Full Breakdown
Tony Gilroy Addresses "Andor" and Speculation of Feud with Dave Filoni
2/22/2026, 8:30:19 PM
Background on "Andor" and the Star Wars Franchise
Tony Gilroy, known for his work on the "Bourne" series and "Michael Clayton," created the "Star Wars" series "Andor," which has received critical acclaim for its mature storytelling. The series stands out in the "Star Wars" canon, which typically focuses on family-friendly narratives, such as "The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka." Despite its success, "Andor" has been perceived as an outlier, raising questions about the direction of the franchise under Disney's stewardship.
Gilroy Responds to Feud Speculation
Recent speculation suggested that Dave Filoni, the newly appointed Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm, was not fond of "Andor." This claim was fueled by an unnamed source cited in an analysis piece by The Wrap. However, a Lucasfilm spokesperson denied the assertion, labeling it as inaccurate. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gilroy addressed these rumors, stating that he has had minimal interaction with Filoni and emphasized that there has never been hostility between their projects. He remarked, “We’ve always gotten along with those guys, and we’ve never had anything but high praise for everything that they’ve done.”
Criticism of the Star Wars Franchise
In the same interview, Gilroy reflected on the broader criticism of the "Star Wars" franchise, particularly regarding its perceived risk aversion. He acknowledged that while he sympathizes with executives who must consider financial implications, he would prefer a more experimental approach to storytelling. Gilroy cited HBO's "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" as an example of a successful risk-taking venture within a major franchise. He expressed a desire for creative freedom, stating, “I’d rather go down swinging. Safety has never been one of my navigational principles.”
Official Statements & Responses
Gilroy downplayed the notion that "Andor" was a harbinger of a new direction for "Star Wars," indicating that he does not have a vested interest in the franchise's future decisions. He stated, “It doesn’t matter to me what they do,” reflecting his detachment from the ongoing developments within the franchise.
What's Next for Gilroy
As Gilroy steps away from the "Star Wars" universe, he is set to direct a drama film titled "Behemoth!" featuring actors Pedro Pascal, Olivia Wilde, and Eva Victor. Meanwhile, "Andor" remains available for streaming on Disney+.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We only have our show because of them, and we’ve always said that was true.” — Tony Gilroy, Creator of "Andor."
- “Disappointed would be too strong a word,” — Tony Gilroy, regarding the future direction of "Star Wars."
