Now we know why Andor is filled more with human characters

Andor, with its first season, brought something different to the Star Wars franchise: a serious tone usually associated with prestige dramas. Even the most serious Star Wars project had to bow down to the wider commercial needs of the franchise, like toys. Therefore, new entries in the franchise involved new alien creatures and lightsabers.

But Andor, on the other hand, did not involve many alien creatures or the Jedi carrying their lightsabers. Instead, each and every frame in this solo prequel series is filled with human-looking characters instead of aliens.

Furthermore, Disney+ Star Wars shows in general are usually filmed in this virtual production stage referred to as "The Volume", not Andor, though.

Recently, Tony Gilroy sat down for an interview with Cinemablend's Jeff McCobb in which the former addressed the lack of aliens in the acclaimed prequel series.

What did Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy say about the lack of aliens in the series?

Jeff McCobb interviewed actress Genevieve O’Reilly, who plays Mon Mothma in the series, and showrunner Tony Gilroy. It is here that McCobb asks Gilory about the lack of alien creatures in Andor in comparison to other entries in the Star Wars franchise. Here's how Gilroy responded:

"Yeah, I'm a little bit sensitive about it. I mean, we've tried to do more and more and more. There's a lot of different reasons for it. But yeah, I think there are more there are more this season than previously. And I'm always trying. I'm always trying. It's it's on my mind. It's on my mind all the time."

Gilroy went on to reveal that Season 2 will show us more alien creatures. However, when McCobb gave his opinion that the lack of aliens made the show comparatively realistic, the showrunner said:

"They're a very strong flavor when they come in, and it really shifts things. You had to be really careful about how you do it."

Our take on Tony Gilroy's comments:

This show is a tightly-knit narrative that sadly feels relevant day by day. The first three episodes of the second season slowly build up the tension for our heroes by putting them in a constant state of anxiety of being rounded up by the Empire for being "illegal immigrants".

Until today, not many have noticed the lack of alien creatures in the prequel series. However, it is true that the absence of aliens is why the show feels more grounded and impactful.

The absolutely brutal treatment that our human characters face from the Empire makes us root more for them, ultimately making the show effective. This is why Andor feels as good as it does.

"Andor Season 2 will see the characters and their relationships intensify as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound."

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The first season of Andor is accessible via streaming on Disney+. On the other hand, the first three episodes of the second season streamed on the platform on April 22, 2025.

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