Despite its series finale releasing last month, Andor continues to grab headlines this week. The actor who portrayed the lead in the acclaimed Star Wars series has stepped into the national conversation. Diego Luna, as a guest host for Jimmy Kimmy Live! on ABC, has opened up about President Donald Trump's policies.
The President of the United States has enacted several policies around immigration, including removing both criminal and non-criminal immigrants from the country, sparking major controversy and scrutiny.
On Monday, Luna, who was nominated for a Golden Globe and Emmy for the titular role in Andor, spoke of the president's policies and his differences of opinion during his opening monologue.
"All the people that I met share an unspoken gratitude to this country," he said. "A country that opened its doors to them. And the most beautiful thing of all is that all these immigrants brought their stories with them. They brought their loyalties, their love, their traditions, always with the openness to adopt new ones, to grow, and to complement each other in this vast cultural exchange."
Luna also spoke of his personal experience in Los Angeles. President Trump sent in the National Guard to the city to curb protests against his policies.
The actor quipped that he hoped he wouldn't be deported for his speech, which resulted in the audience giving him a standing ovation.
"I come from a galaxy far, far away, called Mexico," the actor added, sweetly referencing his role in Star Wars. The franchise itself has highlighted diversity and inclusion while also fighting back against perceived negative regimes throughout the world. George Lucas even drew parallels between the Empire and Nazi Germany in the original trilogy.
Under Disney, Star Wars has continued to value DE&I with many casting choices throughout each of its projects since The Force Awakens in 2015.
Also in his monologue, Luna spoke of how a man like Trump could gain power despite many of the speeches he has given throughout his tenure as president garnering negative reactions.
The Star Wars franchise moves into a new era post-Andor with new films released over the next few years. We, like many fans, hope the diversity displayed will continue with the future of Star Wars. With powerful actors like Luna and creatives like the team behind Andor, the franchise should also continue to stay relevant in world issues.
Stream both seasons of Andor only on Disney+.