What Makes Andor The Heart of Star Wars

By Brad Faye, Staff Writer

When Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was released in 2016, few could have predicted it would eventually lead to the franchise’s most-watched television series, Andor. That’s partly because the production of the film was teeming with problems that resulted in rewrites and even a late change in directors. It’s also partly because the entire cast dies at the film’s conclusion.

But following a critically-acclaimed second season of the spinoff series, Andor has successfully introduced brothels, sexual assault and swear words into its far, far away galaxy, which, over time has felt less and less far away. And that has resulted in some criticism from long-time fans who have argued that the “Andor-verse” ignores several elements of Star Wars they find appealing. No Jedis, no Wookies and minimal references to the Force. Yes, on the surface, Andor might look like the least Star Wars thing to ever come out of Star Wars. However, in many ways, it also provides us with a fantastic glimpse into a Star Wars universe that might have been.

Before George Lucas was stuffing Anthony Daniels into a robot costume, he was heavily involved in the production of what would become Apocalypse Now. At one point, it appeared a done deal that the up-and-coming filmmaker would be directing the project, but that herculean effort would eventually go to his friend, Francis Ford Coppola. And although Lucas would not have the opportunity to provide commentary about the Vietnam War with actors like Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando and Harrison Ford, he would eventually have the opportunity to do so with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and… Harrison Ford.

While it may be dressed in Jedi robes and slave outfits, a large intent of the original Star Wars trilogy was to showcase how the Vietcong managed to have success against what appeared to be a far superior United States military. Lucas has gone on record saying that the Empire is a stand-in for America in the saga, and initially intended to have the Wookies representing the Vietcong before the smaller, cuddlier and more marketable Ewoks took on that role in Return of the Jedi. So as accurate as it is to say Star Wars was inspired by the rise and fall of the Roman Republic, World War II aerial dogfights and Japan’s Edo period, it was largely commenting on what at the time were current events. Just like the Rebel Alliance, underdogs during these eras managed to combat authoritarianism despite immeasurable odds thanks to ingenuity, teamwork and a belief in the cause. That message is as loud and clear in Andor as it was in the original trilogy.

The Andor-verse has accomplished something few could have prophesized. It largely took the “star” out of Star Wars and focused more on what work conditions might look like under a fascist regime, how prisoners can aid their government in committing genocides from behind bars and the need for those without Jedi powers to pool together their resources and talents if they hope to combat imperial rule. It may not have as many bells, whistles and droids as some of its predecessors, but that doesn’t mean the Andor-verse isn’t Star Wars.

It’s hard to envision a world where Lucas would have directed Apocalypse Now and Star Wars was never created. Before Lucas, it was also hard to believe that a sci-fi/fantasy film which was part Flash Gordon and several parts Jack Kirby could have dominated the box office. But Star Wars is largely about imagining the unimaginable. It’s what makes seven-foot Wookies, technologically disadvantaged Ewoks and rebellions against empires possible – and it’s what makes Andor an incredible addition to Star Wars lore.