Veteran Screenwriter Tony Gilroy Shares His Unexpected Journey in Developing the Acclaimed Andor Series

In a recent interview, veteran screenwriter Tony Gilroy has opened up about his "seminal creative experience" in developing the acclaimed Disney+ Star Wars prequel series Andor over the past 6 years. Gilroy, known for his work on films like Armageddon and the Bourne franchise, was approached by Lucasfilm president Kathy Kennedy a few years after the release of Rogue One to create a prequel series focused on the character of Cassian Andor.

Despite his extensive experience in the industry, Gilroy admits he had no idea what he was signing up for when he agreed to take on the project. The scope and ambition of the show grew significantly over the course of its development, with Gilroy taking on additional roles as showrunner, head writer, and executive producer. The challenges were compounded by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly derailed the production.

However, Gilroy found inspiration in his deep fascination with history, drawing parallels between the rise of the Empire in the Star Wars galaxy and the spread of fascism in the real world. These themes of authoritarianism and rebellion have become central to the show, resonating with audiences and critics alike. Andor's second season, which recently received 14 Emmy nominations, is set to continue exploring these complex issues.

While Gilroy can't see himself undertaking a project of this scale again, he considers Andor to be the "seminal creative experience" of his career, one that has allowed him to fully engage his imagination in ways he never thought possible.