This Star Wars Character's Scandalous Secret Almost Broke Records - Until Disney Stepped In

Andor has emerged as a significant milestone in the realm of Star Wars media, receiving widespread acclaim from fans who consider it to be the franchise's most remarkable achievement since The Empire Strikes Back. However, prior to Disney's intervention, the final episode of Andor Season 1 almost took a decidedly non-family-friendly direction.

The season finale of Andor elevated an already ambitious and captivating show to unprecedented heights. By delving into the backstory of Diego Luna's character, Cassian Andor, before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the series brought attention to various other characters intertwined in a tale of rebellion and anti-fascism. Among these characters was Cassian's adoptive mother, Maarva, portrayed by Fiona Shaw. Throughout the season, tension built between her homeland of Ferrix and the encroaching Imperial forces, culminating in her own pre-recorded eulogy at her funeral, which seemingly inspired the entire city to rise up against their oppressors. However, the original version of the speech featured a much more explicit climax.

Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy recently joined director Benjamin Caron, cinematographer Damián García, and Shaw herself in an interview with Variety to discuss this particular scene from the show's finale. They addressed a long-standing rumor about Maarva's speech, confirming that the original final line was 'f*ck the Empire!' However, due to restrictions from Disney, they were unable to use it and had to change it to 'fight the empire.' Caron recalled a conversation with Gilroy, questioning whether they would be able to get away with it.

Despite being aware that Disney might not approve, Gilroy was determined to make a compelling argument in favor of the original line. He prepared a legal brief and a memo outlining the economic and creative benefits of including it. Gilroy's dedication to the show was evident, even though he never had the opportunity to witness the impressive outdoor city set used for Ferrix on Andor.

The pacing and tension in the scene were expertly executed, captivating the audience from start to finish. This was achieved through the combination of Shaw's exceptional performance and Garcia's skilled cinematography. Garcia explained that the camera was in constant motion throughout, transitioning to a more frenzied and handheld style during the fight, while maintaining a gentle and soft movement during the procession and Maarva's speech. As Shaw prepared for her character's speech, she immersed herself in her hometown, finding a deeper appreciation for the moment. Unlike other scenes where actors play off each other, this scene allowed Shaw to convey the woman's personal perspective and serve as a thesis statement on her own.

While there may be concerns about the pacing in Andor season 2, there is no denying the immense achievement of season 1 for Star Wars. Even with the removal of an element that would have generated long-lasting discussions, the love and dedication poured into Andor shines through. Let us hope that it continues to be a testament to the importance of creative freedom for years to come.

Andor season 1 is available to stream on Disney Plus.

Source: Variety