In a significant shift for Star Wars storytelling, Tony Gilroy on Cassian and Bix’s relationship in Andor has reshaped the way fans interpret the franchise’s major romances, especially as revealed in the second season of the series. As both Gilroy and Diego Luna have explained in recent interviews, Andor’s depiction of Cassian and Bix’s connection fundamentally alters long-standing theories about Cassian Andor’s role in Rogue One and his dynamic with Jyn Erso, adding maturity and complexity to the galaxy far, far away.
Exploring the Foundation of Cassian and Bix’s Relationship in Andor
Since the debut of Andor, audiences have noticed the rich backstory between Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna, and Bix Caleen. Their history is evident throughout the first season, but season 2 brings their romance to the forefront, developing it into a central storyline. Tony Gilroy, the showrunner, notes that crafting this emotionally charged narrative gave the show a resonance not commonly seen in Star Wars romance arcs. Gilroy’s decisions have direct implications for how the events and relationships in Rogue One are now perceived by fans.
During an interview with Collider, Tony Gilroy addressed lingering speculation stemming from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, notably regarding a possible romance between Cassian and Jyn Erso. He explained that while a romantic subplot between Cassian and Jyn was initially considered, it was ultimately left out of the final film. Gilroy stated,
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“I knew very well what had happened with Jyn and Cassian in Rogue One and what had happened in the elevator. I knew that scene very, very well. I probably went back and looked at that. I was pleased to see that my memory of it was of all the other takes and other things, and I was really pleased to see how we’d edited that, that it was really ambiguous about what it was…”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner
This carefully crafted ambiguity gave Gilroy space to further develop Cassian’s narrative in Andor. He saw no contradiction; instead, he recognized that Cassian’s ties to Bix in season 2 naturally shifted fan perceptions of his connection to Jyn Erso. According to Gilroy, the bond shared by Cassian and Bix is defined by an open and mature understanding, as he elaborates:
“they have a very healthy idea of what the different calibrations of love are.”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner
Diego Luna’s Perspective: Bix as the Defining Relationship for Cassian
Diego Luna, star of Andor, has reinforced the importance of Bix Caleen in Cassian’s life. Speaking in a separate interview, Luna emphasized the enduring impact and depth of their relationship, a theme that resonates through the show’s portrayal of their interactions and memories. According to Luna, Bix was not just a romantic interest; she was foundational to Cassian’s sense of self and identity.
Luna explained,
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“For me, that relationship is everything. It’s beyond what — at my age — I can call love. This is the first friend, the love of his life, the first kiss, the first person who was there when he did something wrong. She’s his home, his country. It is as vast and as rich as possible. That relationship is everything for him. It’s the last thing that connects him with the past. She is basically the only stamp of who he is. There’s no one else, you know, there’s no one else.”
—Diego Luna, Actor
Luna also reflected on a symbolic moment from the series — the Ferrixian hand dance from season 1, episode 4 — as an emotional encapsulation of their bond:
“I think that dance says it really nicely. Obviously, if he ever has an opportunity to think for a second about himself, she will be part of that thought. Because there is no him without her.”
—Diego Luna, Actor
Bix represents more than Cassian’s romantic history; she embodies his life, origins, and the memories that anchor him to his identity across the unfolding events of the series.
The Fan Debate: Jyn and Cassian’s Romance Versus Canon Reality
With the emergence of Andor’s nuanced relationships, Tony Gilroy has recognized the passionate fanbase committed to the idea of a romantic connection between Cassian and Jyn. This theory, while popular, never materialized as canon in Rogue One. Gilroy was mindful of the expectations fans developed over the years, particularly as he shaped new dynamics in Andor.
Gilroy expressed an understanding for fans invested in Cassian and Jyn’s romance, even as he prioritized narrative authenticity in Andor:
“I have to do what I have to do,”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner
He openly acknowledged the effort and imagination of those who explored Cassian and Jyn’s relationship in fan fiction and discussions:
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“I felt bad for the people who had invested so much time in the fan fiction and stuff like that. The people who really had gone deep on it. It’s not considered canon, and it’s not something I have to pay attention to, legally, within the order, but people worked hard on that stuff, and it meant a lot to them. You don’t want to trample on somebody’s flower garden, you know I’m sure there’s somebody who will never get over that. I apologize. I really do.”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner
Canonically, the love story belongs to Bix and Cassian. Gilroy’s thoughtful remarks show he is aware of both fan investment and the importance of storytelling integrity, apologizing to those who felt let down but standing by his creative decisions in Andor’s narrative.
Complex Relationships: Andor’s Approach to Love and Companionship
Gilroy and Luna’s insights highlight an important development in Star Wars storytelling — the move away from black-and-white depictions of love. Through Andor, viewers are presented with relationships that are multifaceted and realistic, blending friendship, love, companionship, and even physical intimacy. This complexity deepens the emotional resonance for the audience and reflects mature, authentic relationships instead of simplified love stories.
Cassian’s feelings for Bix do not erase or diminish the moments he shared with Jyn Erso in Rogue One. The narrative acknowledges that meaningful connections can exist alongside one another, layered with feelings of loss, companionship, longing, and history. Gilroy’s nuanced characterization portrays Cassian and Bix as “sexually liberated,” allowing their bond to exist without strict boundaries or limitations.
This approach, as seen through Cassian’s journey before and after Bix leaves his life, allows for a richer exploration of human connections within the Star Wars universe. It does not require Cassian to forget Bix in order to feel something significant for Jyn; instead, it recognizes that relationships change and adapt, just as individuals do over time.
Andor, as led by Gilroy and with Luna’s performance at its heart, stands out for its willingness to engage seriously with themes of love, identity, and personal history. The complexity of Cassian’s ties — both past and present — brings greater depth to the saga and honors the intricate storytelling fans have come to expect from the franchise.
The Enduring Legacy of Cassian and Bix in the Star Wars Saga
Tony Gilroy’s vision for Cassian and Bix’s story marks a turning point in how love is portrayed in Star Wars. By emphasizing ambiguity over definitive romantic pairings and embracing mature themes, Andor broadens the emotional landscape of the saga. Fans of both Rogue One and Andor are left with a richer tapestry of possibilities and interpretations around Cassian’s relationships, informed by authentic human experiences and evolving emotional bonds.
As Andor continues to influence perceptions of pivotal characters such as Cassian Andor and Bix Caleen, and even revisits the connections with figures like Jyn Erso, the Star Wars universe becomes more reflective of the endless shades of real love and loyalty. Through this, Gilroy, Luna, and the broader cast and creative team have delivered some of the most thoughtful storytelling in modern Star Wars, ensuring Cassian’s journey—and his relationships—remain unforgettable.
