As a devoted Star Wars fan, I’ve come to appreciate that George Lucas’ influence on the success and critical acclaim of Andor goes beyond what many might initially consider. In truth, Andor feels like a departure from anything Star Wars has produced before. While it maintains the core storyline of Rebellion versus Empire, it offers a grittier, more mature, and unapologetically forthright narrative compared to previous Star Wars films and series.
The political nature of Star Wars has always been present, as intended by George Lucas, but never before has a Star Wars story felt so undeniably radical. This boldness is what makes Andor stand out, elevating it to new heights within the franchise.
Previously, it’s been made clear that Showrunner Tony Gilroy had minimal narrative control from Disney and Lucasfilm when working on Andor, despite its high budget. Although the overall aesthetic needed to align with Star Wars and certain plot points had to adhere to the series’ timeline, Gilroy’s method for Andor shares similarities with George Lucas‘ approach. Essentially, while continuity is important, it’s the story that truly takes center stage in this production.
Tony Gilroy’s Approach To Star Wars Is Very Similar To George Lucas’
Initially, when George Lucas introduced Star Wars to film studio executives, it received minimal attention. However, undeterred by this response, Lucas held firm in his belief in his idea and the universe he had envisioned. As we all know now, the outcome has been more than evident. On a limited budget and with a special effects team concealed within an ordinary warehouse, Lucas and his team crafted one of the most cherished films and franchises ever made. Every minor detail and every design was carefully considered. These thoughtful decisions made the Star Wars universe seem authentic and enchanting. It brought the galaxy to life.
During the making of “Andor”, Gilroy adopted a method similar to his own, ensuring that every element had a purpose behind it, be it dialogue such as Mon Mothma’s consistent use of the term “genocide” in her Imperial Senate speech or a narrative device like Nemik’s manifesto. Additionally, he insisted on utilizing practical sets and location shooting instead of digital backdrops, which differentiates “Andor” from other live-action Star Wars shows, resulting in one of the most visually stunning Star Wars productions to date.
Decisive Storytelling Makes For Higher Quality Star Wars Stories
Similar to Lucas, Gilroy wasn’t rigid about adhering to the Star Wars scripture verbatim. The twist with Darth Vader and the fact that Leia was not initially intended to be Luke’s sister were not predetermined from the outset. Instead, Lucas allowed the story to evolve organically, understanding that sometimes flexibility is key to crafting a compelling narrative. A storyteller must have the ability to shape and mold the past elements while still respecting them, striking a balance between freedom and respect for established content.
Gilroy understood that sticking too closely to the established canon can be restrictive. For instance, some aspects of Andor may not align perfectly with what was shown in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story or Star Wars Rebels, but this is acceptable. For example, Mon Mothma’s speech following the Ghorman Massacre and her escape from Coruscant differ somewhat from her story in Star Wars Rebels, yet Gilroy left room for interpretation, ensuring that Mon’s interactions with the Ghost Crew in Star Wars Rebels haven’t been completely overhauled. Instead, they complement each other, providing a more comprehensive portrayal of Mon Mothma’s character.
Wouldn’t it be a pity if Gilroy and Co. hadn’t been given the chance to revise that part of Mon’s journey? We wouldn’t have experienced the powerful Senate speech or seen her acting alongside Cassian Andor, which would have truly been a loss for us all.
Retconning Can Be Controversial, But Creators Can’t Limit Themselves
Absolutely, altering established lore can spark debates, but for years, Star Wars has been known to do just that. Tales from comics and novels sometimes take precedence over on-screen stories, indicating that even screen narratives can be reworked or revised to fit the prevailing storyline. If it’s effective in Andor, why not consider it elsewhere?
In simpler terms, for Star Wars to keep its stories fresh and engaging, and to attract talented creators who can bring their unique perspectives, Lucasfilm needs to avoid getting too hung up on minor details. Tony Gilroy’s series, Andor, demonstrates how to use established lore effectively, rather than being constrained by it.
| Upcoming Star Wars TV Shows | Release Date |
| Star Wars: Visions volume 3 (animated) | October 29, 2025 |
| Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (animated) | 2026 |
| Ahsoka season 2 (live-action) | TBD |
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2025-06-07 16:19