‘Andor’ Creator Tony Gilroy Gives the Interview He Couldn’t During Its Release

Hollywood Reporter

by Brian Davids

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Tony Gilroy, creator of *Andor*, has opened up about the parallels between his Star Wars series and recent tragic events in Minnesota, where federal agents killed two residents, Renée Good and Alex Pretti. During an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Gilroy reflected on how his show’s depiction of fascism aligns with real-world dynamics, particularly the way authoritarian forces label victims as threats or insurrectionists to justify their actions. He emphasized that the series was not meant to predict future events but rather to highlight historical patterns of fascism. “You get out your Fascism for Dummies book for the 15 things you do,” Gilroy explained, “and we tried to include as many of them as we could in the most artful way possible.” He noted how shocked he was that modern leaders would mimic these same behaviors, calling it a “sad familiarity” rather than clairvoyance. During the show’s initial promotion, Disney asked Gilroy and his team to avoid using the word “fascism.” This decision stemmed from concerns about political backlash, especially following the firestorm surrounding their live-action *Snow White* remake. Instead, the creators framed the series as a historical drama based on legitimate events, avoiding overt political commentary. Gilroy admitted that while this approach was “very safe and legitimate,” it also limited their ability to address fascism openly during the show’s marketing phase. In discussing the recent report comparing Andor’s themes to current U.S. politics, Gilroy expressed frustration with the notion of prescience. He clarified that his intent was always to explore fascism through a historical lens, drawing parallels between the Galactic Empire and real-world authoritarian regimes. “How were we supposed to know,” he wondered, “that this clown car in Washington was going to basically use the same book that we used?” His comments underscore the show’s relevance in today’s political climate, where similar power dynamics continue to unfold. For readers interested in entertainment and media commentary, Gilroy’s reflections shed light on the challenges of balancing artistic expression with political sensitivity. His insights also highlight how *Andor*’s themes resonate beyond Star Wars lore, offering a timely critique of authoritarianism that feels eerily relevant to modern events. By addressing fascism through historical storytelling, Gilroy not only created a critically acclaimed series but also positioned it as a

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/20/2026