Andor’s Adria Arjona Doesn’t See Bix As a Victim

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Although spanning almost five decades of warfare, it wasn’t until the second season of Andor that the gritty realities of war were truly explored within the realm of Star Wars. In episode three, an Imperial officer attempts to sexually assault Adria Arjona‘s character Bix Caleen. Despite managing to resist, the harrowing scene, which accurately portrays the abusive power dynamics and brutal physical struggle between the characters, left some viewers stunned. One viewer, perhaps misunderstanding the gravity of the situation, criticized that “Vader would not approve of this.” However, Arjona pays no heed to any criticism or backlash.

She remarks, “Regardless of whether it was contentious or not, what matters is… If we’re aiming to portray the whole spectrum of history, then that aspect needs to be included. Regrettably, incidents like rape and misuse of power exist in our reality as well as in distant galaxies. It’s disheartening, but it’s crucial.

In episodes 4, 5, and 6 of the second season of Andor, Bix has departed from the planet where she was attacked, but she’s finding it tough. The event, along with the sonic torture she endured at the hands of the sinister Imperial scientist Dr. Ghorst in season one, has left her tormented by nightmares and self-medicating with drugs while she’s essentially confined to a secure house on Coruscant. However, despite Bix appearing to embody all the pain and trauma that the Star Wars galaxy can inflict, actress Adria Arjona insists her character is not a victim.

As a devoted cinephile, hearing from Tony Gilroy about the fate of Bix throughout this season was both intriguing and daunting, given how bleak his predictions were. What I admire about Tony is his firm conviction that information equates to power. Having insight into Bix’s destiny made me hone my focus as an actress. Though it left me feeling chilled to the bone, each scene under Tony’s direction always pushes me to my limits. With every scene, he continually challenges me in ways that only a master storyteller can.

Was there any limitation placed by Disney on how the attempted rape scene in Andor should be portrayed? No, I didn’t encounter any such limitations. The scene was already written out in the script. The word “rape” was explicitly mentioned. The script went through Lucasfilm and eventually Disney. When I first read it, I couldn’t believe that I would be saying the word “rape”. It held significant importance to me as there were many victims who felt present with me during that scene reading.

As a cinephile, experiencing that scene where Bix stands victorious against his abuser resonated deeply within me, like an unspoken wish fulfilled. It’s the fantasy we all harbor – to retaliate, to assert control, and reclaim our dignity. However, life often denies us such opportunities. Thus, witnessing Bix triumph was a powerful catharsis that lingered in my thoughts for days, leaving an indelible mark on me.

How do you find harmony between Bix’s remarkable resilience as a character and the hardships she encounters?

Answer: I’ve gained valuable insights into this character because even in her most vulnerable moments, Bix stands tall with unwavering dignity. She never succumbs to being a victim. Her request for help showcases a strength rarely seen. Despite the numerous trials that befall her, Bix consistently rises above them.

Is it an honor for Bix to potentially be the first character in Star Wars to represent PTSD? I must say, it’s not something taken lightly. To have the opportunity to delve into these topics and explore them on such a grand scale is crucial. I myself have struggled with panic attacks, and I rarely see that portrayed in films or television. This series aims to depict genuine human experiences, acknowledging that trauma has lasting effects, and healing from torture isn’t something that can be rushed over the course of a year.

It’s intriguing to ponder if it seems somewhat unbalanced that the brunt of this theme appears to be falling on Bix, given she’s the one enduring the traumas of torture, rape, and mental health struggles. Is it a concern for you?

In a slightly rephrased form: Does it strike you as odd that Bix appears to bear the heaviest part of this theme, considering her ordeal includes torture, rape, and mental health issues? Are these concerns you have?

Bix often finds herself in situations that may seem passive, but it’s important to remember she’s not just a damsel in distress. Bix feels deep embarrassment and frustration at being unable to fully engage in the change she desires due to the ordeals she faces. After enduring torture, near-rape, and forced flight, Bix must take drastic actions to survive and thrive. As the story unfolds, you’ll witness how these bold decisions lead to remarkable outcomes for her character.

In addition, we observe Luthen finding Lando Calrissian struggling with substance abuse – something quite unexpected in a Disney Star Wars series. This is a stark contrast to previous drug-related scenes in Star Wars, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s blatant rejection of a thief attempting to steal stimulants, reminiscent of an overly obvious anti-drug education presentation. The scene illustrates the potential dangers and how even strong characters can succumb to addiction.

In the dialogue with Luthen, the mastermind of the Rebellion, he suggests that it’s during periods of relaxation when dreams return. Given that there’s not much downtime in Star Wars due to necessity, why was discussing Bix’s solitude and its impact on her crucial?

Bix seems trapped, as if she’s in a prison. She’s accustomed to the chaos of Ferrix, with its constant activity, but now on Coruscant, she’s alone, even when her partner Cassian is around due to his paranoia. With no distractions or outlets for activity, Bix starts reflecting on herself in this isolated domestic setting. When they let their guard down and relax together, hidden emotions surface. This mirrors real-life experiences where our hectic lives often disconnect us from ourselves, and only when we pause do we begin to acknowledge and confront the anxieties that have been brewing beneath the surface.

The series of three episodes concludes with Bix taking revenge on Dr. Ghorst and returning to her profession. Does this act serve as therapy for Bix? It’s certainly justified, but it’s also murder. In essence, Tony Gilroy presents us with a complex situation that goes beyond simple revenge. While you might cheer, Yes! She did it! , the story doesn’t end there. Instead, we leap forward a year without knowing what transpired in that time. This gap represents a process for Bix to come to terms with her actions and ultimately lay them to rest, allowing her to move on.

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2025-05-02 22:57