Star Wars: Andor quickly captured the hearts of fans with its grounded and nuanced storytelling, offering a fresh, mature take on the iconic franchise. Unlike the typical space opera, Andor dived deep into complex characters, intricate politics, and the grittier side of rebellion. Audiences were drawn to the show's emphasis on realism, as it explored moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices. The show's dark, atmospheric tone and masterful character development gave it a unique identity, unlike any other Star Wars narrative. Yet, Tony Gilroy, the mastermind behind the series, has his own thoughts on the matter.

Gilroy, with his sharp insights, has made it clear that Andor was an anomaly, and he does not expect anything like it to come again.

In a candid conversation with Empire, Tony Gilroy served a bold statement as he declared that a show like Andor “will never happen again.” The reason, according to Gilroy, lies not in the team’s brilliance but in the sheer scale and practicality of the project. “No one’s ever gonna start a show on this scale again,” he explained, citing the unique combination of resources and “protection” that allowed Andor to thrive. The protection from key figures, including Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm, was essential, ensuring the show was made with “ultimate freedom.”

Tony Gilroy acknowledged the critical role The Mandalorian played in making Andor possible, stating, “No Baby Yoda, no Andor.” While the shows differ in tone, he made it clear that the success of The Mandalorian gave Andor its platform. The online divisiveness between the two projects angered him, as he firmly believes, “We don’t have a show without them. They gave us the muscle to go.”

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It was not rivalry but reliance that defined the relationship between the two shows, something Gilroy believes is too often overlooked.

The Mandalorian, bless its stoic face, made it possible for Andor to exist without having to beg for permission. Its unexpected charm and runaway success convinced those in power that Star Wars could reinvent itself without dragging out old sabers. It also proved audiences were ready for new protagonists, new tones, and slower, more thoughtful tales. Meanwhile, StageCraft dazzled, though Andor preferred things delightfully grounded and grimy.

Still, even that grime needed funding, and funding came from faith, faith built by Din Djarin and a certain mute green infant. The fanbase was reignited, the money flowed, and suddenly Cassian Andor had a stage of his own. It helped, of course, that Diego Luna had no illusions about his blaster, with his kids calling his Andor blaster unimpressive. Every saga needs a humble hero and a generous godparent, and The Mandalorian was exactly that.

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Will you miss Tony Gilroy?