Andor’s Stellan Skarsgård Defines the Series as the ‘Grown-Up’ Chapter in the Star Wars Saga

In a departure from the traditional Star Wars narrative, the Disney+ series Andor has been hailed as a more mature take on the beloved universe. Stellan Skarsgård, one of the show’s stars, recently described Andor as “Star Wars for grownups” during a discussion with Vanity Fair. The nuanced storytelling and complex characters of the show have garnered praise from both fans and critics, echoing this sentiment.

Skarsgård, who portrays the enigmatic Luthen Rael, shed light on the challenges of bringing such a multi-faceted character to life. He stressed the significance of representing the various aspects of human nature, highlighting how individuals’ behavior changes based on their environment and situation. The actor also shared his experience of perfecting a crucial monologue in the series, highlighting his dedication to delivering a performance that resonates with the show’s adult audience. Skarsgård shared:

Skarsgård
: “Human beings are more than two characters. We are different when we meet our family and when we are with our friends and when we are… It’s sort of a natural state, but played two characters here in Andor, or it was like… First of all, it was very well written. It was Tony Gilroy who wrote it. It’s like Star Wars for grownups. It’s a very oppressive society, it’s a fascist society, and you feel the presence of it. The characters are very well drawn.”

Interviewer
: “And you said that you had to do this speech 10 times.”

Skarsgård
: “Had to do? I did it 10 times because it wasn’t good. I mean, not exactly, but if you know that something is wrong… Ah, you know it’s wrong, you know it’s wrong, you know… Ah! It’s not wrong. Finally, I got a script that was like a character that I wanted to play as a 10-year-old. And then, of course, who doesn’t want to fly a ship? A spaceship? Who doesn’t want to shoot with ray guns? I mean, it’s the little boy in me.”

Andor, set prior to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, tracks Diego Luna’s character, Cassian Andor, as he maneuvers through a galaxy dominated by an authoritarian regime. The show stands out for its exploration of the ambiguous aspects of rebellion and resistance, moving away from the Star Wars saga’s typical black-and-white morality.

Andor has succeeded by merging the thrill and adventure of Star Wars with a more profound examination of its characters and themes. The show’s well-crafted pacing has been recognized for allowing a more detailed examination of the protagonists’ struggles and the oppressive society they are fighting against. Characters like Andor, Luthen Rael, and Mon Mothma are given the space to evolve, making their journeys more engaging and relatable.

Andor Depicts The Realities of Rebellion and the Fight for a Better World in Star Wars Universe

The emphasis of the show on the realities of rebellion and the price of fighting for a better world has resonated deeply with viewers. Andor goes beyond the surface-level conflicts of good versus evil, delving into the moral complexities and personal sacrifices that come with standing up against tyranny. This method has not only added depth to the Star Wars universe but also offered a storytelling platform that appeals to a more mature audience.

Andor represents a significant evolution in the Star Wars franchise, demonstrating the potential for television to expand and deepen the stories of well-known characters. By embracing a more adult perspective, the series offers a fresh and thought-provoking addition to the saga, appealing to both long-time fans and those seeking a more sophisticated narrative. As Andor continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of Star Wars to inspire and entertain across generations.

Andor

Release Date

September 21, 2022

Seasons

1