Tony Gilroy and Genevieve O'Reilly Analyze Mon Mothma's Critical Dance Scene from Andor
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Jump back into the heart of the Star Wars rebellion with the first three episodes of Andor season two, now streaming on Disney+. In an interview with io9, showrunner Tony Gilroy and star Genevieve O'Reilly, who portrays Mon Mothma, discuss the misty past moments of the third episode, and reveal the reasoning behind the three-episode "movie" arcs.
Sabina Graves, io9: The initial blueprint called for Andor to run five seasons, each covering a year, but that evolved into these three-episode arcs. How much backstory did you develop as you went along, Tony?
Tony Gilroy: Initially, I was like, "Oh my goodness, will it work? Will there be mountains of exposition?" I didn't want that. If you'd asked me at the start, I would've thought I'd have to write a gigantic bible of filler, instead I ended up barely having to do any of that.
In episode four, Adria [Arjona] and Diego [Luna] needed to know about the soldier and the missions. The specifics were necessary, but as we progressed, the pickups and the pre-episode scenes seemed readily available. I didn't have to produce a massive memo to catch up, I only had some conversations about it.
io9: Genevieve, it must've been liberating to have this blank canvas to build Mon Mothma in her formative years of rebellion. Particularly her uninhibited moment in episode three, I found it profoundly cathartic. Can you give me some insight into how that scene unfolded for you?
Genevieve O'Reilly: Absolutely. The first three episodes span three days at Mon's ancestral home, thoroughly immersing me in her heritage. Little exposition was needed; it was simply shown – the customs, the rituals. The complications of family relationships, her daughter, her husband, the in-laws, and Luthen's arrival, were all engaging factors.
As we approach the climax of these three episodes, the gravity of Mon's situation is palpable – not just the family ties but the threat Luthen perceives in Tay Colma. Mon recognizes the threat but Luthen possesses a clearer vision. He calls her out, questioning her romanticized expectations of rebellion, and encouraging her to confront the reality of it. This confrontation results in the powerful and evocative scene that leave audiences breathless.
io9: The intensity of the dancing and drinking, skillfully intercut with each character at a crossroads, was captivating. Tony, what was the essence of this approach you took to create such a dynamic and tension-filled segment?
Gilroy: My brother John, the post-production mastermind, helped bring it all together. We've learned how to build crescendos over the years, as seen in the funeral scene in season one. For the end of episode three, we combined electronic dance music, high-stakes drama between Mon Mothma and Cassian Andor, and the arrival of Eedy – all happening simultaneously.
I'm genuinely thrilled with how episode three wrapped up. The scene on the dance floor establishes an emotional bond between the audience and Mon, since the viewers are privy to the turmoil beneath the celebration. It's a testament to the show's ability to draw viewers in and connect with the characters on an intimate level.
So, immerse yourself in Mon Mothma's journey, don't blink, or you might miss some intricate details in Andor season two's three-episode mini-movies. Streaming now on Disney+.
Want more news about Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, or the continuing adventures of Doctor Who? Stay tuned to io9.
- The first three episodes of 'Andor' season two, currently streaming on Disney+, take viewers back to the heart of the 'Star Wars' rebellion.
- Showrunner Tony Gilroy and star Genevieve O'Reilly, who plays Mon Mothma in the series, discuss the third episode's misty past moments and the reasoning behind the three-episode "movie" arcs with io9.
- Sabina Graves from io9 questions Gilroy about the development of backstory as the show progressed, and mentions that originally, 'Andor' was planned to run five seasons.
- Genevieve O'Reilly shares insights about her uninhibited moment in episode three, which she found profoundly cathartic, and talks about the engaging factors that added complexity to Mon Mothma's family relationships.
- Gilroy, referring to the dynamic and tension-filled dance scene in episode three, credits his brother John for helping bring it all together, comparing it to the funeral scene in season one, and stating that it connects viewers with the characters on an intimate level.
- Movies-and-TV entertainment websites like io9, Gizmodo, and Graves report on news about Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and the adventures of Doctor Who, among others.
