Andor stands as the most lavish production in the Star Wars franchise, boasting astronomical budgets for both its first and upcoming second seasons. While Disney’s venture into live-action Star Wars content has yielded mixed results, Andor has emerged as a notable success. Shows like The Mandalorian gained acclaim early on but faced criticism in later seasons, while other projects such as Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and The Acolyte have struggled with viewer engagement despite dedicated fan support. Among all live-action series, Andor leads the pack in terms of production costs.
The inaugural season of Andor carried a staggering budget estimated at $250 million. Notably, much of this production unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly inflated expenses across Hollywood. Although initial viewership was modest, Andor’s reputation steadily grew through organic word-of-mouth—a factor helping to generate considerable buzz leading into season 2, which is expected to surpass its predecessor in expenditures.
Andor Season 2 Sets New Budget Records in Star Wars
According to a Forbes report, Andor’s season 2 budget is officially marked as the highest ever for a single season in the Star Wars universe at an early estimate of $290.9 million, based on tax records from the UK. However, this sum only accounts for expenses up until November 22, 2023, with principal photography extending beyond that date, likely pushing the final budget closer to $400 million.
| Project | Budget (adjusted for inflation) | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars | $74 million | |
| The Empire Strikes Back | $85 million | |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | $90 million | 1 |
| Return of the Jedi | $104 million | |
| Ahsoka | $100 million | 1 |
| The Book of Boba Fett | $105 million | 1 |
| Star Wars: Skeleton Crew | $136 million | 1 |
| Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | $175 million | |
| Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | $193 million | |
| Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | $209 million | |
| The Acolyte | $230.1 million | 1 |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | $250 million | |
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens | $314 million | |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | $330 million | |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | $322 million | |
| The Mandalorian | $360 million | 3 |
| Star Wars: The Last Jedi | $387 million | |
| Andor | $645 million | 2 |
With an overall estimated production cost of $645 million, Andor stands starkly apart from The Mandalorian, which, across its three seasons, had a cost of approximately $360 million. This raises questions about the reasons for Andor’s elevated budget and whether the results will justify this investment.
What Contributes to Andor’s Sky-High Production Costs?
Andor distinguishes itself from other Star Wars live-action series by opting for practical craftsmanship over the digital limitations of The Volume, the virtual set technology used in many recent productions. Creator Tony Gilroy has championed the use of tangible sets and real locations, significantly contributing to the production costs.
The city of Ferrix was a physical set built on a grand scale, and even during the location shoots in the Scottish Highlands, unpredictable weather added challenges that complicated and prolonged production, inevitably raising costs. The show’s structure, including 12 episodes per season, further amplifies its financial demands compared to other series with fewer episodes.
Critically, while The Mandalorian and its peers may attract high budgets, Andor’s unique narrative approach fundamentally shifts the storytelling landscape for the Star Wars universe, making its investment potentially more fruitful.
Andor: A Major Risk for Disney Star Wars That Has Proven Fruitful
After the sequel trilogy faced mixed critical reception, The Mandalorian revitalized the Star Wars brand and was pivotal in establishing Disney+ as a major streaming service. While it began with high anticipation and innovation, its subsequent seasons have struggled with freshness, often becoming a focal point for franchise references rather than a standalone narrative.
In contrast, Andor, while being a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has ventured beyond merely tying back to the larger saga. It transcends the typical narrative by delving into the politics of the Star Wars universe, enriching the overall story and thematic depth.
It is widely acknowledged that Andor has successfully set a higher bar for storytelling within the Star Wars franchise, raising questions about future productions. While its budget is indeed astronomical, it emphasizes the need for Lucasfilm and Disney to find a sustainable path for future projects.
A strong emphasis on quality storytelling, character development, and artistic integrity ensures that Andor resonates even with those less familiar with the Star Wars legacy. In a landscape crowded with diverse viewing options, such innovation is more vital than ever for a brand’s survival and growth.
Mark your calendars: Andor season 2 is set to launch with three episodes on April 22, exclusively on Disney+.
| Upcoming Live-Action Star Wars TV Shows | Release Date |
| Andor season 2 | April 22, 2025 |
| Ahsoka season 2 | TBD |