New Star Wars Book Addresses Major Andor Criticism
Tony Gilroy’s Andor serves as a masterclass in prestige television, proving that Disney’s massive $645 million investment yielded one of the most visually sophisticated entries in the entire Star Wars canon. The series offers a gritty, ground-level perspective on Cassian Andor’s evolution into the hardened revolutionary we meet in Rogue One. With Phillip Szostak’s upcoming behind-the-scenes tome, The Art of Star Wars: Andor, enthusiasts are finally granted an exhaustive look at the show’s creative architecture.
Ahead of the book’s official debut next month, we are excited to showcase an exclusive look at one of its interior spreads. Beyond the gorgeous concept art featuring our favorite rebels and imperials, the pages offer a surprising revelation: the galaxy of Andor was once slated to be much more populated with non-human life.
The spread highlights the meticulous design of the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB), focusing on the formidable Dedra Meero (Denise Gough). Her workstation is as cold and calculating as the character herself, fitting perfectly into the sinister aesthetic of the Empire’s secret police. Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser) also appears, looking as effortlessly authoritative as ever.
However, the most intriguing detail lies on page 93, which quietly addresses one of the show’s most common critiques: the relative scarcity of alien characters. Concept art reveals that Avril Heert (Jacob James Beswick)—Meero’s loyal aide—was originally envisioned as an alien entity.
While the text doesn’t explicitly name the species, the striking blue-skinned design heavily suggests a Chiss heritage, reminiscent of the legendary Grand Admiral Thrawn. Whether the production team pivoted away from this to avoid complicated lore implications or simply for budgetary practicalities remains a mystery. Either way, this glimpse is just a fraction of the deep dive The Art of Star Wars: Andor offers, complete with candid insights from Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, and the visionary Lucasfilm art department.
The Art of Star Wars: Andor arrives on June 30, 2026.
Source: Polygon
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