In this new addition to the Star Wars series, Andor will bring a new level of depth and dimension to the day-to-day lives of the people who eventually become heroes in the ongoing battle set in a galaxy far, far away.
If you’re a casual fan of Star Wars and the name Cassian Andor doesn’t get you too excited, you’d be forgiven, since his only cinematic appearance so far was in Rogue One. However, die-hard fans like us know that Cassian played a pivotal part in jump-starting the events of the original trilogy of films – which is just one of many reasons why we’re so excited to catch this new Disney+ series centred around Cassian himself: Andor. Just when you thought you were done with Obi-Wan Kenobi, this new series will unfold the story before it kicks off the plot of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
To get yourself both caught and pumped up for the series, here are 5 things you should know before watching Andor!
1. Without Cassian Andor, Darth Vader would rule the galaxy
We first meet Cassian Andor in the standalone Star Wars movie Rogue One, as the soldier, pilot and intelligence officer fighting on the side of the rebels. The movie follows a small insurgent team –of which Cassian is a key member– as they aim to obtain the plans that help destroy the Death Star. That’s right: the very plans we see (spoiler alert!) Princess Leia give to R2D2 within the first few minutes of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor in a show that is structured to reveal how he became an important figure in the Rebel Alliance. How does an ordinary guy become a central part of a revolution?
2. Cassian Andor has been fighting the empire since he was six years old
In Rogue One, we see Cassian Andor as a jaded and weary Rebel fighter, hardly surprising given that he’s been fighting for decades. Years of combat have hardened him, leading him to make many questionable choices in the film. Being set a few years before the events of Rogue One –5 years to be precise, perhaps we’ll see more of Cassian’s grey morals in Andor, while learning just what made him this way.
3. Andor is set during ‘the dark times’ – a period of tense political turmoil
Just like Obi-Wan Kenobi, its recent predecessor, Andor is set in the time between Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. This period is called ‘the dark times’ by Obi-Wan Kenobi, likely referencing the times when the Sith fully come out of the shadows to take over the galaxy. How that happens between the two movies is what Andor is set to expand on, giving us a look into the tense political circumstances of the Galactic Republic (the government before the Empire) that allow the Dark Side to establish power.
4. A founding member of the Rebellion returns – Mon Mothma
One of the main characters in Andor, Mon Mothma is no stranger to Star Wars fans due to her supporting appearances in several movies and series. But for newer or more casual fans, what you may not know is that Mon Mothma planted the seeds of the rebellion during her time as a politician with the Republic as she openly defies Chancellor Palpatine, aka (spoiler alert again!) the secret leader of the Sith. She later becomes a key military leader of the Rebels, and without her, there would be no cause for Luke Skywalker and many other heroes to fight for. Watch as we meet this regal and dignified woman cross paths with Cassian Andor where their stories run parallel to one another.
5. New characters you need to know: Bix Caleen & Dedra Meera
We may not know much (yet) about new characters Bix Caleen and Dedra Meera, but based on the trailers, these are two different women on two different sides in the Star Wars universe. The trailers show Bix navigating trouble with the Empire while Dedra seemingly hunts for Rebel sympathisers, and we wait with bated breath to see how their character arcs play out.
While we always recommend a deeper diver into all the Star Wars content Disney+ has to offer, you’re now ready to enjoy the thrill ride of Andor on Disney+!
You must be logged in to post a comment.