Love, Loss, and Revolution: Inside the Making of the Star Wars Prequel Series
As Andor season 2 continues to captivate audiences, one thing is clear—this is not your typical Star Wars series.
It’s a layered, political, and deeply human story that explores the roots of rebellion and resistance.
And at the heart of it is Diego Luna, reprising his role as Cassian Andor, the brooding hero from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. In a recent panel appearance, Diego Luna talks playing Cassian Andor and reveals the emotional and philosophical depth behind the show.
Speaking to a packed audience at a THR Frontrunners event in West Hollywood, Luna emphasized that while Andor has all the visual spectacle of Star Wars—laser gun battles, TIE fighters, and high-stakes missions—it’s ultimately a show about love, connection, and what motivates people to fight for something greater than themselves.
A Revolution Rooted in Emotion
“You can’t talk revolution if there’s no love involved,” Luna said. “What drives revolution is that sense of love, of belonging, of family. That is what makes you fight.”
These words set the tone for how Diego Luna talks playing Cassian Andor, not just as a soldier, but as a man who evolves from a reluctant participant into a true believer. The second season of Andor digs deeper into the emotional stakes for each character, making it clear that rebellion isn’t just a political act—it’s personal.
The third episode of season two, titled “Harvest,” was screened during the event and offered a dramatic high point. The storyline centered around a complex wedding ceremony and a high-stakes rescue involving Andor and his partner Bix (played by Adria Arjona). Luna noted that these moments highlight the show’s ability to blend action with rich character development.
How the Show’s Creative Process Elevates the Story
In describing the collaborative nature of the series, Diego Luna talks playing Cassian Andor with admiration for the team behind Andor. Creator Tony Gilroy, known for his work on Rogue One, runs the production like a finely tuned machine. But what makes Andor stand out is how early the collaboration begins—especially with set designer Luke Hull.
“Tony will bring in the set designer at the writing stage,” Luna revealed. “If there’s going to be a cinema scene, he’ll sit with Luke and say, ‘It’s going to be wood, there will be five people, it’s going to be packed.’ Then he writes the scene with the space in mind.”
This detailed approach to storytelling ensures that the world of Andor feels authentic, not just as a backdrop, but as a lived-in environment where every action has meaning.
The Evolution of Cassian Andor
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is Cassian’s character arc. In season one, viewers saw a man trying to stay out of the fight, drawn into the rebellion almost against his will. In season two, Cassian becomes more aware of his purpose, driven by relationships and a desire for justice.
As Diego Luna talks playing Cassian Andor, he explains that the character’s journey is deeply personal. “Season two is about understanding why these characters make the choices they do. They’re not just capable of action—we understand their motivation. That’s the richness of the writing.”
The show’s structure—divided into four three-episode arcs—also helps deepen this journey, allowing time for development while moving the timeline closer to Rogue One.
Behind the Scenes: A Star Wars Story Like No Other
Luna also shared a humorous story from his early days as Andor, recalling how he was cast in Rogue One after a secretive meeting with director Gareth Edwards. “I couldn’t tell my family,” he laughed. “They flew me to London through the back door of a hotel for an audition. It was bizarre.”
Now, years later, the secrecy has given way to celebration. The success of Andor has proven that Star Wars fans are ready for more mature, complex narratives within the galaxy far, far away.
Conclusion: A Role That Redefines Rebellion
As Diego Luna talks playing Cassian Andor, it’s clear that the role has become more than just another character in a blockbuster franchise. Cassian represents the human heart of the rebellion, the reluctant hero whose journey mirrors the emotional cost of fighting for change.
With season two already deepening the lore and setting the stage for its connection to Rogue One, Luna’s performance anchors a series that continues to elevate what Star Wars can be.
