Andor writer Beau Willimon breaks down how the series is centered around sacrifice by following the characters at the heart of The Rebellion's early days. Sacrifice has always been a core element of Star Wars, with characters constantly putting their own needs second to those of the greater cause. Andor leans into this even more heavily because it shows the cost not only in obvious losses like death but also in the other things people lose in war, including their innocence.
During Screen Rant's exclusive interview with Willimon, who wrote episodes 8-10 of Andor, he explains how sacrifice is at the heart of the series touching every character. From Cassian Andor's evolution to the people responsible for starting the Rebel Alliance who are willing to give anything to help The Rebellion. Willimon also reveals how creator Tony Gilroy would explain this element of the series, especially in relation to the characters.
"[Sacrifice] is at the heart of this show. It's something we've talked about from the beginning. If the story is, "How does a guy go from being a selfish ne'er-do-well that just is out for himself to becoming a guy that's willing to give his life for The Rebellion?" That's a story of, "How do you become a person that is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice?" Sacrifice is at the core of the show. And we ask that question of every character, even the people that are working for the ISB. "What sacrifices are they willing to make, or have already they made? What cost or toll does it take on their souls?"
Tony would always talk about the people in our show mostly being the gravel. This sort of loose gravel that somehow coalesces and begins to pave the road towards rebellion, but will be paved over by the asphalt. No one will know their names, no one will know who they were. They were the people that had to take the risks at great cost and sacrifice to give The Rebels the plans to the Death Star, eventually. That's who our show is about. Cassian is at the center of it, but there are a lot of others like Luthen as well."
How Andor Season 1 Has Paved The Way For Rogue One
Andor focuses on the heroes and villains that won't be remembered when the fighting finally ends. This is a series exploring the origins that have been overlooked. Not only Cassian Andor's evolution from selfish scoundrel to loyal Rebellion fighter but the very origins of The Rebel Alliance. Gilroy's concept of these characters being the gravel that paves the way for the larger Rebellion is intriguing because these aren't the heroes that will be honored with parades and celebrations. These are the people who are willing to get their hands dirty for freedom, no matter how much it costs.
Luthen's speech in Andor episode 10 truly puts into perspective what his sacrifices have been and the toll it takes on him. Without sacrifice, wars can't be won, and freedom will never be gained. This perfectly sets up Rogue One because it not only begins to explain what Andor meant when referring to the things he has done in the name of the Rebellion but also why he and so many others are willing to go on a suicide mission. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Andor is how it juxtaposes Imperial agents with key members of the early Rebellion. It shows why people like Luthen and eventually Andor must be willing to do whatever it takes because the people they are fighting lack the moral hang-ups that so many in the Rebellion will have.
Andor demonstrates the true dangers of the Empire in a way that many Star Wars projects haven't. The Empire has already established itself throughout the galaxy, infusing itself into every aspect of life. The danger comes not from simple acts of violence but from the larger loss of freedom. The Empire can take over entire planets, essentially instituting Marshall Law with public executions; they can install spies at the highest levels of government, and they can lock people up whenever and for however long they want without consequence. The people of the galaxy are largely too scared, too complacent, or too defeated to fight back, which is why the Rebellion is so important.