As the Star Wars universe continues to expand, "Andor" has emerged as a groundbreaking series that not only enriches the franchise's lore but also boldly confronts dark and complex themes rarely explored in the galaxy far, far away. Ending its critically acclaimed run in May 2025, the showrunner Tony Gilroy and lead actress Genevieve O'Reilly have shared revealing insights into the creative freedoms, hefty budget, and the deep political and emotional layers that shaped this two-season saga.
At the ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas, on June 5, 2025, Tony Gilroy, the creator of "Andor," opened up about the generous creative latitude Disney and Lucasfilm granted him, which allowed the series to push boundaries far beyond the limitations of previous Star Wars projects. Having worked on "Rogue One," Gilroy was familiar with the established limits on violence, but he noted that for "Andor," the rules had significantly loosened. "I very consciously began the series in a brothel to test my limits," he explained, adding that what initially seemed like a potential source of anxiety ultimately turned out to be "a nothing-burger all the way through." This freedom extended into Season 2, which tackled harrowing subjects such as genocide and sexual assault head-on. Gilroy described the inclusion of a pivotal scene in Episode 9, where Mon Mothma (played by Genevieve O'Reilly) openly calls the Empire's actions "genocide" during a speech to the Galactic Senate, as "pretty effortless," highlighting the show's commitment to confronting uncomfortable truths.
Yet this creative liberty came with a steep price tag. According to Gilroy, Disney invested a staggering $650 million in the production of 24 episodes. Despite budgetary constraints becoming more pronounced in Season 2—where the studio acknowledged that "streaming is dead" and funds were tighter—the content remained uncompromised. Gilroy proudly shared that throughout the series, he "never took a note" on creative content, except for a request in Season 1 to avoid saying "F*ck the Empire." However, even with financial battles behind the scenes, the series retained its bold voice, underscoring the responsibilities that accompany such a significant investment.
Supporting this revelation, a 2024 Forbes report cited a U.K. financial disclosure revealing that the production cost of Season 2 alone exceeded $290.9 million, surpassing the $275 million estimated budget for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" (2019). The show also benefited from a substantial $129 million tax rebate, cushioning some of the financial burden. Originally planned as a five-season journey, "Andor" was condensed into two seasons, forcing the creative team to make difficult decisions about what to include—and what to cut.
One such casualty was an episode unlike any Star Wars fans had seen before. Gilroy disclosed that a nearly completed episode, titled Episode 209, was scrapped for being too intense and horror-like. Written by his brother Dan Gilroy, this standalone installment was designed as a monster movie, featuring the introduction of K-2SO, the dry-witted droid beloved from "Rogue One," but in a far darker incarnation. The plot revolved around a rogue KX security droid stalking the crew aboard a decaying tanker ship near Yavin, evoking the tension and dread of a thriller. "It was scary," Gilroy admitted. "K-2SO was meant to be terrifying before becoming an ally." Budget limitations ultimately prevented this chilling chapter from coming to life, but its concept has sparked fan fascination and highlighted the untapped storytelling potential within the Star Wars universe.
While "Andor" is set in a sprawling sci-fi galaxy, its themes resonate deeply with real-world issues, particularly the insidious rise of fascism. The series has been praised for its mature and grounded approach, with politics and rebellion explored as intensely as the action sequences. Central to this narrative is Genevieve O'Reilly's portrayal of Mon Mothma, a character whose journey spans over two decades of Star Wars media. O'Reilly first took on the role in 2005's "Revenge of the Sith," though her scenes were cut, and later reprised it in 2016's "Rogue One." Now, with "Andor" concluding, her performance has transformed Mon Mothma from a relatively minor figure into a richly textured, conflicted leader grappling with the cost of rebellion.
In a revealing interview published on June 5, 2025, O'Reilly discussed the intricacies of embodying Mon Mothma, including a now-iconic Season 2 speech where the character denounces the Empire's erosion of truth and openly joins the rebellion. This moment, scripted by Tony and Dan Gilroy, captures Mon's internal struggle and the courage it takes to confront a corrupt system. O'Reilly described the speech as a "choral piece," interwoven with other characters' stories, and emphasized the vulnerability beneath Mon's bravery. The actress also shared insights into the choreography of a memorable dance scene at her daughter Leida's arranged marriage, which symbolized the chaos inside Mon's mind—a rare glimpse of physical expression for the usually composed character.
The relationship between Mon Mothma and her daughter Leida adds another layer of emotional complexity to the series. Despite Mon's rebellion against the Empire, Leida embraces the established order, deepening a painful familial divide. O'Reilly reflected on this dynamic as a "deeply complicated and messed up scene between a mother and a daughter," highlighting the human cost of political resistance.
Costume and hair design also played crucial roles in bringing Mon Mothma to life. Michael Wilkinson, the costume designer, crafted outfits that allowed O'Reilly more physical freedom than previous portrayals, where restrictive ecclesiastical garments limited movement. The collaboration between Wilkinson, O'Reilly, and the hair and makeup team, led by Emma Scott, resulted in meticulously designed wigs and costumes that maintained Mon's iconic silhouette while expressing her evolving character. O'Reilly fondly recalled the creative process, including last-minute costume fittings and the shared anticipation of transitioning Mon's look from "Andor" to "Rogue One" and beyond.
Reflecting on the series' impact, Gilroy expressed a bittersweet sentiment about the widespread resonance of the show's themes, noting, "It’s really sad how many people can find a place to put this [word] in some place that’s meaningful for them." He has recently embraced using the term "fascism" openly, calling it "liberating," but also underscored the delicate balance required to tell such stories while maximizing audience reach and protecting the considerable investment behind the series.
As "Andor" closes this chapter, it leaves behind a legacy of bold storytelling, rich character development, and a willingness to confront difficult realities within the framework of a beloved sci-fi saga. Fans continue to speculate about the fate of the scrapped horror episode and eagerly await what Tony Gilroy and his team might bring next to the Star Wars universe. For now, the series stands as a testament to the power of creative freedom, meticulous craft, and the enduring appeal of stories that challenge as much as they entertain.
