23-04-2025
Andor returns — the team behind the Star Wars TV hit talks to Arena
The second and final season of Andor, the critically acclaimed Star Wars TV series, has just debuted on Disney+ to rave reviews, with some critics already calling it the finest TV show of the year.
Andor is unique in the Star Wars universe... There is no magic... no Jedi Knights... no light sabers... The Force is strong in precisely nobody... Some have described it as 'Ken Loach in a galaxy far far away...' And what emerges from this earthy approach is a critically acclaimed spy thriller which depicts authoritarianism and resistance in an entirely human way..
The series stars Mexican actor Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, one of the fabled Rebel Spies who will go on to steal the plans for the Death Star warship, setting in motion the events of the first ever Star Wars film, A New Hope...
Across its two seasons, this prequel series brings us into Cassian's life up to the events of the film Rogue One, following his journey from petty thief to revolutionary leader.
The series is the brainchild of writer/director Tony Gilroy, and among its stars are Irish actors Denise Gough, Genevieve O'Reilly and Fiona Shaw. Gilroy is a keen reader of revolutionary history, and the Irish influence extends far beyond just casting.
For RTÉ Arena, Sinéad Egan spoke to Andor series creator Tony Gilroy, along with stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård and Adria Arjona - listen above.
