is inevitable. “Does it bother me that people make the parallel… if it rings in their ears? Let it ring. I’m into it at this point.” That’s not a creator backing away from difficult conversations—that’s one leaning into the power of storytelling. Star Wars Has Always Been Political The idea that Star Wars should be “apolitical” is a myth. George Lucas built the original trilogy as a reaction to the Vietnam War, deliberately casting the Empire as…
