Ben Mendelsohn, Other ROGUE ONE Actors Returning for ANDOR Season 2
The first season of Star Wars: Andor ended in 2022, and fans have been patiently waiting to learn the fate of its lead character, Cassian Andor. Well, not his ultimate fate–we saw Rogue One, we know how it ends for Diego Luna’s rebel hero. But we are still dying to know how he got from where we left him off at the end of season one of Andor to the determined rebel warrior of Rogue One.
One character we did not expect to see again was Director Orson Krennic as played by Ben Mendelsohn. Previously, the actor said Disney had not contacted him about being in the series. However, The Playlist recently interviewed director Alonso Ruizpalacio, one of season two’s directors, who spilled the beans, unwittingly, it seems.
The Playlist details, “[Ruizpalacio] said directing episodes of the series was a treat, especially directing heavyweight actors like, ‘Stellan Skarsg?rd, Forest Whitaker, and Ben Mendelsohn,’ presumably not realizing he was revealing something of a spoiler (and sorry to blow up your spot).”
Ben Mendelsohn’s Andor season two appearance as Krennic was confirmed at Disney’s D23 event. In addition to Mendelsohn’s return, we also learned that K-2SO will also be back in Andor‘s second season.
Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming second (and last) season of Andor.
Andor’s Season Two Plot
The end of Andor’s first season saw Cassian finally embrace becoming a true fighter for Luthen’s cause. All putting him one step closer to the character we first met in Rogue One. Showrunner Tony Gilroy has confirmed that they will split up the second season into four three-episode installments. Each of these three-episode chapters would cover a 12-month period. A year that is crucial to the development of the Rebel Alliance.
In Andor season two we’ll see how Cassian met his trusty droid buddy K-2SO. We’ll also visit the Rebel Base on Yavin IV, a location familiar well-known to viewers of A New Hope and Rogue One. We also expect that early on in season two, Mon Mothma and Cassian Andor will finally meet face-to-face. Thanks to set photos, many fans believe Queen Amidala’s homeworld of Naboo will play a role in the second season as well. Ultimately, season two will cover five years, dovetailing right into Rogue One’s beginning.
Behind-the-Scenes
Andor season one creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy returns for season two, closing the chapter on Cassian’s story. Directing episodes in the second season are Ariel Kleiman, Janus Metz, and Alonso Ruizpalacios. Kleiman is directing six of the 12 episodes overall. Tony Gilroy, Dan Gilroy, Beau Willimon, and Tom Bissell are the known writers for the second season episodes. Delays from the SAG-AFTRA strike and the WGA strike caused the series to delay shooting for months. But shooting commenced as soon as the last strike ended.
Andor’s Cast
Of course, Diego Luna once again portrays our titular hero Cassian Andor. Joining him once more are Stellan Skarsg?rd as Luthen Rael, and Genevieve O’Reilly as Senator Mon Mothma. Benjamin Bratt is said to join the series in an undisclosed role. Rogue One actor Forest Whitaker returns as Saw Gerrera, as does Alan Tudyk as the droid K-2SO. Ben Mendelsohn is rumored to return along with other as yet undisclosed Rogue One cast members.
Even though it appeared his days were numbered by the end of season one, Andy Serkis has hinted that he’s returning as former prisoner Kino Loy. Also returning is Kyle Soller as Syril Karn, Denise Gough as ISB agent Deedra Meero, and Adria Arjona as rebel Bix Caleen. Faye Marsay (Vel Sartha), Varada Sethu (Cinta Kaz), Elizabeth Dulau (Kleya Marki), and James McArdle (Timm Karlo) round out the cast for season two.
Andor’s Release Date
Although originally announced as returning in the summer 2024, thanks to various delays, it now looks like Star Wars: Andor’s second season won’t arrive until 2025.
Originally published on January 16, 2024.
