Fresh off the critical success of the Disney+ series Andor, writer and producer Tony Gilroy is taking a well-earned victory lap. Gilroy, who initially reshaped the Rogue One story, has crafted a Star Wars narrative that offers a darker, more grounded, and mature portrayal of the Rebellion — a stark contrast to the franchise’s traditionally fairy-tale tone.
Speaking at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, Gilroy reflected on his six-year journey with Star Wars, highlighting that Andor was never intended to overturn the entire franchise but to open new creative possibilities with a fresh “grammar” and “vocabulary.” The show’s unique allegorical approach to storytelling, touching on political and social themes, represents a bold paradigm shift from earlier installments.
“The mandate was to try something really different, to swing away and see what you could get away with,” Gilroy said, emphasizing the show’s independent identity and discouraging comparisons that set it against other Star Wars content.
Andor’s Reception: A Creator’s Perspective
Gilroy expressed awe at the depth and sophistication of audience reactions, especially the detailed political and artistic analyses shared on social media. Despite his cautious use of feedback, he acknowledged that this new level of conversation is a “staggering” development for Star Wars.
The series also cleverly balanced character dynamics, particularly the relationship between Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) and the reprogrammed security droid K-2SO. While fans and actor Alan Tudyk were eager to see more of K-2SO, Gilroy explained the challenges of incorporating such a complex character without overwhelming the narrative.
See More ...
The Creative Process During COVID
Gilroy revealed that much of the creative momentum happened during the COVID pandemic, working closely with his brother John in a makeshift editing suite in New York. Despite early fears about the project’s potential, seeing the actors’ performances during the daily footage screenings was a turning point that reassured him Andor was on the right course.
What’s Next for Gilroy and Star Wars?
Although Gilroy is stepping away from Star Wars for now, he left the door open for future involvement but insists the Andor era marked the conclusion of his direct contribution. His work has set a new tone for the franchise’s future, encouraging risk-taking and innovative storytelling.
