Did you know that the conclusion of season two of Andor in May 2025 marked not just the end of a series, but a significant turning point in the Star Wars franchise? Over six years have passed since The Rise of Skywalker graced the big screen, and the franchise has mainly shifted to a streaming format. Some adaptations have succeeded, while others have missed the mark. Yet, as the credits rolled on Andor, the question lingered: will we ever see such quality again?
It’s wise to recall Yoda’s insight that the future is hard to predict because it’s constantly shifting. For Star Wars, this reality has been especially true over the last six years, filled with announcements and rumors. However, only two films are truly in the pipeline. First, there’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, set for 2026, which embodies the era of Star Wars we’ve come to know on streaming platforms. The second, Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for 2027, seems disconnected from the established lore.
While details about these projects remain limited, skepticism looms large. We loved the early seasons of The Mandalorian, but the later episodes focused more on fan service than character development. The upcoming adaptation involving Jabba the Hutt’s son hasn’t generated excitement yet. Starfighter remains too distant to form concrete opinions, yet some fans aren’t keen on Shawn Levy taking the reins.
Additionally, 2026 will introduce a brand-new Darth Maul animated series alongside the second season of Ahsoka, the live-action continuation of the beloved animated series Star Wars Rebels. While both have the potential to be exceptional, recent history suggests that Star Wars fans should tread carefully with their anticipation.
Unlike the uncertainty surrounding these upcoming projects, Andor established an immediate connection with fans. Following the remarkable first season, no one doubted the vision of creator Tony Gilroy and his team. With a known end point leading to Rogue One, audiences were assured of a powerful narrative, and they delivered beyond expectations.
Over its twelve episodes, Andor essentially presented us with the equivalent of four Star Wars films. Each three-episode story arc conveyed different tones and themes. Viewers experienced everything from traditional, thrilling moments to stark depictions of the Empire’s brutality. There were exhilarating scenes and complex emotions that pushed the boundaries of what a Star Wars story could convey. Who could forget Mon Mothma dancing at her daughter’s wedding? A lively scene, yet underlined by her recent unforgivable actions.
If Andor demonstrated that Star Wars still holds the potential for greatness, why does a cloud of uncertainty linger about the franchise’s horizon? Several factors contribute to this apprehension. Although Andor is a prequel, it largely sidestepped major connections, opting instead to focus on its own story while encapsulating core Star Wars themes like heroism, rebellion, and sacrifice. It deftly balanced the origin of the Rebel Alliance with an engaging narrative that felt fresh.
Indeed, a few familiar characters appeared, and the iconic Death Star made its presence felt, yet viewers didn’t need to have a profound understanding of Star Wars lore to appreciate Andor. The emotions and joy were accessible to all. It just happened to be set in the Star Wars universe.
This approach aligns with the ambitions of Starfighter, aiming to tell a story within the Star Wars universe that feels authentic without requiring prior knowledge of the saga. Similar efforts have been made with The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew, yielding mixed results. Perhaps the positive reception of Andor has unlocked the secret that Lucasfilm has sought: compelling storytelling and relatable characters can flourish in a galaxy far, far away. While connections to the broader universe may enrich the narrative, they shouldn’t be a prerequisite. The quality established by Andor should set the standard.
Andor not only demonstrated that Star Wars can still shine brightly, but it also marked the end of an era focused on streaming. Its legacy may very well pave the way for an exciting future, both in cinemas and on screens at home.
Or could it be that Andor was the finale of truly good Star Wars? We sincerely hope not. It has illuminated a path forward. After all, remember: rebellions are built on hope.
Are you curious about when the next Star Wars releases are scheduled? Keep an eye on updates for information on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Doctor Who content. You don’t want to miss what’s next!