Season 2 of Andor is now over. Fans praised it for its writing quality and its faithfulness to the Star Wars universe. However, the absence of Jyn Erso, heroine of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, piqued fans' curiosity. Many were hoping for at least a cameo from Felicity Jones. But it never happened. Why?
For the sake of consistency
During a recent interview with Backstory Magazine, Tony Gilroy finally gave a clear answer. Indeed, the exclusion of Jyn Erso would be a decision the show's creator would have thought long and hard about.
I considered everything when writing season 2. Felicity is a wonderful actress. I know how much the fans love her. Many were clamoring for her appearance.
But according to him, this idea posed a major problem: once Jyn enters the story, you have to see it through. You can't just show her in the background or in an inconsequential scene. In addition to being artificial and unnecessary, it would have been especially dangerous for the balance of the narrative.
Jyn Erso's presence would have been difficult to justify
Indeed, Jyn Erso plays a central role in Rogue One, where she joins the Rebellion to lead a suicide mission and steal the Death Star plans. This film takes place very shortly after Andor.
The fact is that the Star Wars universe follows a strict timeline. However, in Rogue One, Saw Gerrera claims not to have seen Jyn in years. This is problematic because an appearance in Andor would have contradicted that information. It would have required explaining why she was there, what she was doing there, and how it fit with her own story.
Once you start integrating her, you have to create a complete narrative arc for her. Does she have to be linked to Saw? What happens next? What does she do? And what does Rogue One say? It just didn't add up.
It wasn't a studio choice
Contrary to what some rumors have claimed, Lucasfilm never forbade including Jyn Erso. The studio would have been fine with it. But Gilroy chose not to do it out of respect for the story and to avoid inconsistencies.
If I had found a way to do it without turning everything upside down, I don't think Lucasfilm would have said no.
So it would have been possible to please the fans. But Gilroy felt it was better to preserve the integrity of the story than give in to the temptation of a cameo.
Some fans understand and support this decision. Others regret the absence of Jyn, even for a short scene, a wink...
Regardless, Andor has established itself as one of the best Star Wars titles produced for Disney+ with its two seasons. And it probably owes its success to this great rigor.
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