In a significant financial leap for “Star Wars”, the budget for seasons 1 and 2 of the series “Andor” surpasses that of any other “Star Wars” production to date. This hefty investment has proven to be justified, though the journey into live-action “Star Wars” television has been a mixed bag. Shows like “The Mandalorian”, praised in its initial two seasons, received mediocre reviews for season 3 at best, while other original “Star Wars” TV stories, such as “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” and “The Acolyte”, have dedicated fan bases but struggle with low viewership. Each of these “Star Wars” live-action shows has been pricey, but “Andor” holds the record for being the most expensive yet.
The first season of the series “Andor” had an estimated budget of $250 million, with many scenes being filmed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This contributed to increased costs for most large Hollywood productions. Despite its initial low viewership, it became one of the few shows that gained a larger audience over time due to positive word-of-mouth marketing. Now, anticipation for season 2 is sky-high – and surprisingly, it’s even costlier than the first season.
Andor Season 2 Was The Most Expensive Single Season Of Star Wars To Date
It’s been confirmed that the second season of “Andor” holds the title as the most expensive single season of a Star Wars show so far, with Disney reportedly spending approximately $290.9 million up until November 22, 2023. Since filming for Andor season 2 didn’t conclude until February 2024, it’s reasonable to expect that the final cost will exceed $300 million and may even approach $400 million. This figure is based on data available up to November 2023.
| Project | Budget (adjusted for inflation) | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars | $74 million | |
| The Empire Strikes Back | $85 million | |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | $90 million | 1 |
| Return of the Jedi | $104 million | |
| Ahsoka | $100 million | 1 |
| The Book of Boba Fett | $105 million | 1 |
| Star Wars: Skeleton Crew | $136 million | 1 |
| Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | $175 million | |
| Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | $193 million | |
| Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | $209 million | |
| The Acolyte | $230.1 million | 1 |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | $250 million | |
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens | $314 million | |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | $330 million | |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | $322 million | |
| The Mandalorian | $360 million | 3 |
| Star Wars: The Last Jedi | $387 million | |
| Andor | $645 million | 2 |
According to Forbes, the total production cost of “Andor” amounts to approximately $645 million. On the other hand, three seasons of “The Mandalorian” are estimated to have cost around $360 million. This significant difference raises a question: what accounts for the high cost of “Andor,” and will this investment prove valuable for “Andor” season 2, as it did for season 1?
Why Has Andor Cost So Much To Make?
In contrast to other live-action Star Wars TV shows such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi which primarily used The Volume (a large LED screen stage that allows for real-time manipulation of computer-generated backgrounds), Andor creator Tony Gilroy opted to utilize real sets and location shooting for the majority of the series.
In other words, just like the detailed miniature city of Ferrix from Andor‘s first season left star Adria Arjona feeling disoriented on her initial tour, we can anticipate equally impressive construction in the upcoming second season. The first season’s Aldhani arc was actually filmed in the Scottish Highlands, and shooting in locations with erratic weather often complicates filming, making it lengthier, more challenging, and consequently, pricier.
As a fan, I can’t help but point out an important aspect to consider when discussing these exciting Star Wars shows. While titles like “The Mandalorian,” “Ahsoka,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “The Acolyte,” and “Skeleton Crew” each have eight episodes or fewer per season, the series “Andor” stands out with 12 episodes in a single season. This brings the total to 24 episodes, which is equivalent to three seasons of “The Mandalorian.” Granted, “The Mandalorian” has a lower production cost than “Andor,” but I firmly believe that “The Mandalorian” didn’t revolutionize Lucasfilm – and Disney – in the same transformative way that “Andor” did.
Andor Is Disney Star Wars’ Biggest Gamble, But It’s Paid Off
The Mandalorian significantly rekindled interest in Star Wars following the controversial reception of the sequel series, serving as an ideal debut for Disney+. It offered a novel and thrilling take, but after completing three seasons, the show has unfortunately slipped into a familiar predicament, transforming into a hub for the franchise instead of a self-contained production with its unique identity.
Currently, the sub-franchise is acting as the platform for the comeback of Star Wars on the big screen. While the idea of The Mandalorian and Grogu continues to intrigue, I can’t help but notice that it seems to have morphed into something unwanted – a prop for Lucasfilm. Instead of pushing boundaries or taking risks, The Mandalorian now appears overly reliant on characters and plots that audiences are already familiar with. This lack of innovation removes the thrill and adventure, making the overall experience seem less rewarding.
Absolutely, “Andor” isn’t just a standalone series. It serves as a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” a film that was deeply connected to the original “Star Wars” saga, particularly “A New Hope.” Given this connection, “Andor” has been compelled to offer something more, something unique. Instead of merely telling the story of how a Rebel fighter destined to die rose through the ranks in the Rebellion, it delves into the political landscape of the Star Wars universe and provides a deeper, authentic perspective on its narrative significance.
Previously mentioned, but Andor isn’t merely a stellar Star Wars series – it’s a superb show in its own right, setting new standards. The financial investment is immense, granted, yet I’m not implying that every future Star Wars project should have such high costs. In fact, I believe Lucasfilm and Disney should strive to reduce these expenses if they aim to remain competitive.
As a devoted cinephile, I must say that the storytelling, character development, and meticulous artistic detail in ‘Andor’ have crafted a series that even those who were once indifferent towards ‘Star Wars’ can appreciate. In an era where viewers are inundated with choices and crave novelty, such mastery is priceless for any brand. The recognition ‘Andor’ has earned is truly deserved, and its substantial budget undeniably played a significant role in this success. Now, it’s high time that Lucasfilm and Disney learn to replicate these captivating experiences on a more budget-friendly scale.
Andor season 2 premieres with three episodes on April 22, exclusively on Disney+.
| Upcoming Live-Action Star Wars TV Shows | Release Date |
| Andor season 2 | April 22, 2025 |
| Ahsoka season 2 | TBD |
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2025-04-22 19:29