Alan Tudyk disclosed that his character K-2SO was originally intended to have a significantly larger role in the Disney+ series Andor, which premiered its second season recently. Despite the droid’s popularity, the show’s creative direction led to a scaled-back presence to better align with the series’ tone and storytelling approach.
The series, a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, focused heavily on the Rebel Alliance’s struggle, with K-2SO’s involvement notably limited to the final episodes of season two. Fans expressed some disappointment over the droid’s minimal role given its prominence in Rogue One, an aspect Tudyk attributes to deliberate creative choices by the showrunner.
The Influence of Tony Gilroy on Andor’s Narrative
Tony Gilroy joined the Andor production after initial development by creatives including Jared Bush and Stephen Schiff. Tudyk confirmed in an interview that under earlier concepts, K-2SO’s part would have been much more expansive. However, Gilroy’s vision steered the series toward a distinct tone, emphasizing a grittier, character-driven narrative.
I would have had a bigger role overall. When it went away and then it changed, I was disappointed, but I can’t think it would have been better than Andor,
Tudyk said.
It feels wholly different and so good.
He elaborated that the original plan might have resembled other recent Star Wars series, but highlighted,
It probably would have been closer to what we’re used to with the current Star Wars series, right? Which can be great, but it feels very different. It feels like it is wholly different, and it’s so good.
He added that
too much K-2SO might change [Andor’s] tone.
Changes Rooted in Gilroy’s Previous Star Wars Work
Tony Gilroy previously reshaped Rogue One through extensive rewrites during production, altering major scenes and focusing the story on key character arcs. Tudyk reflected that experience influenced his perspective on Andor’s evolution.
The script was changing while we were shooting. It was bizarre, but it’s like that with many big movies, and Rogue One wasn’t much different. Tony Gilroy’s rewrites made it more focused — trimming scenes, tightening scenes and focusing the hero’s journey of it all,
Tudyk explained. He further commented,
We were always going to die, so it didn’t feel like a drastically different movie, but the changes gave each character their own hero moment.
Andor’s Reception and Future of Star Wars Under Gilroy
Both Rogue One and Andor have been praised for strong storytelling and character depth, with Gilroy’s involvement often credited as a key factor. While Roge One is regarded as the best modern Star Wars film, Andor is seen as the most accomplished Lucasfilm series produced for Disney+.
Gilroy has indicated that Andor may be his final Star Wars project as the studio explores new directions, shifting focus from streaming productions to big-screen projects. Future projects include series centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu, alongside Star Wars: Starfighter.
All episodes from both seasons of Andor are available for streaming on Disney+, continuing to attract fans interested in this distinct chapter of the Star Wars universe.
