New Details Revealed About 'Star Wars: Andor' A Refugee Story

It was three years ago, mid-2019, when the idea for the Andor project was mentioned to the Rogue One star, Diego Luna. Diego Luna remembers being called about the idea while riding in the back seat of a car stuck in traffic on the top level of the double-decker highway in Mexico City. Diego Luna remembers that day clearly. In a Vanity Fair interview, Luna stated, “I was speaking in code words because I was trying not to say too much in the car.” He didn’t want the driver of the car to know what his conversation was about. He even remembers pressing his phone firmly against his ear. The voice on the other end of the phone was Tony Gilroy, who was informing Diego Luna of the plan for the Andor story.

Diego Luna played Cassian Andor in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in 2016. Fans will remember Cassian as the determined Rebel spy who had nothing to lose, and darkness flowing around him. Tony Gilroy will be exploring the rebel spy’s backstory in the new production, Andor. This was big news, and Luna remembers having to keep things quiet when it came to Star Wars projects. In the Vanity Fair interview, he commented,

“One thing I remember, from being part of this since day one, is how little you can share of what happens. I have kids, man. It’s painful for them—and for me.”

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The story of Andor, which takes place five years before the events of A New Hope, personally reverberates with Diego Luna because it is a refugee story, where desperate people flee the full-force power-driven Empire. Diego Luna stated,

“It’s the journey of a migrant. That feeling of having to move is behind the story, very profoundly and very strong. That shapes you as a person. It defines you in many ways, and what you are willing to do.”

Tony Gilroy explains to Diego Luna that the story is really about Cassian Andor and his struggle with the Rebel’s mission, a personal revolution of sorts. Tony Gilroy explains that Andor is the story of a person who has lost everything, has nothing to lose, and so strongly believes in a cause that he is prepared to sacrifice his life for it. This comment provides further insight into Diego Luna’s comment regarding Andor being a refugee story. Tony Gilroy tells Luna that the adventure begins with Andor’s birth world being destroyed, then moves along into his adult life, a time in his life when he learns that he cannot continue to run away. Tony Gilroy stated in the Vanity Fair interview,

“His adopted home will become the base of our whole first season, and we watch that place become radicalized. Then we see another planet that’s completely taken apart in a colonial kind of way. The Empire is expanding rapidly. They’re wiping out anybody who’s in their way.”

Tony Gilroy continues his story by telling Luna how the project will also focus on the mysterious Rebel leader Mon Mothma. Mon Mothma has been portrayed in Revenge of the Sith as a young senator. She was then reintroduced in the Rogue One film, both times played by Genevieve O’Reilly. In addition, Mon Mothma's character is known for outlining weaknesses in the new Death Star in Return of the Jedi. In this scene, Mon Montha was played by Caroline Blakiston. In Andor’s story, Mon Montha will play a significant role in the rebellion’s fight against the Galactic Empire.

There is a lot to be excited about with this Star Wars project, Andor, which will premiere this year. Star Wars Celebration 2022 in Anaheim will have a dedicated panel and trailer premiere for Andor. One last item to get excited about - Andor is expected to demonstrate the true supremacy and power of the Galactic Empire and how that power strikes fear into the populace. The Star Wars fan base will get a good look at the struggles the Rebels endured in fighting against the Galactic Empire and its supremacy.

Looking forward to watching Andor on Disney+ this summer and learning more at the much anticipated Star Wars Celebration 2022.

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Written by Charles Cunha

Source(s): Vanity Fair

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