Tony Gilroy, the creator of the hit series “Andor,” made headlines at the ATX Television Festival when he revealed that the total budget for the 24-episode “Star Wars” show was a whopping $650 million. The show, which aired over two seasons in 2022 and 2025, concluded last month to critical acclaim. “Andor” served as a prequel to the 2016 film “Rogue One,” focusing on the character Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna.
During the Q&A session, Gilroy shared some insights into the challenges faced during the production of the series. He mentioned that there were moments where the studio, Disney, had concerns about certain content, such as the use of strong language. Despite some pushback from the studio, Gilroy was able to push the boundaries and include themes like genocide and assault in the show’s second season without interference.
The budget for “Andor” Season 2 faced additional challenges due to the Hollywood strikes, which resulted in approximately $20 million in shutdown costs. Despite these setbacks, Gilroy and his team were able to deliver a high-quality production, with episodes costing an estimated $20 million each after tax incentives.
One of the standout moments from the series was the inclusion of a scene set in a brothel, which served as a litmus test for how far they could push the boundaries with Disney. Gilroy strategically included elements like violence and sexuality to gauge the studio’s reaction, ultimately finding that there was more creative freedom than initially expected.
While Disney didn’t allow certain language in the show, the team was able to address important and sensitive topics like sexual assault and abuse of power in a galaxy far, far away. Actress Adria Arjona reflected on the significance of portraying such a powerful moment on screen, highlighting the importance of bringing these stories to light.
Despite the challenges and constraints faced during production, “Andor” was able to deliver a thought-provoking and impactful series that resonated with audiences. Both seasons of the show are now available for streaming on Disney+, showcasing the creative vision and dedication of the team behind the hit “Star Wars” series.
