Andor: A New Dawn for Star Wars Canon
In a recent interview, showrunner Tony Gilroy revealed that the second season of Andor will address significant inconsistencies within the Star Wars canon, even taking into account the narratives from the former Expanded Universe. Unlike its first season, which aimed for a more self-contained storytelling experience with fewer Easter eggs to hint at broader lore, season two will delve deeper into a more familiar timeline, previously explored in the animated series Star Wars Rebels.
Clarifying Canonical Complexities
In the latest issue of Empire Magazine, Gilroy elaborated on his approach to weaving established lore into the narrative:
“The highlights [of the Star Wars canon] are on the calendar… There are certain things that we are beholden to, and [others] that are really great opportunities for us. [The massacre at] Ghorman is a big opportunity. Everybody knows that Mon Mothma leaves the Senate because of Ghorman. At the same time, there isn’t a single thing written about Ghorman. Ghorman’s a blank slate. There’s no consistency between what Legends says about it, and a lot of conflicts within the canon itself. So we honor the calendar, and we’ve made our choices. Some are sneaky, some are bold, some are right in your face. Everybody at Lucasfilm knows what we’ve been doing, we haven’t had any arguments. We’ve straightened some stuff out, I hope.”
The Ghorman Massacre: A Dark Chapter in Star Wars History
Unveiling the Truth
The Ghorman Massacre stands as one of the most horrific events instigated by the Empire, making it a pivotal plotline in both the Legends and canon narratives. Scheduled to be explored over at least five episodes in Andor season 2, this tragic event has its roots in the lore dating back to a sourcebook from 1990.
Originally set in 18 BBY, during the formation of the Empire, the massacre involves then-Captain Tarkin, who infamously ordered his ship to crash into peaceful protesters, resulting in the death of hundreds. This incident serves as an early indication of the Empire’s oppressive nature.
In the current canon timeline, however, the Ghorman Massacre occurs two years prior to A New Hope, ultimately influencing Mon Mothma’s departure from the Senate and leading to her involvement in the Rebellion, as depicted in Star Wars Rebels. Gilroy’s comments indicate a sophisticated understanding of these historical discrepancies, hinting that the upcoming season will unravel these complexities.
Revolutionizing Storytelling in Star Wars
Leveraging Continuity as a Narrative Asset
Continuity is integral to maintaining the depth of a shared universe, and while it might seem like a limitation at times, Gilroy’s innovative approach highlights the potential it brings to storytelling. By focusing on narrative opportunities rather than viewing continuity as a constraint, this fresh perspective pays homage to the earlier Expanded Universe (now deemed Legends) and enhances the anticipation for Andor season 2, particularly among longstanding fans of the franchise.
Source: Empire Magazine