Andor Raised the Bar for Star Wars TV – Can Anything Top It?
Star Wars fans are still talking about Andor, and for good reason. With its unique storytelling, massive budget, and mature tone, it’s widely seen as the best Star Wars series ever made. But now that it’s over, can anything else in the galaxy far, far away live up to its legacy?
Why Andor Was So Different From Other Star Wars Shows
When Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy said nothing like the show would ever happen again, it wasn’t out of arrogance. He was talking about how rare it is to get the kind of freedom and resources that Andor had. The show had a jaw-dropping $645 million budget, more than any Star Wars movie to date—including The Last Jedi. But money alone didn’t make Andor great.
What really made Andor stand out was its storytelling. Unlike most Star Wars content that tries to please fans by including familiar characters and moments, Andor took a fresh direction. It focused on original storytelling, deeper characters, and grounded themes.
Writer Tom Bissell, who worked on Season 2, said something powerful in an interview with Backstory Magazine. He explained that instead of just “playing with the toys” of Star Wars—bringing back old characters or storylines—Andor aimed to add something new to the universe. This creative approach set it apart from other series like The Mandalorian, which heavily relies on nostalgia and fan service.
A Star Wars Story That Almost Didn’t Happen
Ironically, Disney almost didn’t greenlight Andor at all.
Tony Gilroy pitched the original version of the show early on, but Disney rejected it because it didn’t match their usual style. They even tried bringing in a different showrunner, but that version fell apart. Only then did they go back to Gilroy and give his version the green light.
This back-and-forth shows how Andor broke the mold. It didn’t follow the usual Star Wars formula, and that made Disney nervous. But it also shows how bold and different storytelling can lead to something truly special.
The Star Wars George Lucas Wanted All Along?
Although George Lucas hasn’t publicly commented on Andor, there’s a good chance he’d be a fan. Back in the 2000s, Lucas was working on a live-action Star Wars TV series that was supposed to be darker and more mature. Producer Rick McCallum once described those scripts as “sexy, violent, complicated,” and unlike anything Disney would ever approve.
Lucas wanted Star Wars to grow up, and he was disappointed when The Force Awakens played it safe. Andor finally delivered the kind of storytelling Lucas had in mind—gritty, smart, and not afraid to take risks.
What’s Next for Star Wars?
Now that Andor has ended, where does the franchise go from here?
Disney is shifting focus back to movies. Aside from Ahsoka Season 2, there aren’t many new live-action Star Wars shows in the pipeline. Upcoming projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Ahsoka continue existing storylines instead of breaking new ground.
Still, there are a few signs of hope.
One is Dawn of the Jedi, a movie being developed by James Mangold and Andor writer Beau Willimon. This film could explore brand-new parts of the Star Wars timeline, far removed from the Skywalker saga.
Another promising project is Maul: Shadow Lord, an upcoming show focused on Darth Maul. This marks the first time Star Wars will center a show around a villain, hinting at a more daring and mature direction.
Final Thoughts: Andor Raised the Bar—Can Star Wars Keep Up?
Andor showed us what Star Wars could be if it took more creative risks. It didn’t just recycle old ideas; it built something new. And that’s exactly what the franchise needs now more than ever.
Whether or not Disney will continue down this path is still unclear. But if upcoming projects like Dawn of the Jedi and Maul: Shadow Lord succeed, they could open the door to a bolder, smarter future for Star Wars.
One thing’s for sure: Andor has set a new standard. Now it’s up to Lucasfilm to rise to the challenge.
