Andor: Tony Gilroy given more creative freedom in Season 2

Andor creator Tony Gilroy was given more freedom than expected while crafting the show's second season -- and that's because the first season performed exceptionally well.

In conversation with Empire magazine via AV Club, Gilroy noted that even though many would not expect Disney of all companies to offer more creative freedom, there weren't many arguments to be made against it going into Season 2.

“In terms of creative notes, no-one has come to me and said, ‘No, they shouldn’t say that," he said. "The critical appreciation of the show was really helpful, if not essential, in helping Disney choke down the price of what this is.”

There are many likely reasons so many fans loved the first Andor season, but one standout possibility is that this show broke the mold the previous Disney+ Star Wars series had already set. A three-episode premiere instead of two. Four full story arcs told in 12 episodes, rather than the standard eight or less. Featuring previously established characters but so well blended in with new ones that it felt truly novel. The story was given time to unfold gracefully rather than being forced to unravel quickly to fit into six or seven weeks of scheduled releases.

And Season 2 will likely feel similar. However, with even more alleged creative freedom, it's hard to predict exactly how much better it really could be. With a massive budget, an endpoint in sight (Cassian has to get close to where we first met him in Rogue One by the end of the show), and Disney's apparent full trust, Gilroy is clearly preparing to unleash something astounding. Something not tied to the Mandoverse. Something unique, memorable, and truly special.

There's still some time to wait -- the show's second and final season won't release until April 2025. But it's very likely that the more we learn about what's to come, the more excited we will all be. On top of how much we've all already built this up in our heads (probably a lot).

Get ready -- it's probably going to be even better than you think.