When Does Andor Take Place In The Star Wars Timeline?

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In the series titled “Andor,” we follow Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna), who initially leads a life of common theft but becomes embroiled in a bigger cause – the rebellion against the Empire. However, due to Disney’s 2012 purchase of Star Wars and their relegation of most of the franchise’s expanded universe into Legends, it can be somewhat confusing for viewers where exactly “Andor” fits within the Star Wars timeline.

In Season 1, there are signs that suggest “Andor” serves as a prequel to the 2016 film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” This film is set during a year known as 0 BBY in the Star Wars universe, which is the year before the Battle of Yavin, a major event depicted in “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope.” The events that occur after the Battle of Yavin are labeled as ABY, while those prior are labeled as BBY. “Andor” starts off at 5 BBY and continues up to the year 0 BBY.

The positioning of “Andor” in the chronology matters significantly, as the show illustrates the origin of the Rebel Alliance from a collection of diverse freedom fighters and patriots, each striving towards shared objectives but initially at odds with one another. Originally, “Andor” was intended to span over five seasons, with each season focusing on a different year Before the Battle of Yavin (BBY). However, this plan was altered, and instead of one season for every year, Season 2 encompasses the years 4-0 BBY. This season is further divided into four three-episode story arcs, as follows:

1. Episode 1 – 4 BBY
2. Episode 4-6 – 3 BBY
3. Episode 7-9 – 2 BBY
4. Episode 10-12 – 0 BBY

Andor Season 1 is set during 5 BBY

In the initial phase of “Andor” Season 1, which unfolds in the year 5 BBY, Cassian Andor encounters various predicaments on Morlana One. This sequence of events initiates the narrative, as it introduces a multitude of characters representing diverse groups and factions. Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) pursues Cassian to his native planet, while Cassian gradually joins the rebellion through a series of steps. Initially, he works under Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), who is a master thief.

Luthen secretly whisks Cassian away from their current planet, where he joins a tight-knit band of rebels planning to pilfer the payroll of an entire Imperial region. To conceal his true self, Cassian keeps his identity hidden, but eventually confesses that financial gain is what drew him into this venture. The operation goes smoothly, and the narrative for the second part of the season unfolds, focusing on the consequences and widespread effects in the galaxy, which subsequently face intensified tyrannical suppression. Eventually, Andor is apprehended under an assumed name and receives a six-year prison sentence.

During his imprisonment, Cassian encounters individuals who share similar views, and he works diligently to persuade them to orchestrate an escape. After some deliberation, his fellow prisoners agree, leading to a successful jailbreak. The eventful escape allows Cassian to return home in time for his adoptive mother’s funeral, setting the foundation for the season-ending conflict where all main characters gather at one location. As events unfold, Cassian ultimately departs with Luthen and joins his movement, culminating in “Andor” Season 1 with a glimpse of the Death Star under construction using components fabricated within the prison.

The second season spans 4-0 BBY

Since “Andor” Season 2 spans four years rather than a single one, its structure is quite distinct. The storyline commences a year after the end of Season 1, beginning with episodes set in 4 BBY. The period between 4 BBY and 0 BBY hasn’t been delved into extensively in other “Star Wars” productions, leaving some uncertainty about how Season 2 will unfold.

The story starts with Mon Mothma (played by Genevieve O’Reilly) hesitantly assisting her daughter in a traditional marriage ceremony on their home planet. Simultaneously, Cassian, who is unfamiliar with flying such a craft, commandeers a TIE Advanced x1 (referred to as a Tie Avenger), only to be captured by a separate faction of Rebels, unaware of the larger situation. This portrays the early stages of the rebellion, where various independent groups created confusion for those attempting to weaken the Empire.

In the upcoming three episodes, we move forward by one year to 3 BBY, and it’s likely you can predict the sequence of events in the third and fourth story arcs. “Andor” Season 2 kicks off with a bang, hinting at exploring the intricate details of the Star Wars universe and showing Cassian’s transformation from an ordinary criminal to a crucial figure within the Rebellion. The last episode of “Andor” seamlessly transitions into “Rogue One,” so if you’re keen on immersing yourself in top-notch Star Wars content, watch Seasons 1 and 2 of “Andor” first, followed by settling in for a fantastic viewing experience with “Rogue One.

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2025-05-01 02:30