In Beverly Hills, California, the character of Mon Mothma has evolved dramatically within the “Star Wars” universe. Initially introduced with a minimalist role, Mon Mothma was seen delivering crucial information in a low-profile manner. However, recent episodes of “Andor” on Disney+ have expanded her role significantly (beware of spoilers for episodes already released). In a particular scene during her daughter’s wedding, Mothma indulges in an emotional dance fueled by high-end space liquor, deeply entangled in personal and political turmoil. This pivotal moment, which leans toward tragic rather than comedic, unveils Mothma’s radical transformation as she distances herself from an old friend viewed as a potential threat to the Rebel Alliance. The newly expanded scenes have allowed actress Genevieve O’Reilly and her co-stars, including Adria Arjona, to explore their characters in greater depth in the second season of “Andor,” featuring three new episodes released on Tuesday.
According to O’Reilly, the wedding dance scene is filled with internal chaos as Mon Mothma struggles with her tacit decision to eliminate a friend who endangers the cause. “It’s a techno-galactic dance moment,” she explained, “a desperate attempt to suppress a scream.” It is in this emotionally charged scene that audiences witness Mothma’s struggle to break free from her constraints and dance uninhibitedly.
Mon Mothma’s journey has become central to the series’ theme of revolution, potentially even more so than the titular character portrayed by Diego Luna. In her complex role, Mon Mothma juggles diplomacy and rebellion, striving to uphold a façade of polite opposition amidst rising impulses for open defiance. As O’Reilly put it, “If she drops that mask of diplomacy, she’s useless. Her composure is her only tool.”
Tony Gilroy, the creator of “Andor,” highlighted the unique challenges of Mothma’s role, saying, “Her journey is the hardest because she’s constantly being watched. She can’t make a move.” Gilroy envisioned and crafted various complex arcs for the show’s female characters after recognizing the talented performances during production.
Genevieve O’Reilly, originally from Ireland and residing in Australia, first embodied a youthful Mon Mothma during 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith” and her scenes ended up in DVD extras. She later reprised her role in 2016’s “Rogue One,” a precursor to “Andor,” building her character further in “Star Wars: Rebels” and “Ahsoka.” Season 2 of “Andor” delves deeper into the Chadrilan senator’s origin story, enriching her character substantially. “You really feel that she’s of value to this world that is created,” O’Reilly shared, appreciating the opportunity to add layers to her portrayal.
Gilroy wrote the initial episodes of the second season, showcasing an elaborate, three-day wedding ending with a vibrant club dance set to Nicholas Brittel’s “Niamos!” from Season 1. This scene, rich in atmosphere and symbolism, underscores the swelling arcs for the female protagonists.
Elizabeth Dulau, portraying Kleya, Luthen Rael’s lieutenant played by Stellan Skarsgård, has also seen her role expanded in Season 2. Originally with a modest presence, Kleya’s character evolves into a fleshed-out form, with a meaningful backstory and an impactful journey. Gilroy noted that the discovery of such roles was part of the creative process, realizing, “She could be the sorcerer’s apprentice, or one of the greatest actresses I’ve ever worked with.” He chose to see her as the latter.
Bix Caleen, another prominent character depicted by Adria Arjona, undergoes significant development in Season 2. Initially limited in screen time, Bix’s narrative unfolds dramatically, showcasing a journey from rural secrecy to urban rebellion with Cassian Andor. Her plotline involves navigating trauma, addiction, and aggressive action, including an encounter with an abusive antagonist.
Reflecting on her role, Arjona expressed appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “I’ve never done a Season 2 of anything before. I was able to explore new dimensions because I felt so safe and confident throughout each phase.” Describing the intense gravitas of her final series lines, she noted, “It was the scariest moment I’ve experienced as an actress. It caused an overwhelming emotional response during takes.”
These compelling performances elevate the show, resulting in an ensemble that seemingly outgrows the titular reference to Diego Luna’s character. Luna himself acknowledged this, reflecting on the choice of title: “It’s a paradox that this show is called ‘Andor’ because it’s about community, it’s an ensemble. The complexity of that is what makes this show interesting.”