Disney's Censorship of "Andor": A Discussion on Fascism and Authoritarianism

The Disney+ series "Andor," created by Tony Gilroy, has been noted for its exploration of themes related to fascism and authoritarianism. However, during its promotional campaign, Disney discouraged the use of terms like "fascism" and "genocide," prompting Gilroy to navigate these sensitive topics carefully in interviews. This article examines the implications of this censorship and the parallels drawn between the show's narrative and contemporary political events.

Disney Asked Andor Team to Avoid Using the Word "Fascism," Says Creator Tony Gilroy

"Andor" serves as a prequel to "Rogue One," following the character Cassian Andor as he evolves from a petty thief to a key figure in the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. The series delves into the rise of authoritarianism, drawing parallels between the Empire's oppressive regime and real-world political climates, particularly under the Trump administration. Gilroy has articulated that the show was intended to reflect historical patterns of authoritarianism, making it relevant to current events.

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In a recent interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Gilroy revealed that Disney's marketing team requested he avoid using the term "fascism" during the promotional phase of "Andor." He stated, “We studied history to make the show, and we based it on historical models. We don’t have a crystal ball.” This approach was designed to protect the diverse political views of the cast and crew, allowing them to promote the series without compromising their beliefs. Gilroy expressed that the narrative was fundamentally about authoritarianism, stating, “We were pretty much doing a story about authoritarianism and fascism, and the Empire is very clearly a great example of that.”

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Critics have pointed out that Disney's reluctance to embrace the term "fascism" reflects broader corporate fears of political backlash, especially given the contentious political landscape during the show's promotion. Some argue that this censorship undermines the show's artistic integrity and its ability to engage in meaningful discourse about authoritarianism. Gilroy himself noted the irony of the situation, saying, “How were we supposed to know that this clown car in Washington was going to basically use the same book that we used?”

Disney Asked Andor Team to Avoid Using the Word "Fascism," Says Creator Tony Gilroy

• “We were pretty much doing a story about authoritarianism and fascism, and the Empire is very clearly a great example of that.” — Tony Gilroy, Creator of "Andor."

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• “So you get out your Fascism for Dummies book for the 15 things you do, and we tried to include as many of them as we could in the most artful way possible.” — Tony Gilroy

Disney Asked Andor Team to Avoid Using the Word "Fascism," Says Creator Tony Gilroy

As Gilroy moves on to new projects, including the film "Behemoth!," he reflects on the impact of "Andor" and its relevance to ongoing discussions about governance and power. He has expressed pride in the series while lamenting the predictable nature of history repeating itself. The series remains available for streaming on Disney+, continuing to provoke thought about the nature of power and resistance in both fictional and real-world contexts.

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