"Most Important Thing": Andor Creator On His Star Wars Legacy

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Gilroy's Vision for Andor: A Departure from Traditional Star Wars Storytelling

Andor represents a significant departure from the typical Star Wars formula. While other entries often focus on flashy lightsaber battles and epic space opera, Gilroy prioritized a different approach. For him, the most important element wasn't flashy spectacle, but rather a grounded and realistic portrayal of rebellion. This is reflected in several key aspects:

• Realistic Characters and Gritty Storytelling: Gone are the idealized heroes; Andor presents characters with flaws, moral ambiguities, and complex motivations. The violence is visceral, the stakes are high, and the consequences are felt. The most important aspect of this was showcasing the human cost of rebellion.
• Emphasis on Political Intrigue and Rebellion: The series delves deep into the political machinations of the Galactic Empire, showcasing the intricate web of power and the desperate struggles of those fighting against it. The most important thing here was to show the rebellion not as a simple good vs. evil struggle, but as a complex fight for survival.
• Slower Pacing, Allowing for Character Development and World-Building: Unlike the fast-paced action of some Star Wars entries, Andor allows ample time for character development and world-building. The slower pacing allows viewers to connect deeply with the characters and truly understand the world they inhabit. This deliberate pacing was, arguably, the most important thing in establishing a believable and immersive world.
• Exploration of Morally Gray Areas: Andor doesn't shy away from the morally gray areas of rebellion. Characters make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences, forcing viewers to question their own perspectives on morality and justice. For Gilroy, exploring this moral complexity was arguably the most important aspect of the narrative.

The Importance of Character Development in Andor's Success

The success of Andor hinges on the depth and complexity of its characters. Gilroy's commitment to nuanced character development elevates the series beyond typical genre fare.

• Cassian Andor's Journey and Moral Evolution: The series follows Cassian Andor's transformation from a disillusioned thief to a dedicated rebel, showcasing a believable arc of growth and change. The most important thing about his character is his gradual radicalization, highlighting the human impact of oppression.
• The Nuanced Portrayal of Supporting Characters: Each supporting character feels fully realized, possessing their own motivations, flaws, and strengths. This creates a rich and believable tapestry of characters who feel like real people, not just plot devices. For Gilroy, developing relatable supporting characters was amongst the most important things in creating a believable world.
• The Exploration of Their Motivations and Flaws: Andor avoids simple character archetypes. Characters are complex, their motivations often conflicting and their actions having unintended consequences. Understanding these motivations was, for Gilroy, the most important thing in making the characters believable and compelling.

The Impact of Andor on the Star Wars Canon and Future Projects

Andor's impact on the Star Wars franchise is undeniable. It has set a new standard for storytelling within the universe, influencing its future direction.

• Its Influence on Future Star Wars Storytelling: Andor has paved the way for more mature and nuanced storytelling within the Star Wars canon. Expect more complex characters and morally gray areas in future projects. This change in direction is arguably the most important thing Andor has contributed to the franchise.
• Its Contribution to a More Mature and Complex Star Wars Narrative: Andor has demonstrated that Star Wars can appeal to a more mature audience without sacrificing the core tenets of the franchise. The show's success has opened up the possibilities for even more complex and sophisticated storytelling in the future. For Gilroy, this expansion of the narrative's scope was the most important thing.
• The Potential for Spin-offs or Continued Exploration of the Characters and Storylines: The success of Andor has undoubtedly opened up possibilities for spin-offs or continued exploration of its characters and storylines. The rich world-building and complex characters presented lend themselves well to further narrative expansion. This potential for expansion is another significant contribution, reflecting what Gilroy viewed as the most important thing: a universe ripe with untold stories.

Gilroy's Creative Process: A Deep Dive into His Methodology

Gilroy's meticulous approach to filmmaking is evident in Andor's quality. His creative process is characterized by:

• Collaboration with Actors and Crew: Gilroy fosters a collaborative environment, valuing the input and expertise of his actors and crew. This collaborative spirit contributed significantly to the show's success.
• His Approach to Scriptwriting and Revisions: Gilroy is known for his rigorous scriptwriting process, involving multiple drafts and revisions to ensure the story is as strong as possible. This commitment to detail is clearly reflected in the show's high quality.
• His Commitment to Realism and Detail: Gilroy's commitment to realism and detail is apparent in every aspect of Andor, from the set design to the character portrayals. This commitment to authenticity was paramount in achieving the show's desired tone and atmosphere.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Andor: The Most Important Thing

Andor's success stems from Tony Gilroy's clear vision: a grounded, character-driven story that explores the complexities of rebellion within the Star Wars universe. The show’s impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a new bar for mature, complex storytelling. By prioritizing realism, character depth, and political intrigue—what he considered the most important thing—Gilroy has given Star Wars fans a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Watch Andor and reflect on what you consider the most important thing about the series. Share your thoughts on what makes Andor so impactful – what's the most important thing for you? [Link to watch Andor on Disney+]