Exclusive: Diego Luna dishes about why Andor is a Star Wars project with something important to say.
From the moment he steps onto the screen, you know this rebel is not like the others.
But how did this lifelong freedom fighter become the Rebellions foremost assassin?
Thats the question at the center ofAndor, a new live-action series coming to Disney+ in August.
Then I went, Oh, we have to do this.
The whole team needs to know that theyre capable of pulling this off.
It was quite an experience, Luna says of wrapping the shows first season.
I dont think anything in my life has been like that.
And Im sure nothing will be like that ever again.
It was such a mix of emotions.
But to some viewers, a show about Cassian might seem like an odd choice.
Didnt we watch him die, obliterated by the Death Star, inRogue One?
Whats the point of exploring this characters past when we already know how it all ends?
For me,Rogue Oneis the beginning of something, Luna says.
Im so happy to be able to dig in deeper.
In fact, the actor views going backward with the tale of Cassian Andor asan exciting challenge.
Its like a different part of your brain that has to connect, Luna says.
Its exciting to have that opportunity in storytelling of going backward and not forward.
Going forward is easy.
As an actor, this is what youre always asked to do.
All this story just happened in my mind.
It wasnt relevant to anyone.
He talks about a traumatic past, but there is no specificity, Luna says.
Obviously, as an actor, I had my backstory.
I was asked so many times, What were you thinking when you said this?
What was your backstory in this moment?
Its difficult to find out where he comes from because obviously hes been forced to move, Luna says.
Its so difficult to find yourself in a place where people arent coming from somewhere else.
Its a valid criticism.
That energy is inside Cassian.
I thinkStar Warshas always been great at that.
It always speaks about its time.
And thats what makes, not just this project, butStar Warsreally important for so many.
As Luna points out, no other character inStar Warsevensoundslike Cassian.
And thats the beauty of this story, of these characters, and the braveness ofRogue One.
Star Wars: Andorpremieres on Aug. 31 on Disney+.
