Andor's Controversial Storyline: Tony Gilroy's Exclusive Interview

Exploring Andor's most controversial storyline, showrunner Tony Gilroy provides exclusive insights into creative decisions and fan reactions in a recent interview. Gilroy addresses the choices made in the series, including a particularly divisive plot point.

Gilroy expressed immense pride in his team's dedication to bringing his vision to life. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the crew, highlighting the imaginative engineering required throughout the five-year production process. Do you think this dedication shows in the final product?

Addressing the Cinta Controversy in Andor Season 2

One of the most talked-about aspects of Andor season 2 was Gilroy's decision regarding Cinta, a character in a queer relationship. The choice to end her storyline sparked debate among viewers, leading to discussions about representation and familiar tropes.

Gilroy defended his decision, explaining that he aimed to treat all relationships equally, regardless of orientation. He stated he didn't want to treat them with exception of other characters, and he was surprised by the negative reaction, but remained steadfast in his creative choice.

He questioned whether treating the relationship like any other should warrant criticism, emphasizing his commitment to equal treatment across the board. What are your thoughts on this perspective?

While acknowledging the mixed feelings surrounding the storyline, Gilroy stood by his artistic choices. He pointed out the difficulty in pleasing everyone, suggesting that any decision would inevitably face scrutiny.

Discussing the broader narrative, Gilroy revealed that the overall story structure was mapped out early in the development process. While some details changed due to unforeseen circumstances like Covid-19, the core trajectory remained consistent.

He mentioned specific instances where initial plans were altered, such as scaling down a festival scene and cutting an episode featuring K-2SO due to budgetary constraints. How do these changes impact the final viewing experience?

Tony Gilroy's Thoughts on Marvel Movies and K-2SO's Role

Gilroy shared his perspective on why Marvel movies sometimes "fail," suggesting the constant pursuit of a MacGuffin (like the Tesseract) can become repetitive. He contrasted this with Andor's approach, emphasizing the importance of character development and thematic depth.

He also discussed the strategic decision to introduce K-2SO later in the series, explaining that including the character too early would limit storytelling possibilities. Gilroy felt that holding back on K-2SO allowed for a more impactful and meaningful inclusion.

Regarding the inclusion of events from "Star Wars Rebels," Gilroy acknowledged the need to respect established canon. He explained how they approached incorporating these elements, aiming to tell the "true thing that happened" while maintaining consistency with the existing narrative.

Limitations, according to Gilroy, are a "godsend" as they provide much-needed structure and direction. He emphasized the overwhelming nature of creating such an expansive world and the importance of having fixed points to guide the storytelling process.

Gilroy also touched upon the collaborative nature of the production, highlighting the contributions of various department heads, including visual effects, stunt coordination, hair and makeup, and casting. He emphasized the dedication and creativity of the entire team.

He described the process of building the world of Andor as a meticulous, step-by-step endeavor, requiring constant decision-making and a willingness to adapt. Gilroy stressed the importance of clear communication and strong management skills to avoid being overwhelmed by the project's scale.

Discussing the final shot of the series, Gilroy explained his desire to end on a hopeful note, given the often dark and challenging nature of the story. He felt it was crucial to offer a sense of upliftment and purpose to the audience.

Looking ahead, Gilroy expressed interest in pursuing other projects, including a movie about movie music starring Oscar Isaac. While not ruling out a return to the Star Wars universe entirely, he indicated a desire to explore different creative avenues.

In conclusion, Tony Gilroy's interview offers valuable insights into the creative process behind Andor, addressing controversial storylines, and highlighting the collaborative effort that brought this unique Star Wars series to life.