Andor: First reactions hail the Star Wars prequel series as visually stunning and truly unique

It won’t be long before the Star Wars prequel series Andor forces its way onto Disney+, and critics who received an early look at the show are lining up to sing its praises. Folks are describing the first four episodes of Andor as something “different” from other Star Wars-related projects on the mouse-eared streaming platform. One critic even said Andor rivals The Mandalorian regarding quality, dept of story, and atmosphere. Stick that in your space-aged hooka and huff it, Jabba!

While I could wax rhapsodic about how excited I am to watch the three-episode premiere of Andor when it arrives on Disney+ on September 21, 2022, I’ll let the fine folk who’ve seen the show pump you up.

#Andor features the best production values of any @DisneyPlus @starwars series to date. It definitely had some intriguing moments…starting in episode 4. It has so much potential but the first 3 episodes move way too slowly and could have been 1 episode.

— Alex Maidy (@electricmaidy) September 16, 2022

I'm happy to say that #Andor is friggin' AWESOME! The first live-action #StarWars show to rival The Mandalorian but it's soooooooo different. Driven by mood, atmosphere, & character – feels more akin to a dark Ridley Scott Sci-Fi joint. LOVED the first few episodes! pic.twitter.com/EYIagLv6r2

— Greg Alba (@TheGregAlba) September 16, 2022

#Andor is NOT what I expected. It's a mix of STAR WARS UNDERWORLD and LORD OF THE FLIES, an odd pairing that works. Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw and Stellan Skarsgård give standout performances. It's action-packed, yet a slow burn and I can't wait to see how it ends. pic.twitter.com/SVqfnhnfvq

— BSL @ #TIFF22 (@bigscreenleaks) September 16, 2022

A month or two ago I watched the first four episodes of #Andor and it's awesome. Quality production design, lived in worlds, real looking locations, and characters that feel like real people. It's the best of Disney Star Wars so far and much needed for the franchise! pic.twitter.com/JOeUVkaCqP

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) September 16, 2022

#Andor is unlike any @starwars story that we've ever seen before. @diegoluna_ is at the center of a stunning & dangerous world in turmoil. It's gritty, mature, and the most intelligent and well-informed story we've had to date. Tony Gilroy is a genius. pic.twitter.com/pfZwlmZ0HD

— Maggie Lovitt (@maggieofthetown) September 16, 2022

.#Andor is absolutely beautiful. The writing, cinematography, music, & acting were phenomenal. There were even moments of hilarity so it didn't feel like dread (the feeling of the empire & location). Think Mandalorian levels. It was so good. The direction was just ???

— Laura ลอร'า 劳拉 (@lsirikul) September 16, 2022

As a Latina, #Andor felt like coming home in a way that no other Star Wars property has ever done. And even though you know where @diegoluna_'s Cassian Andor ends up, you want to watch every second. You want to know everything about @adriaarjona too. Trust me. Watch on Sept. 21! pic.twitter.com/FeOk1T9rgO

— Lyra Hale ✍️?️‍??? (@TheAltSource) September 16, 2022

Andor will see the return of Diego Luna as the titular character. The 12-episode series will take place five years before the events of Rogue One. In this story, the focus will be on the genesis of the rebellion against the Empire. Cassian Andor will find himself on a journey where he discovers he can become a valuable asset to this new movement in which groups of people from different planets start to come together and join the fight. The series will also star Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Fiona Shaw, and Faye Marsay. Tony Gilroy, the writer of the Bourne movie series, is the creator and showrunner.

Some days, it feels like Disney+ is pumping out Star Wars-related series like they’re going out of style. Thankfully, each project explores a different part of a galaxy far away, adding to the franchise’s mythology in exciting ways. I wonder if and when the Star Wars bubble will pop. Then again, the Star Wars Universe has lasted generations and offers more diversity than ever.

Are you excited about Andor? Let us know in the comments!