Summary
Andy Serkis teases that Kino Loy's journey may not be over in Andor, as viewers never see him die in season 1.
Despite the conclusion of Kino Loy's arc in Andor season 1, his reappearance in season 2 has the potential to delve into new facets of his character and potentially shed light on his backstory.
While bringing back Kino Loy in Andor season 2 may carry a certain amount of risk, considering the impact it may have on his season 1 arc, the show has already established itself as one of the top Star Wars series, suggesting that it would likely handle his return with proficiency.
Andor star, Andy Serkis, hints that Kino Loy may still be alive. Serkis, known for his roles as Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, returned to the Star Wars universe for a different character in Andor. Kino Loy, a prisoner encountered by Cassian Andor on Narkina-5, underwent a remarkable character development within a few episodes before seemingly dying off-screen during a powerful sequence.
In an interview with EW, Serkis disclosed whether discussions about Kino Loy's future took place when he first joined the Andor project, alluding to the possibility that the character's journey is not definitively concluded.
The afterlife of Kino has not been extensively discussed. However, it is clear that he survives since his death is not shown. The focus was on Kino's journey, where his belief system is shattered, then rediscovered and ultimately leads to his self-sacrifice. While Andy Serkis acknowledges that we don't see Kino die, it leaves room for exploration of the character in Andor season 2. It is uncertain if Kino dies in season 1, but his storyline concludes during the Narkina-5 prison break, particularly with his impactful speech and poignant "I can't swim" statement.
Does Andor Risk Undermining Kino Loy's Story By Bringing Him Back?
Kino Loy's final scene in Season 1 of Andor allows for various interpretations. Although his inability to swim and escape Narkina-5 is undeniably tragic, the triumph lies in Andy Serkis' character breaking free from the Empire's constraints and liberating his comrades. Metaphorically, Kino Loy is no longer a prisoner of the Empire, even though he remains confined to Narkina-5. The implications of reintroducing Kino Loy in Season 2 of Andor are complex, as it risks undermining his character development in Season 1.
However, within just a few episodes, Season 1 of Andor successfully establishes Kino Loy as one of the most captivating Star Wars characters in recent years. If Kino Loy is still alive and makes a comeback in Season 2, it presents an opportunity for the show to delve into various facets of Andy Serkis' second Star Wars character, but in a markedly different context. Andor might even explore Kino Loy's background story.
Star Wars faces an issue by frequently reintroducing characters without providing closure to their narratives. Nonetheless, considering that Andor's second season will serve as a conclusion, while closely aligning with the storyline leading to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, this concern should be avoided. Andor has already established itself as one of the top Star Wars shows, instilling confidence in its ability to adeptly handle Kino Loy's comeback.