Another prequel? With the launch of Disney+, the Star Wars saga saw an opportunity to fill the gaps left by the films. A series to tell the story of what happens to Obi-Wan Kenobi after his penultimate confrontation with Anakin, another to delve deeper into the journey of the mysterious Boba Fett, or even the first live-action series dedicated to Ahsoka, the galaxy far, far away had a (too?) tendency to be filler.
Andor was supposed to follow in the footsteps of its counterparts and capitalize on the critical success of Rogue One. Among the latest Star Wars films, Gareth Edwards' proposal was the only one to gain favor with the public.
His spin-off series surprised in more ways than one. It stood out as a spirited drama set in a totalitarian universe. No Jedi, no Force, but humans trying to resist the Empire. Ultimately, by its creator Tony Gilroy's own admission, Andor owes more to historical stories like A French Village than any other Star Wars production. The creation of the planet Ghorman is also a tribute to the French Resistance. As the finale approached, the Disney+ series promised to tie up the introduction of the adventures of Jyn Erso, K2-SO, Chirrut Imwe, and especially Cassian Andor. But the finale delivered one final twist. Creator Tony Gilroy explains to Entertainment Weekly his choice and what consequences it could have on the franchise.
A New Hope
In the final moments, Bix returns to the screen. She left Cassian a year earlier, aware that their relationship could taint the rebel's commitment. She also sends him a farewell message. "I can't be the reason you leave. If you give all of this up for me, I'll never forgive myself." A sacrifice that already gave Rogue One a new meaning, which made the character's disappearance more poignant and painful. By agreeing to die to retrieve the Death Star plans, he was giving up all hope of ever seeing Bix again.
What he didn't know, and neither did the audience, was that Bix didn't leave alone. She was carrying their child. Tony Gilroy confirms the baby's parentage. He adds that the heroine knew this when she packed up and left. It's even what prompted her to step aside to give Cassian the opportunity to advance the cause and give the Rebels a clear advantage against the Empire.
But more than anything, it gives Gilroy an opportunity to end his series on the possibility of a brighter future. Cassian's child embodies a new generation who could live free. He is literally what the Rebels are fighting for, what there is still hope for under the Empire's rule. Upon his death, the protagonist played by Diego Luna leaves behind crucial information to enable a victory for the Rebel Alliance, as well as a human being who will grow up with his vision of the world shared by Bix. He will also continue to live on through the stories told by Adria Arjona's character.
Please, no spin-off series...
Tony Gilroy also raises a question that viewers dread. By summoning Cassian's child, the creator gives the galaxy far, far away a new character to exploit. However, he wants to be reassuring; there is no question of paving the way for a new spin-off.
We hope that Star Wars will leave it to viewers to imagine what the future holds for this child. While there are plenty of theories about the identity of this character, with some suggesting Poe Dameron, we have to admit that we would prefer if Disney had given everyone the opportunity to form their own opinion on the matter. For once...
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