Tony Gilroy discusses Andor Season 2 creative decisions in a wide-ranging interview reflecting on the Star Wars series’ conclusion, delving into pivotal moments, scrapped storylines, and character arcs including Bix, Luthen, and Wilmon. Speaking just after the acclaimed finale, Gilroy offers insights into his narrative choices, revealing details fans have debated since the show’s release and exploring the impact of those choices on the future of both Star Wars storytelling and its audience.
Examining Difficult Choices and Unexplored Storylines from Andor’s Finale
With Andor Season 2 concluded just a month ago, Tony Gilroy remains at the center of the conversation, engaging in a post-mortem on the series’ two–season journey. Gilroy has faced relentless press attention, answering follow-ups about creative decisions and thematic directions taken throughout the series. Touching on everything from Bix’s quest for justice to a Bix-related mission that never made it to screen, he explores narrative paths both taken and abandoned during development.
The finale, which included a reignited discussion about ISB’s role and the pivotal moment of Partagaz’s suicide, stood out for its willingness to address the complexities and darker aspects of rebellion and empire alike. Gilroy faced no internal resistance portraying heavy thematic content, saying it was accurate to the kinds of accountability seen in history, especially referencing the military setting and cultural resonances such as the practice of seppuku in Tokyo.
Luthen’s relationship with Kleya also came under scrutiny, with Gilroy emphasizing deliberate choices to clarify this dynamic while allowing enough openness for viewers to compose their own backstories for characters like Partagaz and Krennic. As Gilroy notes, details left intentionally ambiguous enable the audience to participate in world-building, enhancing engagement and interpretation.
How Bix’s Storyline Evolved: Deleted Missions and Its Impact
Bix Caleen’s role, portrayed by Adria Arjona, became a focal point for fan interest, particularly during her revenge arc against Gorst. Gilroy reveals internal debate over whether Bix should have consumed Gorst’s cupcake as an act of poetic retribution, a choice ultimately sidelined by team consensus that it would diminish the scene’s seriousness. He reflects on these moments as instances of balancing narrative tone against creative impulses.
After pivotal events, including Bix killing Gorst, questions surfaced regarding Bix’s trajectory: did she continue her exploits with Cassian and Vel after joining the Alliance at Yavin? Gilroy describes a transitional period during which characters gravitated toward the organized Rebellion, notably as their trust in Luthen waned. Yavin became not just a base but a new home, with Bix’s technical expertise contributing to the growing Alliance.
Gilroy recounts writing, but ultimately omitting, a scene where Bix is assigned a mission by Luthen involving the verification of an Imperial weapon’s reliability—a subplot analogous to a high-stakes arms negotiation. The creation and subsequent exclusion of such sequences illustrate the evolving nature of Andor’s storytelling as scripts were refined to focus on core arcs.
Insights on Bix’s Pregnancy and Its Narrative Ramifications
Addressing a key thread from the season, Gilroy confirms that Bix was aware of her pregnancy upon leaving with Cassian, information shared directly with actress Adria Arjona for character motivation. Elizabeth Dulau and Vel Sartha’s dialogue with Bix remained carefully ambiguous, with Gilroy expressing that Vel may have sensed the situation or perhaps only acted out of concern. He admits these layers add nuance, allowing lines to resonate on multiple levels regardless of how much is known by the characters themselves.
This decision shifted dynamics and prompted reflection on whether any other characters were explicitly aware of Bix’s condition. Gilroy’s openness to interpretation allows for richer fan discussion, keeping secondary interactions alive in viewers’ imaginations.
He also touches upon transitions for Cassian and associates after major operations, such as the Aldhani mission, and addresses the complexity of Luthen’s influence on the team, stating,
“Luthen has laid the tracks. Well, he’s shut the door,”
and hinting at deteriorating trust among his former allies as the rebellion formalizes its efforts on Yavin.
Wilmon’s Unexpected Journey: Character Arc and Fan Reception
The evolution of Wilmon’s character is marked by unpredictability, both in planning and performance. Portrayed by Ben Amor, Wilmon was initially positioned as a character with an uncertain fate following his escape from Ferrix. Gilroy and his creative team noticed Ben Amor’s developing screen presence throughout production and decided to expand Wilmon’s importance, transforming him into a soldier and a hero whose story intertwines with both Luthen and Saw Gerrera.
This growth was not fully charted in early planning; rather, Gilroy allowed his impressions from raw footage and performance to guide adaptations in the storyline. As a result, Wilmon matured into a pivotal figure within the Rebellion, his journey echoing broader themes of mentorship, influence, and allegiance that run through Andor’s second season. Wilmon’s shifting loyalties, with one foot in Yavin and one eye on Luthen, capture the series’ ongoing tension between collective action and individual agency.
On fan reception, Gilroy expresses surprise and appreciation for the positive response to Wilmon’s arc, discussing how casting choices and the malleability of his story provided space for character development.
“How good is this kid? What can we do with him? Can we really lift him up?”
Gilroy and his team asked themselves, ultimately deciding that Wilmon should return to Luthen after his time with Saw, rather than stay away from the core narrative.
Fan Responses to Cassian, Jyn, and Bix’s Relationships
One controversial topic in the Andor fandom has been the nature of Cassian Andor’s relationships with Jyn Erso and Bix Caleen. Gilroy anticipated strong emotions over these pairings, noting that fans invested heavily in the dynamic between Cassian and Jyn in Rogue One. However, he drew upon his memory of the ambiguity present in Rogue One’s final scenes and the characters’ nuanced backstories, asserting there was no canonical need to resolve romantic outcomes. While he recognizes the depth of feeling in fan-created stories, Gilroy maintained focus on his own interpretation and the narrative demands of Andor.
Cassian’s romantic history within the show is depicted as multi-dimensional, with Bix and Cassian’s shared past providing a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Referencing instances where Cassian’s mother alludes to his various relationships—including those with characters like Windi on Niamos—Gilroy underscores the realism he sought in portraying Cassian as a man shaped by complex personal experiences rather than any single romance.
Reflecting on this fan investment, Gilroy says he regrets disappointing some with his canon choices but frames it as an unavoidable aspect of storytelling in a shared universe. He encourages viewers to recognize the multitude of connections that form over a person’s life, both platonic and romantic, emphasizing the depth of history that shapes every character—a sentiment especially relevant to the Star Wars franchise’s expansive lore.
Behind the Scenes Support: Kathleen Kennedy’s Impact
Turning to the leadership behind Andor, Gilroy credits Kathleen Kennedy for her steadfast support throughout the series’ development and production. He recounts her involvement from the earliest stages, including persuading him to join the project and facilitating forward momentum through the unpredictable circumstances of strikes, the pandemic, and other industry obstacles. Kennedy’s role extended to high-level script approvals and major casting decisions, with Gilroy describing the process as consultative and generally harmonious, with few disagreements on significant matters.
Gilroy recalls moments of collaboration on major creative swings, including Kennedy’s support for unconventional choices such as Ben Bratt’s casting. Financial stewardship was a complex aspect of Kennedy’s responsibilities, yielding both satisfaction and inevitable negotiation, but Gilroy references her “rugged” perseverance and ability to endure significant scrutiny as distinguishing qualities required for such a prominent executive role.
He draws comparisons between his own experiences with intense public observation, referencing the pressure of creating The Bourne Legacy under the eye of emerging internet culture, and the magnified scrutiny Kennedy faces as the steward of Lucasfilm. Gilroy observes,
“Imagine what it’s like for her. Every single thing that she touches.”
The Enduring Legacy and Future for Star Wars Storytelling
Throughout the interview, Gilroy reflects on the journey of creating Andor, the collaborative process with actors like Diego Luna and Adria Arjona, and the ever-present dialogue between creators, cast, and the passionate audience. The process of bringing Andor to fruition involved not only complex character arcs and thematic exploration but also tough production realities—navigating strikes, budget discussions, and evolving expectations.
Gilroy’s revelations about scrapped missions, evolving character details, and off-screen moments underscore the organic, collaborative evolution intrinsic to high-stakes television. Each narrative decision, from defining Cassian and Bix’s relationship to scripting the fallout after the Aldhani operation, was shaped by a desire to present a story rooted in consequence and ambiguity, mirroring the real-world intricacies and burdens of rebellion, leadership, and legacy.
As Andor’s cast—led by Diego Luna (Cassian Andor), Stellan Skarsgård (Luthen Rael), Adria Arjona (Bix Caleen), and others—continues to resonate with fans, Gilroy leaves the door open for future storytelling threads. Viewers are invited both to revisit the series’ carefully constructed arcs and to imagine new possibilities in the Star Wars universe. With Andor available for streaming, the conversation between creators and their audience remains active, offering new routes for participant-driven reflection on creative choices, character development, and the memories the rebellion leaves behind.
“I can’t take care of you, Leo.”
—Tony Gilroy, Architect (on Partagaz and Krennic’s dynamic)
“Oh, this is what it means.”
—Tony Gilroy, Architect (on audience interpretations)
“You should really go catch up with Bix when you get a chance.”
—(Vel Sartha, Rebellion)
“Make sure you check in with your health and get your medical, and make sure you do this and do that.”
—(On Wilmon’s arrival at Yavin)
“Wow, this place is getting really organized.”
—(Wilmon, Rebellion base)
“Have you checked in with your…?”
—(Cassian Andor)
“Man, this place has a lot of rules all of a sudden.”
—(Wilmon)
“How good is this kid? What can we do with him? Can we really lift him up?”
—Tony Gilroy, Architect (On Ben Amor as Wilmon)
“What are we going to do?”
—(Tony Gilroy, referencing casting conversations with Kennedy)
“I’m trying to make a script. I’m trying to start this project. Can you imagine trying to do this job with 100,000 people looking over your shoulder?”
—Tony Gilroy, Architect
“It’s killing me. I’m begging you to hold this story. Half of what you have is wrong. I’ll give you the right part when it’s over, but I can’t do my job with everybody looking at me.”
—Tony Gilroy, Architect
