After several Star Wars series conducted at the spectacular rhythm of whirring lightsaber battles, the new ‘Andor’ saga plays the morally ambiguous galactic thriller card and explores the origins of the rebellion against the Empire, says its main actor, Diego Luna.
The new series, which begins airing on 21 September, is the latest in a string of close releases aimed at bringing Disney+ up to light speed, following ‘The Book of Boba Fett,’ in late 2021, and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi,’ starring Ewan McGregor, in the spring of 2022.
Andor, a prequel to the critically acclaimed ‘Rogue One,’ delves into the troubled past of one of the film’s protagonists, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and the fledgling rebellion, joined later by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
“It’s a series about real people. It’s a very dark era in the galaxy, there are no jedi,” Diego Luna recently told a virtual press conference. “These people have to decide how to react in the face of oppression. It’s the most down-to-earth ‘Star Wars’ you’ll see.”
Cassian Andor, the eponymous hero, finds himself on an industrial planet in decline, whose inhabitants survive by scavenging and repairing scrap metal, and where discontent with the fascistic Empire is simmering.
The series also takes place in Coruscant, the galactic capital. The young Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) tries somehow to play her role as a senator while providing the rebels with clandestine support.
The saga – created by Tony Gilroy, who wrote the hugely popular adaptation for the cinema of the “Jason Bourne” spy novels, and the screenplay for 'Rogue One' - also takes the time to give more depth to the agents of the Empire.
While the next Star Wars feature films have been postponed or even suspended following mixed reviews and box-office receipts, the universe continues to expand on the small screen. Coming this way are a third season of 'The Mandalorian' and a new series, 'Skeleton Crew,' with Jude Law.
With 12 episodes, the first season of Andor is longer than the previous series. Twelve more episodes are in the works and should keep the plot going all the way to the events of “Rogue One.”
