Tony Gilroy is the creator of the Disney+ Star Wars series Andor, a prequel to Rogue One, which centers on Cassian Andor. The story follows a thief who transforms into a rebel agent working against the Galactic Empire.
The main narrative explores the formation of the Rebel Alliance and spans the five years leading up to Rogue One, with Diego Luna reprising his role as Cassian Andor. The two-season series (2022, 2025) has been praised for its stellar performances, mature tone, and high production quality. It provides a more realistic and somber view of the fight against the Empire within the Star Wars universe.
New episodes of Andor Season 2, the second and final season of the show, began streaming on Disney+ on April 22, 2025. The 12-episode season departs from several established franchise conventions to present a new perspective on the Star Wars universe; all these adjustments contribute towards developing a more realistic narrative that distinguishes this Star Wars production from others.
How Andor Season 2 breaks key Star Wars rules
Andor Season 2 breaks the following five significant Star Wars rules:
1. No lightsabers or force users
One of the most striking deviations in Andor Season 2 is the utter lack of lightsabers and Force-sensitive characters. Unlike most Star Wars programs and films, which feature Jedi, Sith, or other Force-users, Andor focuses on ordinary members of the Rebel Alliance, giving the story a more realistic and human turn while avoiding the mystical elements typically associated with the franchise.
2. A darker, more mature tone
The tone of Andor Season 2 is considerably darker and more somber than that of Star Wars, which frequently strikes a balance between serious subjects and optimism and adventure. The drama depicts morally complicated characters in challenging circumstances without avoiding the terrible repercussions of war and rebellion. In contrast to the more upbeat tone typical of Star Wars, this mature approach lends to the plot depth and authenticity.
3. Slow pacing and multiple time jumps
Unlike Star Wars' fast-paced action, Andor Season 2 takes a more thoughtful approach to storytelling. This season spans four years and 12 episodes and includes several time jumps. This framework allows for rich character arcs to develop as well as a multi-layered, complex tale that emerges gradually.
4. Humanizing the empire
Traditionally, Star Wars presents the Rebels as heroes and the Empire as pure evil. Andor, on the other hand, delves deeper into the Empire's side. This presents some Imperial figures as nuanced individuals with their own goals, motivations, and challenges. Instead of portraying the Empire as merely evil, this depiction introduces moral complexity rarely seen in the franchise.
5. Tragic endings without redemption
Most Star Wars stories contain some kind of redemptive or positive resolution. However, Andor embraces tragedy and fates without closure. Several individuals face bleak ends with no hope for reconciliation, adding a layer of realism and emotional depth to the plot.
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