This article contains spoilers for Andor episode 12.Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy debunks a fan theory about the season finale's major death. Andor is the latest Star Wars original series to premiere on Disney+. The series serves as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as he transitions from a petty thief to a prominent figure in the Rebellion against the Empire. Andor has received critical acclaim for its gritty tone and realistic depiction of rebellion and oppression. The season 1 finale premiered on November 23 and caused a stirring with one of its character deaths.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gilroy debunks a fan theory that questioned if Maarva's (Fiona Shaw) death was legitimate. Maarva is Cassian's adoptive mother in the show. However, she fell ill in Andor episode 11, "Daughter of Ferrix," and died, prompting Cassian to return to Ferrix for her funeral in the finale. While her death appeared final, fans questioned if she could potentially still be alive. One theory suggested that her death was a ruse that Cassian used to get Maarva away from the oppression she faced on Ferrix. However, Gilroy refutes the theory. Check out his statement below:
Oh, I know. I saw that theory. I love that theory. I saw somebody with a theory, "Oh my God, she's not dead. They're sneaking her out of there. It's Cassian's way of getting her free and they think she's dead." And I was like, "Wow, that's a viable idea," but that's not what we're doing.
What Maarva's Death Means For Andor Season 2
Based on Gilroy's debunking, it appears that Maarva's death was final. Given her status and prestige, her death will likely have wide-ranging consequences that will extend into Andor season 2. After all, the finale already began to explore the ripple effect of her death. Maarva was a respected pillar of her community, and her death sent shockwaves through Ferrix. However, it was a pre-recorded message of Maarva's that really struck a chord with mourners. In the message, she continued her opposition to the Empire even after death and rallied Ferrix to act against the Empire, inciting a riot. His mother's message and the riot very clearly had a profound impact on Cassian that will be further explored in Andor season 2.
The second season will officially explore him taking on a true role in the Rebellion after his mother's death put his decision in motion. He decided to stay on Ferrix like her, as an act of rebellion, and propositioned Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) to take him on as an agent. Now that Maarva's death has sparked Cassian's official decision to join the Rebellion, Andor season 2 will further explore the events leading up to Rogue One and how Andor climbed the ranks of the Rebellion.
Additionally, Maarva's death could renew Andor's interest in his long-lost sister, Kerri (Belle Swarc), from his home planet of Kenari. The two were separated when Cassian was just 6 years old, and he went on to be raised as the adopted son of Maarva. While Andor was searching for Kerri in the beginning, mentions and flashbacks of her dropped off inexplicably about halfway through the season. Fans still hold out hope that Andor season 2 can explain what happened to her. Given Maarva's passing, it would make sense for Cassian to take a renewed interest in finding Kerri, as she is the only family he has left now. Ultimately, the finality of Maarva's death will likely continue to impact Cassian's actions deeply in Andor season 2 by reinvigorating his interest in the Rebellion and potentially in his search for his sister.
Source: EW