Does Andor thematically mirror the present Jimmy Kimmel controversy? Here's what Tony Gilroy has to say

ABC suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live over Charlie Kirk comments feels especially ironic, given that only days earlier, Andor showrunner Dan Gilroy won his first Emmy for writing Mon Mothma’s powerful anti-fascism speech, a reminder of the very freedom of expression the network is now curbing.

While Disney's decision to suspend the late-night show doesn't come as much of a shock, given that Stephen Colbert's Late Show also suffered the same fate, it only reiterates that Gilroy's Star Wars saga series is more about the fate of American society than a fictional tale about a faraway galaxy.

Recently, 300+ people from the Writers and Actors guilds gathered at Disney HQ in Burbank to lend their support to Jimmy Kimmel and protest ABC's wrongful termination of the late-night talk show. Among other signs, the writers' sign that caught the most eyes was “This is literally what your show Andor is about”, highlighting how Disney+'s Andor eerily mimics Kimmel's recent controversy.

While fans have always believed that Andor's themes of a fascist government are closely linked with the American society at large, Dan Gilroy finally acknowledged the similarities between the fascist takeover of a galaxy in his series and President Donald Trump's authoritarian regime.

More on Dan Gilroy's comments on Jimmy Kimmel's controversy in our story.

Andor showrunner speaks up on the Jimmy Kimmel controversy

Dan Gilroy finally acknowledged the similarities between his Star Wars prequel series Andor and Trump's recent threat to artists' free speech in Hollywood. According to an exclusive report by Deadline, Gilroy called out Disney+ for their recent decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live:

''Many people saw parallels between Andor and the real world. I see them as well, particularly in the events of the last week.''

He added:

''Donald Trump’s tools of governance, coercion and intimidation, have found focus on Hollywood...Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel for speaking his mind. I deeply disagree but acknowledge it was a difficult decision.''

The Andor writer then went on to express his disagreement with Disney's decision, which is essentially fueling a 'Trumpian world'. Gilroy believes that Trump's government is targeting and coming for the artists because they fear free speech and the absolute truth, practiced by artists all over America.

It is quite shameful to see Disney+ supporting the American government in the suspension of free speech, when one of their most beloved series criticizes exactly that. Mon Mothma's anti-fascist speech is one of the standing points in the series, which largely calls out this fascist takeover and authoritarian regime.

Dan Gilroy concluded by making people realize that Jimmy Kimmel's cancelation is the first among many to come:

''Regardless of how the jack-booted attack on Jimmy Kimmel is resolved, this isn’t a skirmish. It’s a siege...Our industry faces the most sophisticated, venomous, creeping evil in America’s history.''

He added:

''Their goal is to instill fear, to make you feel helpless, hopeless, to break you down. Don’t let them. Educate yourself. Organize. Speak truth to authority. Because the story’s not written — the pen is in your hand.''

With Trump making active threats and efforts to suppress free speech in America, Dan Gilroy's comments come as a reminder to exercise it even more now. In addition to Jimmy Kimmel's cancelation, South Park Season 27 Episode 2 was also removed from the roster of Comedy Central's reruns. The latest Trump-centric season of this animated sitcom took a jab at Kirk's politics in Episode 2 and especially mocked his particular debating style.

Disney+ is currently one of the biggest streaming juggernauts in the world, which proudly presents shows like Andor, which impressively calls out fascist government. However, the network's decision to cancel Jimmy Kimmel Live proves that it also stands in support of Trump's conflict with free speech and only appreciates it when it's done in fiction.

Trending

For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.

Also Read: Stephen Colbert reacts to South Park’s AI Trump Episode; Here’s what he said

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback