The “Star Wars” series “Andor” explores the dark days of the galaxy’s revolution

LOS ANGELES, Aug 3 (Reuters) – The new ‘Star Wars’ TV series will tell the story of a dark time in the life of future ‘Rogue One’ hero Cassian Andor as he decides how far to go in his lifelong battle against oppression. strengths, the star and designer said Wednesday.

“Andor” will debut on Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) Disney+ streaming service on September 21. The 12-episode series stars actor Diego Luna in the lead role, a rebel who sacrificed himself for the greater good in the late 2016 “Rogue One” movie.

Creator Tony Gilroy, speaking to reporters at a Television Critics Association event, said he was inspired by snippets from the film to create a backstory for the character. In “Rogue One”, Cassian mentions that he has been fighting in the galaxy’s ongoing revolution since he was 6 years old.

“At the end of the movie, he’s like, ‘Oh my God, if we don’t come out and make that last push, then all the horrible things I’ve done for the rebellion will be for naught,” Gilroy said. “So we know there is a very dark period.”

The series begins five years before the events of “Rogue One,” Gilroy said, and the first season will span a year. Disney has already ordered a second season, which will cover the next four years leading up to the debut of “Rogue One.”

“Above all, it’s a show about ordinary people” who go about their daily lives, Gilroy said, but are forced to make epic decisions.

Luna said “Andor” wouldn’t be predictable even though audiences know Cassian’s story ends as a young man who lays down his life for others.

“I’m going to challenge everything you think you know about Cassian,” Luna said. “I’m going to tell you something you don’t know about what triggers this.”

Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Lisa Shumaker

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