25-05-2025
Andor: Why the First Planet Attacked is Naboo
When it comes to Star Wars shows, Andor was pretty sparing when it came to references, but while it wasn't outright mentioned, some fans did speculate that the planet that Luthen and Kleya were on when they bomb the bridge was Naboo a.k.a. the central planet of conflict in The Phantom Menace.
What's interesting is, the planet has been confirmed by writer Tom Bissell who says that it was integral that Luthen attack that planet first when he wants to make a statement to the Emperor. In a recent interview with Backstory Magazine, Bissell explains:
'We know that we were going to have their first act of terrorism, Kleya and Luthen together, and I argued it should be on Naboo, because that is The Emperor's home planet, and if Luthen was going to make his first public statement, I think he is going to stick his thumb into the eye of the guy that he hates more than anymore. So, when Tony heard my reasoning, he was like, 'I like that. Let's do that.''
When the episode first came out, fans had pointed out that the bridge was the giveaway that the planet was Naboo because it's also the same bridge that's used for Padme's funeral at the end of Revenge of the Sith .
For now, fans are still reeling from the ending of Andor and lamenting how 'there won't be another Star Wars project like this,' but seeing all the positive buzz that the series got, maybe there could be room for some more mature-themed projects in the world of Star Wars down the line.
I do admit, it's going to be hard to jump into The Mandalorian and Grogu knowing how solid the themes of Andor were.
Catch the complete Andor now streaming on Disney+.
