Online Series: Star Wars Andor on D+

[Osprey]

I watched Rogue One last night for the first time since it came out. Maybe I should've re-watched it sooner because it would've helped me to understand Season 2 a little better. For example, I kept wondering during the season who this Galen Erso was that characters kept mentioning. Apparently, we were expected to remember him from the movie. The same goes for Krennic. I missed the significance of him in the season because I completely forgot that he was in the movie (and the main villain, no less). In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few familiar faces. I didn't realize that so many actors in Andor were actually reprising their Rogue One roles. In all, I might've gotten even more out of Season 2 if my memory of the movie hadn't been so hazy.

At least I got more out of the movie by having just watched the series. Knowing Cassian and his backstory, particularly, helped. When he tells Jyn that he's been fighting the Empire since he was 6 years old, I was able to think back to the Season 1 flashback of him as a child being discovered and adopted. In fact, it's interesting how Cassian being the main character of the series made him feel more like the main character of the movie, whereas Jyn felt more like the main character 8 years ago.

Also interesting was how I could sense that Tony Gilroy didn't have the same freedom that he had on Andor. For example, I imagine that he was told that he needed to have a Jedi-like character and a comic relief android because audiences expect those in a Star Wars movie. There were definitely moments when I felt like I was watching a Disney Star Wars project, whereas I never felt that while watching Andor.

Anyways, I enjoyed it 8 years ago, but particularly enjoyed it on re-watch, largely because of the new familiarity and context. Also, I didn't mind the lack of action in the series, but it was still nice that the movie serves as the action-packed, high-stakes finale that the series couldn't have.

 

[Jussi]

I watched Rogue One last night for the first time since it came out. Maybe I should've re-watched it sooner because it would've helped me to understand Season 2 a little better. For example, I kept wondering during the season who this Galen Erso was that characters kept mentioning. Apparently, we were expected to remember him from the movie. The same goes for Krennic. I missed the significance of him in the season because I completely forgot that he was in the movie (and the main villain, no less). In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few familiar faces. I didn't realize that so many actors in Andor were actually reprising their Rogue One roles. In all, I might've gotten even more out of Season 2 if my memory of the movie hadn't been so hazy.

At least I got more out of the movie by having just watched the series. Knowing Cassian and his backstory, particularly, helped. When he tells Jyn that he's been fighting the Empire since he was 6 years old, I was able to think back to the Season 1 flashback of him as a child being discovered and adopted. In fact, it's interesting how Cassian being the main character of the series made him feel more like the main character of the movie, whereas Jyn felt more like the main character 8 years ago.

Also interesting was how I could sense that Tony Gilroy didn't have the same freedom that he had on Andor. For example, I imagine that he was told that he needed to have a Jedi-like character and a comic relief android because audiences expects those in a Star Wars movie. There were definitely moments when I felt like I was watching a Disney Star Wars project, whereas I never felt that while watching Andor.

Anyways, I enjoyed it 8 years ago, but particularly enjoyed it on re-watch, largely because of the new familiarity and context. Also, I didn't mind the lack of action in the series, but it was still nice that the movie serves as the action-packed, high-stakes finale that the series couldn't have.

Tony Gilroy rewrote and reshot a lot of Rogue One. Are you forgetting that Gareth Edwards is still credited as the director of the movie? Gilroy didn't write the original script.

https://collider.com/tony-gilroy-saved-star-wars-rogue-one/

 

[Sanderson]

Yeah, Gilroy was a late addition to improve the movie, he was not part of ther crew until principal photography was already finished.

I also don't get this constant need to create a fictional way of "Disney Star Wars". Somehow people drone on and on about how Disney is trying to force this and Disney is trying to force that, or how Disney is pushing for a certain style. There has never been any indication that Disney has done much at all regarding any of the projects, and they sure as heck haven't tried to push a certain style onto the franchise. If anything, all the different projects we actually got indicate that Disney has been rather hands-off in what can be made. Their main focus seems to have been on costs, money made, and the amount of projects (e.g. "we now have Disney+, we need a bunch of shows for it!"), not on what the projects actually consisted of.

 

[Jussi]

Yeah, Gilroy was a late addition to improve the movie, he was not part of ther crew until principal photography was already finished.

I also don't get this constant need to create a fictional way of "Disney Star Wars". Somehow people drone on and on about how Disney is trying to force this and Disney is trying to force that, or how Disney is pushing for a certain style. There has never been any indication that Disney has done much at all regarding any of the projects, and they sure as heck haven't tried to push a certain style onto the franchise. If anything, all the different projects we actually got indicate that Disney has been rather hands-off in what can be made. Their main focus seems to have been on costs, money made, and the amount of projects (e.g. "we now have Disney+, we need a bunch of shows for it!"), not on what the projects actually consisted of.

Yeah, Lucasfilm has operated fairly independently. As has Marvel Studios. Bob Chapek tried to interfere by pushing them to release more content especially for Disney+and insertin his banker buddies as middlemen in the creative process. But Rogue One for example came long before that.

 

[Jussi]

‘Andor’ Season 2 Emmy Submissions Revealed in 23 Categories Including Directing, Writing and Four Guest Stars (EXCLUSIVE)

Disney+ officially submits Season 2 of “Andor” for 23 Emmy categories, including Drama Series, and acting consideration for Diego Luna and more.

variety.com

Screenwriter Dan Gilroy, best known for penning the thriller “Nightcrawler,” has chosen episode 209, “Welcome to the Rebellion,” for his drama writing bid, which will pit him against the scribes Mike White (“The White Lotus”) and Noah Wyle (“The Pitt”). At the same time, helmer Janus Metz will compete in the drama directing category for episode 208, “Who Are You?” facing off against the likes of Mark Mylod (“The Last of Us”) and Ben Stiller (“Severance”).

Star Diego Luna, who also serves as an executive producer, is again submitted for lead drama actor for his portrayal of Cassian Andor. While not nominated for the show’s first season, Luna’s performance this time brings more internal conflict and character evolution — an arc Disney+ hopes will resonate with voters. Luna will also be up for supporting actor (limited series) consideration for his role as boxing coach Andy Lujan in Hulu’s miniseries “La Máquina.”

The supporting actor category features possible bids from Stellan Skarsgård and Kyle Soller, while the supporting actress category includes a packed roster: Denise Gough, Adria Arjona, Faye Marsay, Elizabeth Dulau, and fan favorite Genevieve O’Reilly, who in particular, was highlighted for her turn of Mon Mothma, a senator torn between personal sacrifice and political revolution.

In the guest actor category, Disney+ is banking on the performances from Ben Mendelsohn, who reprises his role as Orson Krennic in episode 211, “Who Else Knows?”; Forest Whitaker, returning as Saw Gerrera in episode 205, “I Have Friends Everywhere”; and newcomer Benjamin Bratt, appearing in episode 209. Varada Sethu is the sole submission in the guest actress category for her performance in episode 206, “What a Festive Evening.”

 

[Pranzo Oltranzista]

Hopefully, we never hear again that "Star Wars is for kids" or "Star Wars isn't high art" when Disney is criticized for making silly or bad SW. Andor proves that it's for adults, too, and can be a whole lot better than it often is.

Fallacy of composition?

 

[Osprey]

Tony Gilroy rewrote and reshot a lot of Rogue One. Are you forgetting that Gareth Edwards is still credited as the director of the movie? Gilroy didn't write the original script.

I did forget that, yeah. Thanks for the reminder.

I also don't get this constant need to create a fictional way of "Disney Star Wars". Somehow people drone on and on about how Disney is trying to force this and Disney is trying to force that, or how Disney is pushing for a certain style. There has never been any indication that Disney has done much at all regarding any of the projects, and they sure as heck haven't tried to push a certain style onto the franchise. If anything, all the different projects we actually got indicate that Disney has been rather hands-off in what can be made. Their main focus seems to have been on costs, money made, and the amount of projects (e.g. "we now have Disney+, we need a bunch of shows for it!"), not on what the projects actually consisted of.

"Disney Star Wars" means Star Wars under Kathleen Kennedy, who became President of Lucasfilm when it was sold to Disney. Since then, nothing has been produced without her approval or supervision and she's been very hands on.

 

[HanSolo]

I did forget that, yeah. Thanks for the reminder.

"Disney Star Wars" means Star Wars under Kathleen Kennedy, who was made President when the merger happened. Since then, nothing has been produced without her approval or supervision and she's been very hands on.

Which is wild to think about the ocean of difference between Andor and something like The Acolyte. She fought for something like Andor which ended up being outstanding but also presumably gave every green light to the Acolyte which was an amateurish disaster on almost every level.

 

[MadDevil]

Which is wild to think about the ocean of difference between Andor and something like The Acolyte. She fought for something like Andor which ended up being outstanding but also presumably gave every green light to the Acolyte which was an amateurish disaster on almost every level.

Maybe Gilroy is just a better creative than the ones they've had running most of the other shows? Not that it absolves KK from anything as she's still the one signing off on those decisions.

 

[Jussi]

Which is wild to think about the ocean of difference between Andor and something like The Acolyte. She fought for something like Andor which ended up being outstanding but also presumably gave every green light to the Acolyte which was an amateurish disaster on almost every level.

And also greenlit Skeleton Crew, which was really good.

 

[kingsfan28]

Gilroy cast his son [on the right] to be part of the bumbling Mia Pei crew along with his nephew [ on the left] . Gilroy had them both eaten in the same scene by a Yavin monster. Probably shouldn't have bugged him so much to be in it.

 

[kingsfan28]

Which is wild to think about the ocean of difference between Andor and something like The Acolyte. She fought for something like Andor which ended up being outstanding but also presumably gave every green light to the Acolyte which was an amateurish disaster on almost every level.

With the Acolyte I always saw as a "looks good on paper" idea . Once they went into development and started shooting that's when they probably realized it wasn't going to be a hit. I know Kennedy gave Hedland a lot of room for the show and was hands off, but here was a case when a first time SW director needs some oversight and direction from the executive producers. Mando worked b/c all 3 ep's worked together both on the show and scripts.

 

[Jussi]

Gilroy cast his son [on the right] to be part of the bumbling Mia Pei crew along with his nephew [ on the left] . Gilroy had them both eaten in the same scene by a Yavin monster. Probably shouldn't have bugged him so much to be in it.

View attachment 1042564

NEPOTISM!

 

[Osprey]

Which is wild to think about the ocean of difference between Andor and something like The Acolyte. She fought for something like Andor which ended up being outstanding but also presumably gave every green light to the Acolyte which was an amateurish disaster on almost every level.

I think that it shows what she's capable of when she restrains herself and when she doesn't. Andor was safe and traditional. The Acolyte was her throwing caution and sense to wind by hiring an unqualified person to shake up Star Wars. I think that she understands that she needs projects like Andor that appeal to fans to get away with ones like The Acolyte that appeal to her. They'd likely be of more consistent quality if she'd stick to making the Star Wars that fans want, but she can't seem to resist doing what she wants half of the time.

 

[matt trick]

I don't know how you put out shit like Acolyte and think it's acceptable, especially with its budget. I was fine with Ashoka and Kenobi. They weren't good, and in some cases I think actually detract from some of the bigger shows, but they were okay. Given the amount of content produced, some of it will not land well. I've always found that even with it's bad, Star Wars brings me joy and entertainment. The Acolyte changed that perspective; it was absolutely dreadful.

It has nothing to do with the number of women in leading roles, and everything to do with the awful dialogue, inconsistent character decision-making, and sloppy writing. Every major woman character in Andor is excellent. Mon, Deedra, Bix, Kleya, Vel are all spectacular. I'd watch a spin-off on any of them regardless of Cassian, Luthen, Partagaz, Krennic, or K2SOs inclusion.

To not find another project for O'Reilly would be a miss. She's outstanding (and benefited from outstanding writing/direction) and has a broad story to tell. Though I don't know more needs to be told.

 

[Hasbro]

. Every major woman character in Andor is excellent. Mon, Deedra, Bix, Kleya, Vel are all spectacular. I'd watch a spin-off on any of them regardless of Cassian, Luthen, Partagaz, Krennic, or K2SOs inclusion.

Eddy Karn?