Diego Luna Talks Reprising ‘Rogue One’ Character in Disney+'s ‘Andor’
Moviefone speaks with Diego Luna about Disney+'s ‘Andor.’ “I was really happy to be able to go back into the shoes of Cassian,” the actor said.
Premiering on Disney+ beginning September 21st is the new 12-part series based on characters created in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ called ‘Andor.’
Set five years before the events of ‘Rogue One,’ the series stars Diego Luna reprising his role as Cassian Andor and will follow his journey and role in the birth of the Rebellion.
In addition to Luna, the series also features Genevieve O’Reilly reprising her role as Mon Mothma, as well as Stellan Skarsgard, Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, Denise Gough, Fiona Shaw, and Forest Whitaker reprising his role as Saw Gerrera.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Diego Luna about his work on ‘Andor,’ reprising his role, discovering his character’s backstory, and his history with Adria Arjona’s Bix Caleen.
Diego Luna plays Cassian Andor in Lucasfilm's 'Andor,' exclusively on Disney+.
You can read the interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Luna, Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, Denise Gough, and Genevieve O’Reilly.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about having the opportunity to reprise your role from ‘Rogue One?’ What were some of the aspects of the character you were excited to explore this time around?
Diego Luna: My reaction was just full excitement. I was really happy to be able to go back into the shoes of Cassian and go back to this family, to this team, and to this energy. I really enjoyed working on ‘Rogue One.’ I really had a great time, and I was really pleased with the film. I just wanted to have a chance to keep playing.
I thought of this as a great opportunity to go very deep into who Cassian was. What needs to happen for a man to be willing to sacrifice everything? It's an answer I needed. I don't think ‘Rogue One’ gives you those answers. It's a fantastic film about an event. But you don't get to know where they come from and why they are ready to do that. What has to happen in the life of someone to have that commitment and that clarity? This is what the story will be about.
MF: Where will audiences find Cassian Andor in his life when the series begins?
DL: Audiences will find Cassian in a moment where he is really far away from the guy you met in ‘Rogue One.’ He is in a very destructive environment. He's very lonely. He's very cynical about life. He doesn't have great expectations of himself. He's in a very selfish mode, just surviving and carrying a lot of pain. A lot! It'll be tough to imagine that that guy is capable of doing what we saw him doing in ‘Rogue One.’
Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor,' exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
MF: Will we learn how that becomes possible through the course of the series?
DL: Definitely. First, I wanted to go as far as possible from the guy you met. But obviously, there has to be a way to connect with him that makes sense. That's what the storyline will be. It's like, "What has to happen in the life of this man that seems to be so lost in order to articulate something like what they do in ‘Rogue One?’” It's about the people he meets, the events that happen, and the truth he finds.
MF: Finally, can you talk about Cassian’s history with Bix and working with actress Adria Arjona on that relationship?
DL: Bix is someone that has been part of Cassian's life for a long time. They met each other years ago before we find him. It's a very important relationship. They're friends that know each other better than anyone else. It's that kind of relation.
They know each other for good and bad. She'll be important through the process of Cassian’s journey. Adria, she's amazing. We met, and she's lived in Mexico for a few years. It's nice to have someone that feels so close to home. She's just very sweet and works hard. I'm pleased to be working with her.
'Andor' will premiere on Disney+ September 21st.
