Disney’s One Simple Request That Made Even Better

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Filmmaking often thrives best when it’s driven by a single creative mind, even though it’s inherently collaborative. This is why Star Wars: Andor has been universally praised as Disney‘s finest Star Wars production so far, whether on the big or small screen. Although the sequel trilogy faced some challenges, the two-season series Andor was a masterfully crafted political thriller, set in a distant galaxy. Interestingly, Tony Gilroy was able to maintain his unique vision throughout the show, thanks to Disney’s support.

It’s quite typical for major production companies to take a hands-on approach when managing projects, especially those connected to top-tier intellectual properties. This is something they all do. However, as stated by Gilroy himself, he was granted complete creative freedom over Andor, with only one suggestion being made.

What Was the Single Note Disney Gave on Andor?

In an extraordinary turn of events, it’s almost never the case to receive only one suggestion or request from a production house. However, this was exactly what happened with the series Andor, as Gilroy shared at the ATX TV Festival (thanks to ComingSoon). More specifically, he was instructed to remove a single line of dialogue spoken by Fiona Shaw’s character, Maarva Andor, who is not only one of the most cherished characters within the show, but possibly in Star Wars lore as a whole.

Towards the close of Season 1, Maarva Andor passes away from natural causes, yet she leaves behind an impassioned holographic message. This message was intended for the citizens of Ferrix, urging them to rebel against the Imperial troops who have taken over their homeland. The speech stirs the people and infuriates the Empire with its potent call to action.

She ends her speech by saying, “At the heart of the galaxy lies an unhealing wound, a darkness that spreads like corrosion into everything around us. We’ve allowed it to grow, and now it’s not just visiting – it wants to stay. The Empire is a malady that flourishes in the shadows. It lives more when we rest. It may be easy for the deceased to urge you to fight, and perhaps fighting is futile. Maybe it’s already too late. But let me tell you this… If I had another chance, I would rise early and have been fighting these scoundrels… since day one. Fight the Empire!

In simpler terms, the anecdote mentions that the parting remark in the speech was what Disney had issue with. Originally, it was “Fight the Empire!”, but she preferred “F the Empire!” wasn’t used. According to Gilroy, Disney asked her not to say that. The note was minor, and while the alternative line flowed just as smoothly, if not more so.

In addition to its numerous achievements, Andor has significantly enhanced the quality of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The Disney+ series serves as an excellent prequel that seamlessly connects to the 2016 blockbuster. Rather than being just a cash grab, it now stands as an essential and compelling part of Star Wars lore.

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2025-06-01 17:11