One of Andor season 2's most shocking moments has a haunting parallel with the final act of Rogue One
Andor season 2 hasn't even reached its final act yet, but things are already at fever pitch. The latest batch of episodes saw the horrifying Ghorman Massacre, Mon Mothma's stirring speech to the senate, and a long-awaited confrontation. Well, for one party, anyway.
In the midst of the violence that breaks out on Ghorman in episode 8, Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) still manages to spot Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) across Tarkin Square. He's waited a long time for this moment, and he instantly rushes over to confront him as years of obsession come to a head. Cassian, however, doesn't even recognize him and asks, "Who are you?" Before this has had the chance to sink in, Carro Rylanz shoots Syril in the head and he dies.
It's a shocking moment, but one fan has spotted a neat parallel with Rogue One that adds another layer to the exchange. Towards the end of the 2016 prequel movie, Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) comes face-to-face with Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and holds her at blaster-point, asking the same question that Cassian asked Syril.
However, unlike Syril, Jyn actually gets a chance to reply. She identifies herself as Galen Erso's daughter and tells Krennic that he's lost because her father has put a flaw in the Death Star. It's a powerful moment, and a pretty moving callback.
New episodes of Andor season 2 are hitting Disney Plus weekly. Catch up with our Andor season 2 release schedule, or get up to speed with our Andor season 2 review.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
4 hours ago
- Gizmodo
How the Casting of ‘Andor' Brought More Powerful Women to ‘Star Wars'
The extraordinary ensemble seen in Andor exemplified the best of Star Wars and brought more iconic heroes and villains to the franchise in two unforgettable seasons. Led by Genevieve O'Reilly, reprising her role as Mon Mothma, the women of the Disney+ series really carved out their legacies within the Lucasfilm universe. In a behind-the-scenes featurette for Andor, casting directors Nina Gold and Martin Ware discussed discovering the immense talents of the series' key leading ladies. Elizabeth Dulau was an utter revelation as Kleya Marki, a season two standout as Luthen Rael's right-hand spymaster. Gold described their search for Kleya: 'Obviously, Stellan Skarsgård is completely a genius. We needed to find someone to play Kleya, who [while] a young woman, could match him in authority and intensity and could go toe-to-toe with him in all situations, and [Dulau] really did that.' We'd have to agree with the sentiment because even when Kleya was no longer sharing moments with Skarsgård's Luthen, the actress shone in some all-timer scenes, in particular that fateful hospital mission. Ware knew that finding an equal to match Skarsgård was key for their storyline's eventual conclusion. 'With Stellan, because he kind of plays two parts in a way for quite a lot of the show, the gallery owner requires quite a lot of lightness of touch, and then he's got the darker side, so it was just finding…' Gold jumped in, '…Finding someone who could do that journey with him. She really had this inner command and real authority.' And it's one fans would love to see again if Gilroy ever revisits Andor's surviving characters. An Imperial baddie who we want to see get a bigger cinematic comeuppance is Denise Gough's Dedra Mero, the overachieving Empire social climber. Gold described the cutthroat villain as an 'evil mastermind.' Gough was cast after the casting directors saw her and co-star Kyle Soller on stage. 'This was a real amazing showcase for their brilliance on screen. Both of their characters have really gone through a full, really big journey to go from where they started, as she was a very impenetrable, authoritarian boss.' Ware complimented Gough's season two transformation. 'In season two, Dedra's character, we see her in a domestic setting. We see her at home. We see her dealing with Syril's mum. And loving Syril in her own very strange, peculiar way.' But of course her ambition leads her to abandon the simple fascist family life for bigger things that blow up in her face. Gold and Ware had their work cut out for them insofar as what Gilroy wanted for Cassian's romantic partner, Bix. Thankfully they found it all with Adria Arjona. '[As] soon as she did her first five words of her first audition, it suddenly became really obvious that it must be her.' Gold explained that Bix needed to be more than just a love interest and demonstrate that she too was a capable fighter within the rebellion, which Arjona easily handled. 'She had such an incredible mix of the other kind of strength and resilience of Bix and the vulnerability and willingness to go through this immense journey that Bix has to go through. She was one of the few people who we were able to get in the room to do a chemistry test with Diego [Luna], and again that just cemented it very clearly that they were really meant to be playing these parts opposite each other.' And we agree that Arjona and Luna's performances gave Andor its heart as well as the hope the show's lead sacrificed so much for. According to Ware, the casting process was shaped by both the script and Andor's creator. 'The script alone is so detailed and precise about character and intention that it's quite easy for us to start thinking about brilliant actors to bring them to life. But then Tony Gilroy also would love to talk about other thoughts he had on the characters before we headed out there making lists and auditioning actors.' Gold added that Gilroy's input along the way really brought out what the galaxy needed in its heroes and villains to serve the incredible overarching story Andor brought to our screens. 'It was fascinating because Tony's interest in character is so detailed and wonderful, and he's very flexible in his thinking,' Gold said. 'When he sees something in an actor that's not necessarily the thing that he'd originally thought, he's quite happy to make some changes in his thought process if it seems the right thing to do. And also the writing is so appealing to actors because it is so interesting and good.' The trio don't even round out the rest of the supremely talented actresses showcased in Andor, but the galaxy is a better place because of them, that's for sure. Watch the clip below! Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Business Insider
7 hours ago
- Business Insider
The best Disney Plus Bundles: How to save over 40%
When it comes to finding the best streaming services for your needs, you have a lot to choose from. The best Disney Plus bundles are designed to satisfy as much as possible under one discounted price. The bundles combine Disney Plus and Hulu, with the option to add-on either ESPN Plus or HBO Max. Taking advantage of the Disney Bundle will save you over 40% compared to subscribing to each service individually, no matter which bundle you choose. If you're considering getting either Disney Plus or Hulu, we recommend signing up for both, since bundle prices start at just $1 a month more than only subscribing to one service. Considering Disney Plus' content gaps when it comes to mature content and sports, bundling multiple services together also provides more to watch for viewers of every age, from animated Pixar films to gritty HBO dramas. Hulu supplements Disney Plus with a mix of network TV series, blockbuster movies, and original award-winning shows geared toward adults. The app has a massive back catalog of past seasons of network shows and also gets new episodes from ongoing ABC and FOX shows the day after they air. Meanwhile, ESPN Plus (soon to be just ESPN) adds select live football, tennis, golf, and basketball events, along with other sports. It's also the UFC streaming home in the US (for now), and subscribers are able to buy exclusive PPV fights through the app. HBO Max rounds out the coverage with critically acclaimed prestige films and TV shows like "The Sopranos," "The Last of Us," and the "Dune" franchise. We know it can sound a bit confusing, but the Disney Plus bundles are some of the best streaming deals on the market, so we're here to help clear up any questions you might have. Keep reading to explore a breakdown of costs, available bundling combinations, instructions on how to sign up, and info on what to do if you already have an existing subscription. Disney Plus/Hulu/HBO Max Bundle with Ads $16.99 $29.97 Save 43% This triple-value bundle gets you ad-supported access to Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max for just $17 a month. That's $13 off the regular combined cost of all three services and provides you with a huge selection of shows and movies to enjoy. View at Disney Plus How much does the Disney Plus Bundle cost? There are six versions of the Disney Plus bundle, ranging in price based on ad-tier and the number of bundled services. The cheapest option is the ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu bundle, which costs $11 a month. The most expensive combination is the ad-free Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle, which costs $30 a month. Rates most recently increased for Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Plus, and their respective bundles on October 17, 2024. Our Disney Plus price guide has full details on all Disney Plus plans and associated costs, but here's a breakdown of the current Disney Plus bundle prices: How to sign up for the Disney Plus Bundle If you live in the US, signing up for the Disney Plus Bundle with Hulu and ESPN Plus is as simple as visiting the Disney Plus website and selecting your desired plan. To sign up for the HBO Max version, just visit this website to get started instead. While Disney Plus is available globally, the bundles are confined to the US since Hulu and ESPN Plus are only supported in the US. After entering your email address and payment information, you can activate your account on each service. You can use the same account information across each platform and watch Hulu from the Disney Plus app and website. If you already have a Disney Plus, Hulu, or ESPN Plus account, this will serve as your MyDisney login for all Disney-owned services (unless you wish to sign up under a different email). Select HBO content is also available to watch from the Hulu app. Otherwise, you'll need to sign into the specific app — Hulu, Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, or Max — in order to view its relevant content. Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN+ Bundle without Ads $26.99 $46.97 Save 43% View at Disney+ Disney Plus/Hulu/HBO Max Bundle with Ads $16.99 $29.97 Save 43% View at Disney Plus Disney Plus/Hulu/HBO Max Bundle without Ads $29.99 $51.97 Save 42% View at Disney Plus Can I get the Disney Plus bundles for free? While the Disney bundle does not offer a free trial, there are a few ways that you might be able to try it out for free. Though Verizon previously offered free access to the Disney Bundle with its 5G Play More Unlimited and 5G Get More Unlimited phone plans, this promotion is no longer active for new members. However, you can get a reduced rate on the ad-supported Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus bundle with Verizon Unlimited plans. This will cost $10/month instead of the standard $17/month. The DirecTV MyEntertainment genre pack includes ad-supported Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max. This month-to-month live TV streaming package, which costs $35/month and carries 50+ live entertainment and lifestyle channels, comes with a five-day free trial for new customers. Ad-supported Disney Plus is available through DirecTV's MyKids pack, which costs $20/month, offers 10+ family-friendly channels, and also includes a five-day free trial. The Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus bundle is included in all Hulu + Live TV subscriptions (which we dig into below). This live TV package sometimes offers a free trial for its ad-supported tier, which means you can access all services for free for the duration of the trial. However, this free trial typically only lasts for three days before the subscription renews at the then-current monthly rate, unless you cancel before then. Can current subscribers upgrade to the Disney Bundle? Yes, current Disney Plus, Hulu, or ESPN Plus subscribers can upgrade any of their existing subscriptions to the bundle. You just need to sign up for the Disney Plus Bundle using the same email address on file for your current membership. You can also log into your existing account and explore other plan options, and make the switch from there. Disney will then adjust the bundle cost to account for your existing subscription fees. Though current HBO Max subscribers can upgrade to the bundle to get Disney Plus and Hulu included, remember that the HBO Max Ultimate Ad-Free plan is not included. That means current Ultimate members will see a downgrade in streaming quality if they choose to bundle, as only HD 1080p is available. To stream HBO Max in 4K UHD, you'll need to stick with the Ultimate Ad-Free plan, which isn't available as a bundle with another streaming service. Remember, however, that members who have existing subscriptions through special promotions — like Spotify's Student Plan with Hulu — are not eligible for an upgrade to the bundle. They'll need to cancel their subscription or sign up for the bundles separately with another account. Can you subscribe to Disney Plus bundles annually? One of our favorite ways to save on streaming services is by subscribing annually, which usually saves subscribers money each year compared to paying for 12 months on a month-to-month plan. However, none of the Disney Plus bundles offer annual options right now. You can subscribe to the Disney Plus ad-free tier annually for $160/year (a little over $31 in savings compared to paying month-to-month for a year), the Hulu ad-supported tier annually for $100/year (a little less than $20 in savings compared to month-to-month), or ESPN Plus annually for $120/year (a little over $23 in savings compared to month-to-month). Max also offers annual plans on all tiers of service, ranging from $100 to $210 a year. Can I watch Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Plus, or HBO Max content in the same app? Disney Plus allows you to watch select programming from Hulu and/or ESPN Plus on Disney Plus if you're subscribed to either of the streaming services. The Hulu option became available in December 2023 (and officially rolled out in 2024), and the ESPN Plus option became available in December 2024. You must subscribe through the bundle or trio plans or link your stand-alone accounts. Select Hulu and ESPN Plus programming is also available to watch on Disney Plus without a Hulu subscription. Once you log in, you can navigate to the ESPN Plus and Hulu content by clicking on the applicable tiles on the Disney Plus homepage. The tiles are right next to the Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar options, so it's easy to navigate. Disney Plus/Hulu/HBO Max Bundle subscribers can watch select HBO content from the Hulu app, but not all. With the HBO Max add-on, select titles like "Euphoria," "House of the Dragon," and "The Last of Us" can be found within the Hulu app. Non-HBO or HBO Max exclusive content, like the Studio Ghibli and Harry Potter libraries, cannot be found in the Hulu app. All four apps remain separate services for now. Will Disney Plus and Hulu become one app? In August 2025, a little less than two months after the Walt Disney Company purchased Comcast's stake in Hulu, Disney announced that it would be phasing out the Hulu app and fully integrating it into Disney Plus for a one-app experience in 2026. Nothing will immediately change, and there's no exact timeline for the change next year (yet), but the two oft-bundled services will eventually be available under a single app. Does Hulu + Live TV include the Disney Bundle? Hulu + Live TV plans come with Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and on-demand Hulu automatically. Hulu + Live TV subscribers don't have to pay extra or adjust any options in order to get the bundle. The service also lets you stream more than 90 live TV channels. Check out our Hulu Live TV channels roundup to see the full lineup. Hulu + Live TV plans cost $83 a month for ad-supported on-demand streaming or $96 a month for ad-free on-demand streaming. The ad-free options extend to Hulu and Disney Plus, but Hulu + Live TV and ESPN Plus will always have ads due to the nature of live TV. This is the only bundle automatically included with Hulu + Live TV, and there's no option to swap ESPN Plus for HBO Max. Instead, you'd need to get an additional subscription to HBO Max, which will cost extra. To sign up for the Disney bundle with Hulu + Live TV, visit the Hulu + Live TV page.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
I'm Loving Wednesday Season 2's Horror Emphasis, But There's An Even Bigger Improvement
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. It's been literal years since the premiere of the first season of Wednesday on Netflix, when it became one of the most bingeable shows on the platform and broke plenty of records for how many people watched it, from that iconic Wednesday dance to the costumes that came from the series. Now, as part of the 2025 Netflix schedule, the first half of Season 2 has premiered. While I'm not the biggest fan of Netflix releasing things in parts, and have regularly expressed my distaste for the pattern, I still tuned into Wednesday Season 2 Part 1, and I have to admit, the horror is amped up for Season 2. However, there's one other aspect that really stands out a lot more, and one that I think a lot of different people will notice as well. I Know Everyone Will Talk About The Horror Of Season 2 So, first things first, I'll address the elephant in the room and state that Season 2 of Wednesday can be a little scarier than Season 1. And honestly, that's a good thing. Jenna Ortega herself has expressed her trust in the writers to bring the character of Wednesday more into horror territory rather than anything else, and they did so this season. I mean, it makes sense considering Ortega is one of the executive producers this time around, so I'm not shocked that the series opens up with some pretty harrowing images. I won't spoil anything for you, but I will say some more graphic moments might be a little scary for kids. Still, as the creators told me in my junket interview, it's a 'weird marriage' with horror and comedy, to make sure the series is still fun for younger audiences while also leaning more into the horror aspects of the Addams Family. Even so, there's no denying it. Sure, it's not at the level of some of the best horror movies out there, and I don't ever expect Wednesday, of all properties, to get there. But it can be scarier, and that is a significant improvement. But there's one other aspect that I love so much more that I have to talk about. To Me, I'm Loving How Diverse The Cast Has Become I love this cast. I really feel like it's grown even more diverse over time. While the Wednesday cast itself was already pretty impressive from the first season, something about Season 2 feels a lot more inclusive than ever before. Maybe it's because certain characters have gotten a glow-up in specific ways, so they are there a whole lot more, but they feel more present. Something that I did enjoy about the first season of Wednesday is that it really was focused on her – on her story, on her family, and how she is dealing with this mystery while also dealing with two (frankly annoying) high school boys that Wednesday really gave nothing to. It was fun, and I liked it, but if we were going to continue the show, there had to be more. Season 2 has really given us that with its storylines, and I have to address them. Including Different Kinds Of Actors, Really Of All Skin Color And Nationality, Is So Fun And Inclusive There are plenty of storylines in Season 2 of Wednesday that I could sing my praises to because now it's starting to really feel more like an ensemble rather than just a solo show. I'll point out a few. One in particular that I am loving the expansion on is Bianca Barclay, played by Joy Sunday. In the first season, she was initially portrayed as a mean girl who ultimately helped Wednesday by the end of the finale. However, in Season 2, we really start to see the young woman behind the siren abilities, how she would do anything to keep her family safe and protect her mother. There's also the fact that we're seeing them a whole lot more now than ever before. I never really wondered how a siren worked, just because it's not my favorite mythical creature. However, having Joy Sunday play one is fantastic, and she plays the role so perfectly while adding the touch of humanity the mythical creature desperately needs. Another character that I've been loving is the expansion of Pugsley. I never would have thought I would like learning more about Pugsley, but Isaac Ordonez portrays the character so well, and he's an active part of the story this time around. He not only interacts with Wednesday but has his storyline with bringing back a crazy inventor from the dead as a zombie, and it's actually hilarious – and it leads to some humorous interactions with Eugene (Moosta Mostafa), who is his roommate. I love it. I feel like in many other shows, we wouldn't get to dive this deep into the side characters and their lives, and it's just a happy additive that there are so many diverse actors playing these roles. It's absolutely fantastic and I adore it. Having The Addams Family Be A Bigger Part Of It Warms My Latina Heart The last thing I'd love to talk about is the Addams family, overall, becoming a bigger part of this series. I adore these outcasts so much, but it also makes my Latina heart so happy. I feel that in another life, there was a chance that something like this wouldn't have happened – where the Addams Family was played by primarily Latinx actors and all of them had such fantastic chemistry, but here we are, and it makes me so happy. I grew up with these characters, adored every single bit of them, and would literally binge episodes of the original show because I felt so connected to them. But now, as a Latina, it warms my heart to see Ortega play Wednesday so well, but also inspire millions of other young Latinas to chase their dreams because she blew up from this role. And now having the whole family be a significant part of the show – from Isaac Ordonez to Luis Guzman – makes me happy. I know Catherine Zeta-Jones isn't Latina, but honestly, the fact that most of this family is really makes me happy – and she plays Morticia so well, I can't even be upset about it. While we're still going to be waiting until September for Part 2, and I, for one, will be champing at the bit for any more of this diversity I can get – and I can't wait to see what is next for these characters. Solve the daily Crossword
