Why did Jimmy Smits get replaced in Andor Season 2

Andor Season 2 is one of the most anticipated installments in the Star Wars universe. Continuing the story of the first season, which mostly covered the beginnings of the Rebellion and Cassian Andor's journey, the second season is going to take us even deeper into the uprising.

Some familiar faces are joining the cast, making the season not just Cassian's story, but a part of a larger story. Among the new characters is Senator Bail Organa, a senior political figure and one of the most important founding members of the Rebellion.

Jimmy Smits has played the character over several Star Wars projects, which include the Prequel Trilogy and Rogue One. However, he will not reprise his role in Andor Season 2.

Why is Jimmy Smits not reprising his role as Bail Organa in Andor Season 2?

Jimmy Smits' performance as Senator Bail Organa in Attack of the Clones and then later in Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One, and Obi-Wan Kenobi has been highly praised. His portrayal of Organa also helped in maintaining the continuity of the story for the character. So, when news broke that he wouldn´t return for Andor Season 2, it was quite the surprise.

Smits could not reprise his role in Andor Season 2 as Organa due to conflicts in scheduling. Jimmy Smits reportedly had other professional obligations that clashed with the production schedule of Andor Season 2. Industry strikes reduced the production time available to the creators. Besides, the need to maintain a tight schedule led them to recast Organa with a new actor.

Andor showrunner, Tony Gilroy, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, spoke on the matter, stating,

"We couldn't work it out. The scheduling didn't work out. We really tried hard, but [Smits] wasn't available and couldn't make it."

Benjamin Bratt has now been cast to play Senator Bail Organa in Andor Season 2. Known for his roles in Law & Order, Miss Congeniality, and his work as a voice actor in Coco, Bratt seems to be a great choice so far. While he may offer a slightly different portrayal of the character, his performance seems to respect the legacy of the character and help in carrying the story forward.

As to Bratt's work ethic, Tony Gilroy said to Entertainment Weekly,

"[Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy] had the idea for Benjamin. It was just a brilliant idea. He's a wonderful human being and really eager and beloved on set and really happy about what he does."

Given the long list of Star Wars shows and films, and the multiple timelines it spans, recasting is not so surprising. Not every actor is always available to reprise their roles. Characters like Mon Mothma and Han Solo have also been played by different actors over the years. While the cast is important, maintaining the essence of the story is of higher priority.

In Andor Season 2, Bail Organa is expected to play an active role in coordinating the early steps of the Rebellion. As long as Bratt plays the character well, there can be no issues.

Tony Gilroy was aware that this casting decision might not go entirely well, and thus subtly introduced Bratt. Gilroy spoke on the matter, saying,

"It's one of those situations where I want to do something simple. We don't do many things that are unnecessary, but it's like, 'Let's get him in here now so people can discuss it for a week and get it out of their system and then he can come back to really work.' I didn't want the guy's work to be confused with his introduction."

Organa is an essential character this season, as the series is headed toward the events of Rogue One and the rise of the Rebellion. While some fans may miss Jimmy Smits, many are eager to see what Benjamin Bratt will bring to the role in Andor Season 2.

The remaining episodes of Andor Season 2 will be released on Disney+ three episodes at a time on 6th and 13th May 2025, respectively.

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