Diego Luna and Adria Arjona’s Secret ‘Star Wars’ Love Story They Want to Tell

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Despite wrapping up with season two, Andor’s leading actors, Diego Luna and Adria Arjona, express a strong desire to return and share a particular tale that holds significance for them.

The initial concept for Tony Gilroy’s Disney+ series centered around Cassian Andor was to portray his transformation into the Rebel hero who dies selflessly in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story across five seasons, spanning a period of five years. However, after completing season one, Gilroy and Luna came to the conclusion that their initial goal was overly ambitious and would have demanded at least ten years of their lives to complete. Consequently, Gilroy adapted a new narrative framework for season two, which covers four years in total. The story is divided into blocks of three episodes, each focusing on crucial days within that specific year before leaping forward to the next set of episodes after a one-year interval. As the series progresses, characters often refer to events that took place during the unseen year between episodes.

Therefore, the opening episode of season two takes place in 4 BBY, a year following the intense events depicted in the finale of Andor‘s first season. Cassian and his remaining companions from Ferrix – including Bix Caleen (Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain), Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier) and B2EMO – are in hiding on the agricultural planet of Mina-Rau. And as suggested by Cassian’s off-planet activities, as well as promotional materials for season two, it appears that Cassian and Bix have reignited their romantic relationship, which may have begun during their teenage years on Ferrix.

The event occurred mysteriously, taking place during the transition from one season to another. And that’s precisely the enigmatic tale that Luna and Arjona aim to portray.

Luna shares with The Hollywood Reporter her excitement about delving into the tale of two characters during the unseen year between season one and season two of ‘Andor’. She explains that this period, set in a distant galaxy, is particularly grim, making it all the more captivating to explore a love story within it. Moreover, she highlights that developing such a narrative could be both beautiful and rare, and as an added bonus, it’s cost-effective!

In their recent chat with THR, Luna and Arjona delve into the influence of Andor on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and how it reshapes crucial scenes through a fresh perspective.

A Star Wars Story and its impact on reinterpreting significant moments.

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Are there hints about missing narratives that occur during the breaks between each set of episodes? Are you both familiar with everything that happened during these one-year intervals?

ADRIA ARJONA There weren’t many hints given in the script, but I wanted to mention one that Diego often references because I find it meaningful. In the initial episode, he says, “I need to call home.” With just this simple phrase, he effectively conveys the one-year time skip between these characters and their relationship. They’ve found a sense of belonging in each other, which is the essence of what transpired during that year. This is essentially all you need to grasp about the time gap and their dynamic. At times, there were scripted lines, while at others, we, Diego, Tony, and I, would have discussions. I’m unsure about how it was for other characters, but this was our approach.

DIEGO LUNA Sometimes, certain questions required answers, such as why a character wears a specific outfit or the backstory behind a prop. As actors, we had these discussions with directors on set. Tony is an incredibly detail-oriented writer; he always has an answer ready. Yet, when it comes to producing, he’s remarkably insightful. There comes a point where he hands over the script and allows directors to take charge, bringing their unique perspectives to the table. This show essentially became eight films due to this approach. Tony lays out the guidelines but then it’s the collaboration with directors that fills in the blanks. It was an engaging process as it kept everyone engaged and attentive. The answers are there to be discovered, but you have to put in the work.

Suppose a fascinating film concept revolves around untold behind-the-scenes tales, would the two of you consider returning for it?

ARJONA Look, I love a job!

LUNA (Laughs.) She’s already in!

ARJONA I’m in!

LUNA Indeed, I can affirm it. I’m inclined to say ‘yes’. The upcoming second season demands a significant amount of change, or rather, revolution. The environment must be politically and socially charged with specific conditions. There’s an abundance of sorrow, suffering, and injustice. However, something more is required – love and connection. I am eager to delve into the narrative of these two characters during the year that remains unseen between seasons one and two.

ARJONA Oh yeah!

In a distant galaxy, the current epoch appears to be shrouded in darkness. Yet, the prospect of witnessing and crafting a love story – one that seems intertwined as we revisit it in season two – could be an exquisite and extraordinary experience. Isn’t it intriguing?

ARJONA Mm-hmm!

LUNA And it’s also cheaper! 

ARJONA & LUNA (Laugh.)

LUNA We could do it fast because we just need an apartment. 

ARJONA Right!

LUNA It all happens indoors. 

1. Diego, does the final scene in Rogue One, where Cassian hugs Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), hold a different significance for you now that you’ve watched Andor? And Adria, when you observe that same scene, do you imagine Cassian might be thinking about Bix?

2. Diego, has the ending of Rogue One, where Cassian embraces Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), taken on a new interpretation because of your experience with Andor? And Adria, when you see that scene, do you suspect that maybe Cassian is remembering Bix?

3. Diego, has the emotional context behind Cassian’s hug with Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) in Rogue One been altered for you since watching Andor? And Adria, when you witness that scene, do you wonder if perhaps Cassian is recalling Bix?

4. Diego, has the significance of the ending scene in Rogue One, where Cassian hugs Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), evolved for you due to your knowledge of Andor? And Adria, when observing that scene, do you imagine that maybe Cassian is reminiscing about Bix?

5. Diego, has the sentiment behind Cassian’s hug with Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) in Rogue One shifted for you after watching Andor? And Adria, when you watch that scene, do you suspect that perhaps Cassian is thinking of Bix?

ARJONA & LUNA (Laugh.)

ARJONA To be honest, I haven’t watched Rogue One again since wrapping up season two, and I’m looking forward to revisiting it. Once I finish with press obligations, that’s likely what I’ll do. If not, I might just overthink things. But who knows? I hope that moment is his. However, Diego, feel free to share your thoughts.

LUNA (Laughs.) “You should save me now.” 

ARJONA (Laughs.) Now!

LUNA It didn’t change my perspective at all.

ARJONA So you weren’t thinking about Bix?

LUNA Well …

 ARJONA & LUNA (Laugh.)

LUNA To my interpretation, that embrace carries a deeper significance than you might initially assume. They’re essentially saying goodbye to everything, finding in each other the courage to make such a difficult decision. However, I believe the viewers’ perspective will shift significantly. As a spectator of Rogue One, your experience is now deepened by this additional information and visuals from Andor. Now you possess the answers to many lingering questions. Now you comprehend what Cassian refers to when he speaks about sacrifice and the actions he takes for the Rebellion. Now you grasp the essence of his connection with K-2SO. Now you are aware of his burden. Now you understand what it all signifies, and now you know what he’s leaving behind – a life that is no longer his own.

Previously discussed, Cass and Bix have reignited their teenage romance, sharing a touching moment of closeness with their hands intertwined. Could this be a tradition from Ferrix?

ARJONA Wow, I’m glad you noticed that! That scene is definitely one of my favorites from this season of Bix. Tony hinted or revealed that he wanted a Ferrix ritual, which would transport us into their childhood for a brief moment, something they had been doing for years and years. This ritual helps them connect, and only the two of them know what’s happening in that moment. So Tony left it up to interpretation, and then an amazing choreographer joined in with lots of ideas. But Diego began this gesture with his hand, and I simply mimicked him. It was truly captivating, and it represented a powerful connection between the two actors. Diego was taking the lead, while I followed his movements in this intricate dance he created with his hand. In the end, it just clicked. It was simple, but it held so much meaning in its creation and execution. I had to stay focused because I wasn’t sure where his hand would go next, but it was incredibly moving. When I watch the series, that moment stands out as one of my favorites.

LUNA The dance is deeply meaningful. We aim for it to convey a multitude of messages through movement. Yet, surprisingly, it turned out to be incredibly straightforward. This seemingly small action speaks volumes about their entire existence.

ARJONA There’s so much history in that.

LUNA It was cool. 

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Andor season two’s three-episode premiere releases April 22 on Disney+.

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2025-04-19 02:25