Tony Gilroy on Andor Season 2: A Leap Towards Experimental Storytelling in Star Wars
Writer and showrunner Tony Gilroy has expressed aspirations for Andor Season 2 to pave the way for innovative storytelling within the Star Wars universe, even venturing into genres like horror. While George Lucas initially envisioned Star Wars primarily as children’s entertainment, recent revelations about his unreleased scripts for a darker project, called Star Wars: Underworld, suggest a willingness to explore more mature themes. Disney, however, has historically been cautious in expanding the franchise’s boundaries—save for the notable exception of Gilroy’s critically acclaimed series, Andor, which is set to debut its second season on April 22.
In an insightful interview featured in the latest issue of SFX Magazine, Gilroy articulated his hope that Andor would initiate a wave of more adventurous content in the Star Wars franchise. “I always fantasized that the show would break new ground,” he stated. “Imagine creating a three-camera sitcom or even a horror movie within the Star Wars universe. I posed the question to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy] about doing a courtroom drama—why not explore those different formats?” His remarks emphasize the hard work and creative effort that have been poured into making Andor distinct within the larger Star Wars canon.
Excitingly, Gilroy hinted that Season 2 may also lay the groundwork for further explorations within the franchise. He shared, “We’ve carved out a unique space with Andor, and we’re eager to see how it interacts with other projects like Skeleton Crew.” His optimism reflects a vision where the franchise could embrace a broader range of narrative styles and deepen its narrative complexity, potentially igniting excitement for other developments within the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars: The Underlying Resistance to Experimentation
Historical Context and Exceptions
Lucasfilm has faced significant criticism for its reluctance to deviate from the established Star Wars formula—a sentiment echoed even by Lucas himself. He famously expressed disappointment with The Force Awakens, criticizing it for rehashing old themes and failing to introduce fresh ideas. Exceptions like Andor and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew demonstrate a willingness to explore different narratives; particularly, Andor targets a more mature audience, while Skeleton Crew presents a lighter, family-friendly adventure.
Notably, Gilroy’s comments about how Andor Season 2 opens the door to “canonical things and concepts”suggest that it may serve as more than just a precursor to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This new season could potentially act as a launching pad for broader, innovative narratives within the Star Wars franchise, thereby enhancing its appeal and richness.
Exploring the Potential of Andor Season 2
Further Excitement on the Horizon
My anticipation for Andor Season 2 has reached new heights. The inaugural season, while functioning largely as a standalone narrative, succeeded in its polished storytelling and character development. Yet, it also faced critique from fans eager for connections to the broader lore, frequently citing hidden easter eggs. Season 2 is expected to deepen these ties, showcasing Gilroy’s exceptional writing while integrating the story more cohesively into the expansive Star Wars mythology. I am particularly excited about the possibility that this season could serve as a springboard for a more audacious interpretation of the Star Wars narrative, which I look forward to unfolding.
Source: SFX (via GamesRadar)