Revolutionizing Star Wars: How Diego Luna and Tony Gilroy Transformed ‘Andor’ into a Groundbreaking Narrative

Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna on ‘Andor’: A Unique Journey

Tony Gilroy is sitting in his hotel room in Los Angeles. It’s less than two weeks before the final season of “Andor,” the acclaimed “Star Wars” series he created. Joining him from Mexico via Zoom is Diego Luna, the show’s star.

They begin reminiscing about their first meeting in 2016. Gilroy had been brought in to oversee reshoots for “Rogue One,” the film that introduced Luna as Cassian Andor. Luna was intimidated but quickly found himself captivated by Gilroy’s storytelling.

“It felt like I knew him after just three hours,” Luna recalls. Gilroy lightens the mood with self-deprecating humor, saying, “The miracle of me!” Despite his modesty, “Andor” has been seen as miraculous by many fans. It explores Cassian’s evolution from a petty thief to a dedicated insurrectionist. The series dives into the lives of ordinary individuals facing authoritarian rule, something that resonates deeply today.

Gilroy draws from his study of historical revolutions to shape the narrative. “What happens when history comes knocking at your door?” he asks. This question feels relevant considering the various global crises, from Ukraine to Gaza, that echo real-life struggles against oppression.

Since its 1977 debut, “Star Wars” has addressed serious issues, but “Andor” distinguishes itself by creating an intimate portrait of rebellion. Gilroy explains that the show reflects humanity’s history; revolutions and authoritarianism are recurring themes throughout time.

“A lot of people fail to recognize how small their individualism is,” he says. “We all have that narcissistic belief that we live in unique times.”

With 24 episodes to craft their story, Gilroy and Luna emphasize the importance of a collaborative and thorough creative process, especially during COVID-19 restrictions. They worked to stay connected despite the distance, proving that a strong creative bond can thrive even through screens.

“We built the show in the COVID Zoom model,” Gilroy notes, which forced him to be incredibly precise in his writing. Luna adds, “Directors talk about this show with a feeling of ownership that TV doesn’t normally give.”

The freedom they received from Disney allowed them to push boundaries. “It was a miracle,” Gilroy says. Despite the risks, the studio didn’t impose restrictions on their vision.

Fans have increasingly drawn parallels between “Andor” and current world events. Gilroy reflects on how history tends to repeat itself, while Luna emphasizes the emotional depth of the characters. “We’re showing the intimate life of people that were never in frame,” he explains.

As their journey on the show concludes, Luna feels emotional about returning to Cassian’s iconic setting. “It was a triumph in many ways,” he shares.

Ultimately, “Andor” has proven that legacy franchises can tackle complex themes with depth and nuance. Gilroy mentions other successful adaptations, like “Logan,” emphasizing that the talent and commitment of the entire team drives such successes.

For both creators, “Andor” represents a unique blend of artistic integrity and popularity in an era where such a balance seems increasingly rare.

Their experience shows that with the right vision and collaboration, even massive franchises can evolve into something profound and personal.

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