If there’s one thing Star Wars fans can agree on, besides the fact that lightsabers are objectively the coolest weapons ever, it’s that Andor is a masterclass in storytelling. The series doesn’t just explore the Rebellion’s gritty origins, it practically pulls you into the rebellion itself. And a huge part of that immersion? The phenomenal casting.
Turns out, showrunner Tony Gilroy knew exactly what he wanted for two of the series’ most pivotal roles and never even bothered looking elsewhere. Talk about love at first audition! But let’s be real, casting in a galaxy far, far away isn’t always a straightforward process. For every perfect fit, there are countless auditions, callbacks, and chemistry tests.
Yet, sometimes, an actor just is the character, and no one else even gets a chance. That’s exactly what happened on Andor, where two actors walked in, nailed it, and secured their roles without a single competitor being considered. Now that’s the kind of Jedi mind trick we all wish we could pull off at job interviews!
Andor’s perfect casting
Imagine walking into an audition and absolutely owning it so hard that the director just waves goodbye to every other hopeful actor in line. That’s exactly what happened for two Andor stars, Denise Gough, who plays the no-nonsense ISB officer Dedra Meero and Kyle Soller, who brings the obsessive and awkward Syril Karn to life. Gilroy recalled the moment he saw them perform for the first time and knew instantly that his search was over. He told Script,
We didn’t audition anybody after Denise Gough [Dedra Meero] didn’t audition anybody after Kyle Soller [Syril Karn], they were the first two people who came and I was like, “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
And just like that, two of the Empire’s most compelling, and oddly sympathetic faces were set in stone. Now, that level of confidence in a casting decision is as rare as a Wookiee hairstylist, but when you know, you know.
Their performances add layers of depth to the Empire’s inner workings, showing us that not everyone in the galaxy fits into a simple good-or-evil binary. Sometimes, ambition and obsession drive people just as much as hope and rebellion do. And thanks to Gilroy’s spot-on casting instincts, Andor gives us two of the most nuanced Imperial characters we’ve ever seen.
A manifesto worth fighting for
One of the most memorable pieces of storytelling in Andor is Nemik’s manifesto, a heartfelt, idealistic call to arms that continues to influence Cassian long after its author’s tragic demise. But was that always the plan? Well, kind of! Tony Gilroy explained how the voiceover featuring Nemik’s words in the finale came together. He told Script,
Once the manifesto was in play, it’d be pretty hard to give it up. That’s the gift that keeps on giving. We may not be done with it yet. It’s material.
The manifesto wasn’t just a powerful narrative tool, it was tailored to Alex Lawther, the actor who played Nemik. They molded the material to his voice, making the manifesto feel even more authentic and impactful. Now, that’s what we call Rebellions are built on great casting decisions.
So, next time you rewatch Andor, because of course, we all are, take a moment to appreciate just how seamless and natural these performances feel. It’s no accident, just some seriously good instincts from Tony Gilroy and a cast that was, quite literally, made for their roles.
Andor can be streamed on Disney+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
