Luke Hull, the executive producer and production designer of the show “Andor,” played a crucial role in bringing the planet Ghorman to life in the second season of the series. Working closely with creator Tony Gilroy, Hull understood the significance of Ghorman in the “Star Wars” universe.
Ghorman, previously known to fans as the site of a rebel massacre that fueled the Rebel Alliance, was a planet with rich history and culture. It was a society with political influence in the senate, known for its single-product economy revolving around Ghorman twill, the best fabric in the galaxy, produced by spiders called ghorlectipods in webberies on the planet.
Drawing inspiration from older architecture and the cities of Milan and Turin, Hull infused familiar “Star Wars” elements like circles and domes into his designs. He chose materials like travertine tile, marble, and dark wood to give Ghorman a sense of wealth and luxury.
The central plaza of the capital city Palmo was a design highlight for Hull, with a “rib-cage-like logic” that connected different parts of the city. The plaza served multiple purposes, including locations like a café and the Imperial Officer Corps lobby. Hull’s design process started from the Ghorman massacre and worked backward to create a setting that would become a chilling “killing field.”
White played a significant role in the design aesthetic of Ghorman, strategically used to create different atmospheres in various locations. Hull avoided black and gray colors to maintain a rich and material-based feel throughout the planet.
Costume designer Michael Wilkinson complemented Hull’s designs with a color palette inspired by Northern Italian clothing. Classic tones like grays, navy, warm browns, and crisp ivory reflected the conservative and classical nature of Ghorman’s culture. The clothing on Ghorman was dignified, well-cut, and timeless, reflecting the planet’s pride in fine textiles and elegant urban lifestyle.
Wilkinson emphasized Ghorman’s humanity in contrast to the brutal Imperial forces by creating individualistic, non-uniform clothing that featured fine fabrics like silk and velvet. Character costumes, such as Syril Karn’s evolving attire, showcased the richness of Ghorman’s culture through finely tailored pieces and luxurious details.
When Cassian adopted the persona of Ronni Googe, a textile designer, Wilkinson crafted a costume that exuded sophistication and elegance. The outfit included sharply tailored suiting, a flowing cape, and practical clothing suitable for a galaxy-traveling journalist.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of Luke Hull and Michael Wilkinson brought the planet Ghorman to life in “Andor,” showcasing its history, culture, and political significance within the “Star Wars” universe. The attention to detail in both production design and costume design captured the essence of Ghorman and its role in the series. The streets of Ghorman are filled with citizens dressed in neat and sober tones, a stark contrast to the well-worn, neutral-colored clothing of a mysterious figure who stands out among the urban crowd. This individual’s attire reflects a sense of rebellion, with badges and armbands that bear the color green, symbolizing the revolution that is brewing in the city.
The design of these revolutionary symbols was carefully crafted to evoke a homemade feel, reminiscent of a grassroots movement fighting against the established order. Drawing inspiration from WWII resistance fighters, the revolutionaries don trench coats, berets, armbands, and fedora-like hats, exuding a sense of determination and bravery in the face of adversity.
In the realm of music, composer Brandon Roberts took on the task of capturing the essence of Ghorman through his score. Building upon the foundation laid by Nicholas Britell in Season 1, Roberts sought to establish a distinct sound for the planet. Drawing influence from the Ghorman National Anthem, Roberts incorporated elements of the melody into the score, creating a cohesive and immersive auditory experience.
To bring the world of Ghorman to life, Roberts utilized unique instruments such as the cimbalom and hammer dulcimer, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the music. As the story unfolds and tensions rise, the score evolves, shifting from a Viennese waltz to a dark, pulsating rhythm that sets the tone for the unfolding events.
In pivotal moments, such as the massacre scene and the battle with K2 droids, Roberts employs dissonant strings and brass, along with industrial percussion sounds to create a sense of urgency and danger. The culmination of these elements results in a dynamic and immersive musical landscape that enhances the narrative and heightens the emotional impact of the story.
Through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the world of Ghorman, the creative team behind the production of Andor Season 2 has crafted a rich and immersive experience that transports viewers to a world filled with intrigue, rebellion, and untold possibilities.
