The Andor series has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, captivated by this dark and violent foray into the Star Wars universe. Set in the years leading up to the suicide mission in Rogue One, it follows the fate of both Imperial and Rebel soldiers. Given its success, it's hard to believe it might never have seen the light of day... At least not without the tenacity of Kathleen Kennedy.
Andor, an acclaimed Star Wars series
Airing on Disney+ with two new episodes per week, the second and final season of Andor officially ended on May 13. The Star Wars series gave curious viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the Rebellion's battle against the Empire, a few years before Cassian stole the Death Star plans in Rogue One. While officially centered on the character of Diego Luna, the Rebel Alliance pilot, the series explores the fates of many other villains and heroes in the galaxy, some of whom may even have their own spin-off in the future. But don't count on Tony Gilroy, showrunner of Andor and director of Rogue One, to make them happen. While he had initially pitched 5 seasons of the series to Disney, he quickly realized that the task risked driving him crazy. Not only did he not see himself spending so much time in the Star Wars universe, but he also revealed to our colleagues at Vanity Fair that he was tempted to abandon the project... Andor, a burden for Tony Girloy saved by Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen Kennedy, the president of LucasFilm, targeted by (very) persistent rumors of "retirement" last February, saved the Star Wars series, despite Tony Girloy's desire to completely abandon it. the project. Not only did the showrunner struggle with the writing process, but he also thought the project would be a failure. Before the release of Season 1 in 2022, he hoped the Covid-19 pandemic would kill the show in the bud, allowing him to "jump ship" from this mammoth project.
There was a period where I really wanted the show to die and I wanted out. When COVID hit, I was like, "Oh, thank God! Covid is going to kill the show and I won't have to do it." For a long time, I was like, "I can't believe she got me into this."
Ultimately, the pandemic's enforced delay had some positive effects on the show, as Tony Gilroy was able to completely rethink it and then get Kathleen Kennedy to greenlight all of his demands.
She championed the show, protected me, and assembled a team. When we started challenging Kathy, she kept saying yes: "Oh, I'll set the first scene in a whorehouse," "Okay"; “I’ll have them kill two cops,” “Okay”; 'We want the production designer from Chernobyl,' 'Okay, good idea.' She supported our series and got us everything we wanted.
Well aware of the immense pressure Kathleen Kennedy has been under as president of Lucasfilm since the company was acquired by Disney, Tony Girloy speaks of his admiration for the producer's nerves of steel. Despite the criticism she faces from some fans, and the great aggression towards her on the Internet and social media, she was able to support this project until the end... With the success she is credited with today. Between the showrunner ready to give up on one side, and her detractors on the other, Kathleen Kennedy could have thrown in the towel, but it's thanks to her that Andor saw the light of day!
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