When it comes to Star Wars fandom, certain events are watched with the same level of interest as Chancellor Palpatine taking an interest in young Anakin Skywalker. This weekend marks the 2024 D23 Expo, hailed on its website as "The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will celebrate over 100 years of magic from brands including Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel across Anaheim to create a reimagined experience for fans." It promised announcements, previews, and more at Friday night's showcase.
The first sign of something spectacular was the sizzle reel. There were several shots of Star Wars properties, but one shot of Diego Luna stood out. Fans have been looking forward to Season 2 of Andor. This moment showed Cassian as almost unrecognizably dapper compared to the downtrodden and oppressed character who worked hard for his survival in the first season.
New look at Cassian from #Andor season 2?
— SWNN (@StarWarsNewsNet) August 10, 2024
(Screen grab from @camandfilm) pic.twitter.com/7fTetVTm7f
Entertainment news site IGN detailed the behind the scenes reveal at this event, mentioning that "TIE fighters, stormtroopers, riots, and rebels proved that there'll be plenty to look forward to when it airs on Disney+ next year."
We know that the second and final season will be broken up into three-episode "mini-movies" covering one year each and will lead up to the events of Rogue One. Diego Luna, who made us fall in love with Captain Cassian Andor of Rebel Intelligence confirmed the intensity of the storytelling to come:
"This second part of the story will follow Cassian over a four-year period as he grows into the rebel hero we know in Rogue One. In this season, the stakes are greater, enemies more organized, and clock is ticking. The Empire's threat grows, 'Andor' has a high purpose, freedom and a better tomorrow."Diegp Luna
It was confirmed earlier this year that Director Orson Krennic, the man behind the Death Star, would return to the screen played by the magnificent Ben Mendelsohn. Alonso Ruizpalacios, the director of the final three episodes, even confirmed that Forest Whitaker will be returning as Saw Gerrera, the leader of a radical splinter group. At D23 Expo, these hearsay rumors became official facts as they were confirmed.
Luna added a personal touch by relating his experience with the character first seen in 2016:
"Rogue One changed my life. I've lived with Cassian Andor for 10 years now. Being able to complete this story that starts with Season 1 to Rogue One, is great. "Diego Luna
Luna spoke to El Pais in 2016 about the power of the film allowing diverse representation as reported by Remezcla.com, saying, "My presence in this movie shows that they've heard us... Each time that we buy a movie ticket, we are saying that we want to see an industry that reflects who we are. It gives me hope. That said, I am the luckiest Mexican in all of the galaxy."
We all look forward to the continuing adventures of this intense and inspiring character in season 2.