An edgier Star Wars prequel with a timely story about rebellion, Andor skips some of the more familiar elements of the franchise — from lightsabers to Jedi to the Force — in favor of a more grounded story with parallels in both history and our current moment. While it sets up the legendary world of space wars and aliens that has captured imaginations for nearly half of a century, Andor is also about how ordinary humans rise up and resist overpowering regimes.
Created by Tony Gilroy, the man behind the Jason Bourne franchise, Andor digs deeper into the moral ambiguities, compromises, and sacrifices involved in fighting for a cause, and it spotlights how power can corrupt institutions, how fear is used to control populations, and how hope can spark change…even in the darkest times.
As this is a show for viewers more interested in bigger themes and action scenes, and it’s a prequel story, Andor has drawn in non-Star Wars fans — and even non-scifi fans. You don’t actually need a complete refresh of the Star Wars world to jump into it. But you will need some context and a Season 1 highlight reel to jump into Season 2, and it helps to know some of the story’s real world inspirations.
The Cassian Andor Story
Andor probes deeper into the backstory of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a key spy and fighter from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Season 1 sets the stage for Cassian’s transformation from a reluctant participant on a quest to find his lost sister to a fierce rebel, all leading into the events of Rogue One.
In many ways, Andor mirrors the experiences of those who are up against repressive systems in real life, drawing attention to what it means to resist and persist. It feels timely and timeless, a lens through which you can draw comparisons to the steeper challenges and courage required to become resilient in our world today.
Andor‘s Real-Life Historical Parallels
Gilroy has talked about how the series reflects various historical rebellions and universal struggles against oppression, from Stalin to World War II to the fight against apartheid South Africa.
The Resistance Movements During World War II – The Rebel Alliance in Andor shares a few overlaps with the French Resistance that fought against Nazi occupation. They’re both grassroots movements rising up against powerful, authoritarian regimes through decentralized networks, and they both engage in acts of sabotage through underground operations and secret missions.
Colonialism and Revolution – The occupying of planets by the Galactic Empire parallels some of the historical patterns of imperialist nations. In exchange for security and “modernization,” the Empire exploits local resources from the planets, as happens during Andor’s Aldhani storyline. The tapping of local collaborators and the creation of entities like Pre-Mor Security is a nod to how colonial powers have often ruled through indirect control and “standardizing” of native worlds, often dismissing or forbidding indigenous practices as primitive.
Surveillance States and Totalitarian Regimes – Gilroy has acknowledged that the young “gangster years” of Joseph Stalin also inspired the series, in particular the Aldhani heist in Season 1 (see below). The Empire’s ISB (Imperial Security Bureau) bears a strong resemblance to the NKVD/KGB, especially in how they maintain extensive surveillance networks and use informants to methodically track and “remove” any perceived threats.
Absolute Loyalty, Fear and Purges — Just as Stalin’s regime demanded absolute loyalty to the state, the Empire requires complete dedication to its New Order. Careers can be instantly destroyed simply by suspicion of disloyalty, which is what happened during Stalin’s purges, where anyone could be labeled an enemy of the state. Pay attention to the way characters like Dedra Meero internalize and enforce Imperial ideology; it mirrors how Soviet “true believers” upheld the system.
The Anti-Apartheid Movement – The idea of individuals risking everything for a larger cause has roots in anti-apartheid activists. Tony Gilroy has referenced the ANC (African National Congress) as one of his inspirations for the rebellion’s tactics in Andor, as they have to work in secret cells to build community support, and they alternate between peaceful protests and more direct action. As people like Maarva witness injustice, they begin to stand up to some of the oppression. Each small act becomes contagious, and over time, they build into a movement.
Andor reminds us that history often repeats itself. But the series also reminds us how the powerless can challenge extraordinary forces of oppression.
A Season 1 Refresher
If you’re jumping in to Season 2, you’ll need a quick recap on the pivotal events from the first season. (Spoilers below)
Cassian’s Search for His Sister: Andor Season 1 begins with a young Cassian searching for his lost sister, a central quest in his life. He was her protector, but they were separated during their childhood on their home planet of Kenari, as Cassian was rescued after a crash site incident and taken “off-world” by his adoptive mother Maarva and Clem Andor. His search for her leads him into a confrontation with two officers, and he kills one of them, forcing him to flee and setting off a galaxy-wide manhunt.
Ferrix and the Rebellion: After arriving in Ferrix, Maarva and friends Bix and Brasso help Cassian hideout. He meets Luthen Rael, a mysterious rebel leader who recruits him into the growing resistance.
The Aldhani Heist: Cassian joins a rebel team to steal a large stash of Imperial credits – the currency of the galaxy – which symbolize not just monetary value but the power and control the Empire exerts over the galaxy. Their heist significantly impacts the Empire’s operations but comes with a big cost: several casualties. Cassian takes his cut and tries to lay low. (Show creator Gilroy was inspired by the real-life Bolshevik robbery in 1907, which was masterminded by the young Joseph Stalin.)
Narkina 5 Prison Break: Cassian is arrested and sent to a brutal labor prison. He leads a revolt and escapes, learning firsthand the Galactic Empire’s oppressive tactics.
Maarva’s Death and Ferrix Uprising: Back on Ferrix, Maarva’s death sparks a rebellion. But her posthumous message inspires the town to rise up against the Empire. Cassian rescues Bix and begins to embrace his role in the fight against tyranny.
What to Expect from Andor‘s Season 2
Twelve episodes will be released in four blocks of three episodes each, with the first three dropping today on Disney+.
Time Jumps: The season spans four years, with each trio of episodes representing one year, showcasing Cassian’s evolution and the escalating rebellion as they lead directly into the events of Rogue One.
Cassian Rises: After navigating betrayals and conflicting agendas against rising stakes, Cassian will become a key player in the Rebel Alliance.
Familiar Faces: Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael, and Saw Gerrera will return from Season 1 to play pivotal roles. Alan Tudyk returns as K-2SO, and Season 2 promises a few big cameos from Rogue One.
Timely Themes of Resistance: The new season dives deeper into the Empire’s tyranny and the rebels’ struggle to resist, emphasizing the personal and collective sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.
A more grounded version of a Star Wars story that holds appeal for both devoted fans and newcomers, Andor stands out for its thought-provoking themes, its historical parallels, and its relevance to our current moment. This one is also a cinematic masterpiece that honors one of the most culturally relevant franchises in movie history.
Where to stream Andor: Disney+
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