Tony Gilroy hopes 'Andor' helps 'Star Wars' tell new stories

Tony Gilroy wants 'Andor' to inspire more diverse and unique stories in Star Wars.

: Tony Gilroy, creator of 'Andor', hopes his show can inspire Star Wars to diversify beyond traditional narratives, urging the franchise to explore genres like horror or courtroom dramas. He emphasized this vision during a conversation with GamesRadar, reflecting on the success of 'Andor' as a political and spy thriller without typical Star Wars elements like Jedi or Mandalorians. Gilroy aims for the second season of 'Andor', which premieres on April 22, 2025, to push the envelope by incorporating new canonical elements. He also mentioned 'Skeleton Crew' as a good example of diversifying the franchise with its kid-focused adventure story.

Tony Gilroy's vision for 'Andor' is to challenge the traditional storytelling in the Star Wars franchise, moving away from its usual focus on Jedi, clones, and Mandalorians. Instead, 'Andor' taps into the unexplored aspects such as bureaucracy, heists, and anti-fascist narratives. In his conversation with GamesRadar, Gilroy revealed his desire for Star Wars to explore innovative genres, mentioning a three-camera sitcom or a horror movie as possibilities. His conversation with Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm's president, highlighted this ambition with a suggestion for a courtroom drama.

Gilroy expressed that 'Andor' should act as a catalyst for people to venture into new creative directions within the Star Wars universe. He described the show's unique position as a political and spy thriller that maintains a serious tone. 'Andor' had already gained critical acclaim before the conclusion of its first season, and its trailers showcase this critical success. As a result, Gilroy hopes future creators will also find new lanes of storytelling in the rapidly diversifying franchise.

The second season of 'Andor', premiering April 22, 2025, is anticipated to introduce groundbreaking elements and canonical concepts. This bold take is designed to spark excitement and push the boundaries of the Star Wars canon, furthering Gilroy's aim for radical creative expansions. Gilroy acknowledges 'Skeleton Crew' as another example of this diversification, focusing on youthful, adventure-centric narratives that complement 'Andor's' gritty realism.

Furthermore, Gilroy articulated his deep-seated belief that it's now the responsibility of other creatives to forge new paths within the Star Wars framework. He insists that by establishing this new lane, 'Andor' has set a precedent that other producers and writers should emulate, thereby diversifying the storytelling scope of Star Wars for years to come.

In summary, Gilroy envisions a renewed franchise where diverse storytelling is a mainstay rather than an exception. By embracing genres and themes that defy tradition, 'Andor' could mark the beginning of a more varied and innovative era for Star Wars storytelling.

Sources: io9, GamesRadar