Andor has expanded on the character first portrayed by Diego Luna in 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. That film likewise expanded on the story first told in the original Star Wars: A New Hope. And Andor's showrunner says the expansion explored in the series is far greater than originally planned.
"I had seen one of the versions [of the previous drafts of Andor] Kathy [Kennedy] sent, just as a point of interest, not as an employment request, and I thought it was incredibly well done," executive producer Tony Gilroy told Deadline. "But I thought it was totally limiting and claustrophobic in a way."
"It was really Cassian and the droid — Butch and Sundance — and they go out and do all these things," Gilroy said. "So, I wrote a long letter back to her: if you’re going to do it, maybe you should do something this insane. And it was a year later when they came back and said, 'You know, we kind of thought about it. Would you be into doing that insane version that you pitched?' I had no burning desire, I had no issue in Star Wars that I wanted to rectify."
Season 1 of Andor begins approximately five years before the events of Rogue One. The series tells the story of Andor as a thief and smuggler before being recruited by the Rebel Alliance. The show also explores Cassian's earlier days, going back to his childhood and his relationship with his sister. The story touches on his subsequent efforts to find her years after their separation.
Andor's numerous subplots include the covert of activities of future Alliance leader Mon Mothma. The Rebellion's other activities to hamper the oppression of the Galactic Empire are also key plot points.
"My attitude [toward the series] was everything has to be real," Gilroy continued. "I’ve done all kinds of movies and fixed movies. My whole thing is it’s got to be real, it’s got to be vivid, you’ve got to really be desperate to know what happens next. And if I can hit those three, and I can break your heart in the bargain, that’s what I’m going for."
Gilroy previously stated at April's Star Wars Celebration the second and final season of Andor would likely air in August of next year. The subsequent Writers Guild of America strike, however, could potentially impact timing for the show's return.
The first season of Andor is currently streaming on Disney+.
Source: Deadline