Tony Gilroy, showrunner of the Star Wars series Andor, confirmed that the first two seasons cost Disney approximately $650 million to produce. Speaking at the ATX Television Festival, Gilroy also revealed challenges faced during production, including budget disputes and Disney executives’ claim that “streaming is dead.”
Despite critical acclaim, Andor has not matched the widespread popularity of other Star Wars properties, partly due to its focus on lesser-known characters and lack of Jedi heroes. The series’ 24 episodes represent a significant investment for Disney and Lucasfilm.
Gilroy reflected on the show’s political themes, noting viewers’ connection to its depiction of authoritarianism. He said he was recently allowed to use the word “fascism” on the show, calling it “liberating.”
He also recounted production tensions: “In Season 2, they said, ‘Streaming is dead, we don’t have the money we had before,’ so we fought hard about money,” yet creative freedom remained, despite occasional requests to moderate language, such as avoiding the phrase “F*** the Empire.”
Industry observers see Disney’s statement about streaming as part of a broader shift away from costly streaming content. After substantial losses from heavy Disney+ investments under former CEO Bob Chapek, Bob Iger’s return has ushered in a more cautious strategy emphasizing theatrical releases and traditional TV formats.
The large cost of Andor raises questions about the profitability of high-budget streaming series. With limited merchandise revenue, recouping the $650 million expense could be difficult.
As streaming platforms face saturation and subscriber selectivity, Disney’s experience with Andor may signal a turning point in content investment and distribution strategies across the industry.
Related Topics:
- Handmaid’s Tale Creator Talks Finale & ‘The Testaments’ Sequel
- Fans of The Mentalist Urged to Watch the “Perfect” Crime Series
- HBO Unveils New Young Cast for Harry Potter Series