How Andor took a very unique approach to storytelling

The Star Wars series Andor is remarkable for its fresh take on storytelling. Andor did not adhere to the traditional Star Wars format. It told a fresh story with new ideas and little fan service. The show's creator, Tony Gilroy, wanted to contribute to the Star Wars universe without relying on nostalgia or well-known characters.

This strategy set Andor apart from other Star Wars television shows, which tend to appease audiences by recycling familiar material. Production on the show was also unprecedented, with a big budget and emphasis on practical effects.

Though Disney initially resisted producing Andor, the show was eventually produced and has raised the bar on Star Wars storytelling. This piece looks at how Andor had a different approach, why it nearly didn't exist, and what it indicates for the future of Star Wars.

Andor's Unconventional Storytelling Philosophy

Andor told its story differently compared to most Star Wars productions. Tony Gilroy and his writers did not follow the norm of employing familiar characters and locations solely to appease fans. Rather, they concentrated on developing new planets, ideas, and characters.

Author Tom Bissell has said Gilroy urged the writers to

"leave more toys in the toybox than were there when you got there."

This is to say, the writers sought to build upon the Star Wars universe without merely utilizing what was already out there. The series did not bank on fan popularity or nostalgia. No one was requesting the backstory of Cassian Andor, but there was an opportunity for a powerful story in the eyes of Gilroy. The team did not do fan service but wanted to tell a story with a message.

This diverges from other shows in Star Wars, like The Mandalorian, which tend to have established characters and nods to previous films. Instead of giving in to the temptation to recycle what had succeeded in the past, Andor presented something fresh and innovative.

The challenges behind Andor's creation

Notwithstanding its success, Andor nearly didn't make it. Disney was not keen on Gilroy's initial pitch. Disney was looking for a show that would fit into the current Star Wars brand, but Gilroy had other ideas. When Disney attempted to do things differently with another writer, it failed. They went back to Gilroy's concept in the end, and this is what fans got to watch.

Production of the show was also unconventional. As per the tax records, Andor was made on a budget of $645 million, the largest for any Star Wars film up to then. Practical effects and extensive sets were employed by the show, presenting it with a distinct look and feel from other Star Wars productions.

Such expenditure and creative latitude are unusual for television, particularly not for a big franchise like Star Wars. Gilroy has commented that such a balance of resources and creative autonomy perhaps won't be repeated.

Andor's Influence on Star Wars and Its Future

Andor has increased anticipation for what Star Wars tales have the potential to become. The series fits into what George Lucas initially envisioned for Star Wars television. During the 2000s, Lucas was developing scripts for a live-action series that would have been more mature and intricate.

Production producer Rick McCallum termed Lucas's scripts as dark, difficult, and not what Disney subsequently put out. Andor embodies this vision by being risky and presenting more of a mature storyline. Andor's success has affected Lucasfilm's upcoming ventures. Although most of the future Star Wars projects continue with the familiar formulas, indications of change are occurring.

For instance, James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi film is being scripted with contributions from one of Andor's writers. Lucasfilm has also revealed a new series, Maul: Shadow Lord, which will revolve around a villain for the first time. The projects indicate that the studio is ready to experiment and take chances, following Andor's lead.

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Andor is now streaming on Disney+.

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