5 Ways ‘Andor’ Expands The ‘Star Wars’ Universe With Enemies Old And New

Andor is the latest heart stopping expansion of the Star Wars universe. With a second season already on the way, the series’ compelling new characters are reminding us why there’s so much more to the shadowy underbelly of this galaxy far far away. 

The Disney+ Original series, Andor is the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2016 film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film followed the rag-tag team of rebels who delivered the Death Star plans into the hands of Princess Leia. 

Among that team of tragic heroes was Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna (Narcos, The Book of Life). Now in his very own series, we meet Andor 5 years before the explosive events of Rogue One at the beginning of his time in the rebel alliance. 

And like any rebel worth his salt, Cassian has been far from alone on his journey. Andor presents a host of allies and enemies alike to keep the anti-hero on his toes. From familiar faces to fresh foes, let’s look back at 5 characters in Andor that show a whole new spy-thriller side to this world. 

Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) 

Played by Good Omens and Irma Vep actor Adria Arjona, it’s fair to say a mechanic moonlighting as a black market parts dealer makes for a complex life. But when you add that Bix is one of Cassian’s few trusted friends (and possibly ex-girlfriend), she has easily been one of the most fascinating figures in Andor. 

A loyal mechanic with no love for the empire, Bix has been constantly caught between maintaining her business under the empire’s ruthless rule and helping her friends. The question of whether she will be forced to betray her confidence in Andor to protect her livelihood has haunted her every move. 

Vel Sartha (Faye Marsay) 

Game of Thrones and The White Queen actor, Faye Marsay has stolen the screen as rebel fighter, Vel Sartha. Part of Andor‘s middle arc, Cassian was assigned to Vel’s freedom-fighting unit on the planet Aldhani, and she proved to be a tough leader in her own right.

But there’s more to Vel than meets the eye, especially when it comes to her hidden family history and her love life. Who she was before she was recruited into the rebellion and why she is such a staunch fighter against the empire was one of the series most compelling mysteries and reminds viewers that rebellion is political and personal. 

Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) 

In Andor, none other than the father of all Skarsgards, Stellan Skarsgard brought life to the mysterious Luthen Rael. The Thor, Dune and Mamma Mia actor’s character is a cryptic yet powerful man who recruits Cassian and many others into the rebellion. 

But Rael has been leading a dangerous double life. Officially an antique dealer from the galaxy’s political capital planet, Coruscant – Rael has been using his business as cover to recruit freedom fighters who will stoke rebellion in the empire on behalf of none other than Senator Mon Mothma. Speaking of whom… 

Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) 

Deep-cut Star Wars fans will recognise Mon Mothma from Rogue One, as well as from cut scenes of Revenge of the Sith. Played by Irish-Australian actor Genevieve O’Reilly, her credits outside of Star Wars include The Secret, Spooks and The Dry. 

In Andor, fans finally got an insight into one of the founding figures of the rebellion. The thrilling triple-crossing life as a mother, politician and secret rebellion leader has easily made for some of the most addictive viewing in Star Wars history. As one of the few legacy characters from George Lucas’ original films, her importance truly cannot be overstated. 

B2EMO 

It couldn’t be a Star Wars show without an adorably stressed-out android and Andor has a contender for the most quickly loveable. Voiced by legendary puppeteer, Dave Chapman (Muppet Treasure Island, The Dark Crystal), B2EMO is the first of Cassian’s friends we met in Andor. 

B2EMO is a boxy, burgundy, and undeniably short king. He’s also a salvage droid that has served Cassian and his family for years, helping Cassian care for his mother, repair Cassian’s ship and keep his secrets. 

Catch Cassian, his friends, foes and everything in between on Andor, now streaming on Disney+.