Alan Tudyk tours Lucasfilm headquarters with Andor team, marking his first visit to the San Francisco campus since his role as K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. On Monday, June 1st, Tudyk returned alongside Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy and supervising sound editor Margit Pfeiffer, diving into an immersive behind-the-scenes experience at the iconic Presidio campus, renowned for its pivotal role in crafting the Star Wars legacy. The visit provided a unique glimpse into the creative heart of Lucasfilm and highlighted new stories behind the development of Andor and other Star Wars milestones.
Touring Iconic Locations and Meeting the Team
During this special visit, Alan Tudyk brought his two sons to share in the Star Wars excitement, creating a memorable family outing. He expressed his enthusiasm about returning by stating,
“This is the coolest day ever,”
—Alan Tudyk, Actor. Accompanying him were Tony Gilroy, Andor’s creator and executive producer, and Pablo Hidalgo of the Lucasfilm Story Group. The group explored notable locations throughout Lucasfilm headquarters, starting with an in-depth look at the historic campus and its creative spaces.
The group’s dynamic was evident throughout the tour, with Gilroy and Hidalgo exchanging friendly quips about their close partnership during Andor’s production. Gilroy humorously asked,
“Do you get sick of me talking about you?”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner, while emphasizing,
“I talk about you all the time.”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner. This collaboration contributed to integrating elements like Yavin 4 and the “Tarkin Massacre” on Ghorman into early episodes of Andor’s second season. Their extensive work together has deepened the lore explored in the most recent Star Wars content, much to the enthusiasm of fans.
Spotlight on Legendary Props and Architectural Highlights
No trip to Lucasfilm would be complete without visiting its famed landmarks. The tour made a stop at the illustrious Yoda Fountain, adorned by a statue designed by artist Lawrence Noble. Tony Gilroy kept the humor flowing, asking,
“We couldn’t get a B2EMO statue?”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner, while Alan Tudyk added to the fun with,
“Is this actual imported swamp water?”
—Alan Tudyk, Actor. These light-hearted moments showcased the enduring sense of play and curiosity that has long characterized Lucasfilm’s culture.
As the group continued their exploration, they ascended to another area of the headquarters, searching for the beloved droid B2EMO. When they finally located the character, Tony Gilroy’s excitement was clear, greeting the droid: “Hello darling!” Their encounter highlighted the craftsmanship of Lucasfilm’s droid department, the same creators behind original icons from the Star Wars universe. The department’s attention to detail and commitment to the well-worn aesthetic of the franchise were clearly on display. Gilroy, observing the props’ unique appearance, commented,
“Is there a funk shop where you guys just decide on how to get ‘funk’ on everything?”
—Tony Gilroy, Showrunner.
Behind the Art: Design Influences and Legacy Connections
The tour concluded with a nod to the franchise’s creative legacy, featuring a towering Death Trooper statue reminiscent of the menacing characters from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Pablo Hidalgo explained their origins, saying,
“They were initially designed to match the work of Ralph McQuarrie’s original stormtroopers. He would draw them tall and skinny, just because that was his art style. So they tried to mimic that in Rogue One.”
—Pablo Hidalgo, Lucasfilm Story Group. This attention to legacy design emphasizes the continued influence of artists like Ralph McQuarrie on present-day Star Wars visuals, connecting past and present for longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Celebrating the Franchise’s History and Looking Ahead
As the tour reached its end, Hidalgo presented Gilroy with a copy of
“Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire”
by renowned historian Chris Kempshall. This recent publication has served as a reference for many fans following Andor’s season finale, enriching the background of the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. Addressing the book’s significance, Hidalgo stated,
“We made a book written by a real-world historian, charged by the real-world history of Star Wars.”
—Pablo Hidalgo, Lucasfilm Story Group.
In a humorous closing exchange, Alan Tudyk, noticing a prestigious award on display, quipped,
“I saw an Emmy in a case back there, I’ll just go grab that.”
—Alan Tudyk, Actor. These interactions encapsulated the camaraderie and spirit of collaboration that have helped make Star Wars a cultural phenomenon. The day’s journey reflected more than nostalgia—it highlighted the creative energy and passion that continue to drive new stories within the franchise.
The tour at Lucasfilm headquarters with Tony Gilroy, Alan Tudyk, and the Andor team underscored the blend of legacy, innovation, and humor that define the Star Wars creative process. With Andor continuing to attract viewers and the franchise’s story growing richer, visits like these provide fans and creators alike with renewed inspiration and a deeper connection to the worlds they love.
