Without The Mandalorian, Andor wouldn’t have achieved such popularity, claims the creator of the sci-fi series, Tony Gilroy. The showrunner put to rest rumours of rivalry between the two offspring of Lucasfilm and Disney.
In an interview with Empire, Gilroy praised Lucasfilm and Disney for their strong support, mentioning Kathleen Kennedy and Bob Iger. He also credited The Mandalorian for paving the way for Andor.
"The success of The Mandalorian gave us the platform to jump off. Their success is what would fuel the whole thing. I mean, no Baby Yoda, no Andor. Seriously. Don’t think that we don’t know that. Online, (people) try to drive a wedge all the time between us, and (Jon) Favreau and (Dave) Filoni. It’s horrible what people say; it’s terrible. And the truth is, we don’t have a show without them. They gave us the muscle to go."
The Mandalorian and Andor are closely tied within the Star Wars universe, yet each offers a distinct take on the franchise. The Mandalorian revitalised Star Wars television, blending action and adventure with a fresh episodic format, drawing a wide audience. Its success paved the way for more ambitious projects, including Andor.
In contrast, Andor explores the more grounded, political side of the Star Wars universe, focusing on the early days of the Rebellion. While The Mandalorian embraces a traditional hero’s journey, Andor delves into the moral complexities of resistance and espionage.
Though different in tone, these series complement one another, with The Mandalorian setting the stage for more nuanced storytelling. Together, they enrich the Star Wars galaxy, offering fans a diverse range of narratives that deepen the franchise’s appeal.
