'Andor' sparked backlash with the first sexual assault in 'Star Wars.' Adria Arjona says it's important the story is 'honest and genuine.'
"Andor" season two sparked backlash among fans by including the first reference to sexual assault in " Star Wars." Actor Adria Arjona said she had in-depth conversations to get her story right.
The series takes place five years before the events of the 2016 movie, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," which is a prequel to 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope."
Arjona plays Bix Caleen, a rebel fighter who was tortured by the Empire in "Andor" season one and is experiencing PTSD. In the third episode of season two, Imperial Lieutenant Krole (Alex Waldmann) attempts to force himself on her while she's hiding on a farming planet.
In the scene, he references the fact that she is an "illegal" and offers to stay quiet as long as she sleeps with him. When Caleen refuses, Krole attacks her, and she kills him with a wrench.
"Andor" doesn't shy away from the attempted sexual assault, as Caleen angrily says, "He tried to rape me."
It's the first time that "Star Wars" has directly used the word.
The scene was met with backlash from a portion of fans after the first arc of the season aired on Tuesday.
Some viewers said they felt rape and sexual assault should not be included in a franchise that was originally intended for children. Others said the episode should have a trigger warning.
please spread the word for those who have yet to watch:
Andor S2 Ep3 ought to have a trigger warning for attempted, non-graphic sexual assault. please take care of yourself if that's a subject that's traumatic for you 🫶
— Eleanor Mueller @ SWCJ (@TheLetterbomber) April 23, 2025
SPOILERS Andor
Disney Star Wars has finally sunk as low as it can; attempted r*pe in a CHILDREN'S IP?!
What is the matter with you?!
Who green lit this?!
Get this filth off your streaming service directed at CHILDREN & fire everyone involved in this decision, top to bottom.
— Lady Gravemaster (@LadyGravemaster) April 23, 2025
SA in SW feels unnecessary. You can portray power dynamics and making the audience hate the empire in other ways without taking it to such a disgusting place.
Vader wouldn't tolerate that shit nor does the Empire condone it.
It has no place in Star Wars. Period. Unnecessary.
— StarWarsTheory (@realswtheory) April 23, 2025
Andor ep 3 was Garbage no need for rape for shock value. This isn't what the franchise is about so glad this shit got canceled. The dance scene was also ridiculous. Feels like a late night Hbo show not star wars. So tired of this shit. #thisisnotstarwars #andor
— ZabbyKat (@ZabbyKat) April 23, 2025
On the "Andor" red carpet in London on April 10, Arjona discussed how she molded Caleen's PTSD and sexual assault storyline with showrunner Tony Gilroy this season.
"I had a lot of in-depth conversations, not only with Tony but also with professionals. There's a little bit of me in there, you know? I've really struggled with anxiety, and I've really struggled with panic attacks," Arjona told Business Insider.
"To me, it was really important that the way she dealt with this torture and assault was honest and genuine," she added.
While most "Star Wars" movies and TV shows are suitable for younger audiences, "Andor" is a more mature take on the galaxy far, far away. The show has garnered positive reviews, in large part due to its gritty portrayal of an anti-fascism movement.
The series examines the way the Empire commits war crimes and oppresses its people to achieve power.
"We're telling a story that's been told over, and over, and over again," Faye Marsay, who plays Vel Sartha, told BI. "That will resonate with people in the world today."
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