Could the critically acclaimed series Andor have emerged without the groundbreaking success of The Mandalorian? According to Tony Gilroy, the mastermind behind Andor, the answer is a definitive “No Baby Yoda, no Andor.” This statement underscores the significant influence that The Mandalorian had on paving the way for other projects in the Star Wars universe. The character of Baby Yoda, also known as Grogu, captured the hearts of audiences, which in turn created a fertile environment for the launch of Andor.
In today’s entertainment landscape, it’s quite remarkable to envision a series like Andor receiving the green light. This show features an expansive galaxy filled with practical sets and a vast ensemble of characters, culminating in a staggering production cost of $645 million. This makes it the most expensive project in the entire Star Wars franchise, including both movies and TV shows. Initially, the concept of a prequel focused on Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, was met with skepticism from fans. However, the series has since proven to be a monumental success, and anticipation is building for the second and final season. During an interview with Empire, Gilroy acknowledged that The Mandalorian played an essential role in establishing a pathway for Andor‘s remarkable success.
“The success of The Mandalorian provided us with the platform to launch our series,” Gilroy explained. “Their achievements have fueled the entire project. I mean, no Baby Yoda, no Andor. Seriously. We are fully aware of this… Online, [people] there’s often an attempt to create division between our show and the works of [Jon] Favreau and [Dave] Filoni. The negativity is disheartening and quite unfortunate. Yet, the truth remains: our series owes its existence to them. They provided us with the support necessary to proceed with our vision.”
Despite the soaring popularity of Andor, Gilroy expressed his belief that we may never witness another series quite like it. “Not because we consider ourselves exceptional,” he stated, “but due to the sheer scale of the project. It’s unlikely that anyone will initiate a show of this magnitude again, especially one with such a dedication to practical effects and the resources that allow for such creativity. We received consistent support throughout the entire process. Kathy [Kennedy] ensured our protection. Lucasfilm stood by us. Bob Iger also provided us with backing. The audience backed us. The Mandalorian was a source of protection for us. We had a robust network of support surrounding our initiative.”
The highly anticipated season 2 of Andor unfolds “as the looming threat of war approaches, and Cassian emerges as a pivotal figure within the Rebel Alliance. Each character will face their own trials, and as the tension escalates, the layers of betrayal, sacrifice, and conflicting motivations will become increasingly significant.” This new season will bring fans closer to the events depicted in Rogue One, with the return of familiar faces from that film, including Ben Mendelsohn reprising his role as Imperial Director Orson Krennic and Alan Tudyk returning as K-2SO. There are even whispers among fans speculating the potential digital resurrection of Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin.
Mark your calendars, as the second season of Andor is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 22nd.
