Andor quietly made Star Wars history with the last thing you’d expect

Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.

In the vast expanse of the Star Wars galaxy, iconic “firsts” are rare and celebrated milestones. From the unique elegance of the light-whip in The Acolyte to the strange, heartfelt traditions of Life Day, fans are always fascinated by the tangible details that flesh out George Lucas’ universe. Now, thanks to the insights shared in The Art of Andor, we’ve discovered a surprisingly grounded—and arguably unexpected—addition to the franchise’s history.

The production philosophy behind Andor was rooted in tactile realism. Rather than leaning on digital trickery, the creative team opted to build props by hand, ranging from mundane snack packaging to common household items. Yet, among all the elaborate world-building, it was the inclusion of a working, standard-issue toilet that marked a subtle but significant milestone for the series.

Rewind to 2022’s debut season: in the episode “Narkina-5,” Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) finds himself on the tropical resort world of Niamos. While the audience’s attention was likely fixed on the aftermath of the Aldhani heist, a lingering camera shot in the hotel bathroom revealed a sleek, utilitarian fixture: an integrated unit featuring a sink, shower, and, unmistakably, a toilet.

“Our goal was to respect the established aesthetic of Star Wars while imbuing every environment with its own distinct personality,” explains set decorator Rebecca Alleway in the companion volume. “It was a complex challenge, but an incredibly rewarding one.”

While the franchise has previously alluded to sanitation—mentioning “vac-tubes” in literature and video games like Star Wars: Outlaws—a practical, recognizable toilet in a residential setting had never appeared on screen until Andor. Alleway purposefully designed the fixture to be so understated that it would blend seamlessly into the background.

Image: Lucasfilm

“I envisioned a combined shower-bathroom setup,” Alleway notes. “The toilet design was intended to be subtle—so much so that you might not even realize it’s there upon a first glance.”

It may not be the most glamorous piece of lore, but for the dedicated Star Wars enthusiast, it’s a brilliant example of the show’s commitment to internal consistency. If you’re looking for the ultimate conversation starter at your next fan gathering, this piece of trivia is sure to do the trick.

Source: Polygon