Andor is a beat apart from other Star Wars productions. Not just in terms of storytelling, but also because it’s probably the first Star Wars story that doesn’t feature the Jedi and their lightsabers. But why doesn’t he have Jedis? Let’s explain this.
Why are there no Jedis or lightsabers in Andor?
Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mandalorian
From The Mandalorian to Obi-Wan Kenobi and more, no Star Wars show has been without the Jedis or their lightsabers. But Andor broke that tradition by delivering an emotionally charged script that didn’t need it. However, that doesn’t mean Andor was an isolated story. There have been lots of references to other Star Wars characters and accessories.
Andor writer Tony Gilroy was asked the reason for such a decision during an interview with Collider, and he replied:
“That’s one of the first things I asked for. And you know what? Most people don’t know. I don’t think anyone on Ferrix knows anything about this. I do not think so. “I don’t think they know the royal family. I don’t think they give it much importance. I mean, how many beings are there in this gigantic galaxy? I think the vast majority of all creatures and sentient beings and things that are in the galaxy, I think knowledge of the Jedi and the lightsaber is a pretty small number.
Why Tony Gilroy’s answer makes sense
Andor in Narkina 5
Previous Star Wars shows have felt quite limited in their global build and reach. As in, we spent a lot of time on a particular planet, say, Tatooine, or with various characters meeting up in pretty random places. But Andor changed all that.
It opened up the universe and made the Star Wars galaxy infinitely larger. It’s different from how Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Mandalorian felt boxed in. But the inhabitants of Ferrix (a remote planet) are isolated from the big events of the galaxy and focus only on their community. As such, it makes perfect sense that they don’t have much knowledge or understanding of Jedi to care about.
Plus, it was pretty refreshing to see a Star Wars show that felt grounded. And part of the reason for that was that we didn’t have people wielding shiny flaming swords. But can that change in season 2? That remains to be seen. After all, there are a lot of theories circulating about Luther actually being a Jedi in hiding. Time will tell if Tony Gilroy will bring in the lightsaber wielders.
Would you have liked to see Jedis in Andor? Tell us in the comments below.
