Kevin Smith shares his very positive review of Andor and explains why he didn't expect to care about the Star Wars show at all. Smith is best known as the writer and director of Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Mallrats, which all feature as part of the filmmaker's beloved View Askewniverse. Smith's work has been tied to Star Wars since the release of Clerks in 1994, which features Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) debating which of the first three films is the best. Smith's most recent movie, Clerks III, was released last month to somewhat mixed reviews.
Acting as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Andor chronicles the early events of Cassian Andor's (Diego Luna) life before he became a hero of the Rebellion. So far, Luna and Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma are the only characters from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to return in the show, but trailers have already revealed that Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera will also be appearing at some point. Created by Tony Gilroy, who also co-wrote Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in addition to other hit films like Michael Clayton and the Jason Bourne films, the new Star Wars Disney+ series has earned positive reviews from audiences and critics alike, who have praised its grittiness and more serious tone.
On a recent episode of Smith's Fatman Beyond podcast, he praises Andor and reveals that he didn't actually expect to like the show at all. He explains that, since he knows Andor dies in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, he didn't have much interest in a prequel about the character, but he quickly changed his mind after the first few episodes. He praises Andor for being the first show that truly "expands the [Star Wars] universe" and enjoys that the series is exploring more adult themes. Check out Smith's full comment below:
Number one, I trust this man to do anything because Michael Clayton is one of the greatest films ever made. That being said, this f---ing show is dope. This was the f---ing show that I had no interest in whatsoever. I'm like Andor? He dies! Why the f--k would I care? And this is the first show that I really feel like kind of expands the SW universe. We're not on Tattooine, we're not necessarily dealing with a Skywalker story. Yes, the Empire is this gathering storm, but here in the outskirts, the rebellion slowly begins. I had no idea I would like it as much as I do. And it's doing things no other Star Wars things have done. For example -- casual overnight sex. How about that?
How Andor Is Different From Other Star Wars Shows
Now four episodes in, Andor has already proven itself to be very different in terms of its relationship to other Star Wars shows and movies. As Smith alludes to, Andor isn't necessarily interested in exploring elements of the Skywalker Saga, like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi do. The series features new planets and an array of interesting supporting characters, most of whom will be brand-new to audiences, which does make the show feel like it offers a new perspective on the tensions between the Rebellion and the Galactic Empire.
It remains to be seen how Andor will continue to explore new aspects of the Star Wars universe, but the show might pave the way for interesting new shows in the future. While bringing back characters, props, and locations from past Star Wars movies will always be an easy way to please fans, it's also important that the franchise evolve and continue to tell new stories. After all, the Star Wars universe is vast, and, as Andor has demonstrated, chronicling the lives of lesser-known characters on faraway planets can be just as thrilling as seeing beloved figures like Luke Skywalker.
Source: Fatman Beyond