The Galaxy May Not Remember Andor’s Syril Karn, But Kyle Soller Will

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Spoilers ahead for the second season of Andor through episode eight, “Who Are You?”

To put it simply, Syril Karn, the ideological dreamer and bureaucratic ruler from Andor, would likely have chosen a different path if he had grown up in contemporary Connecticut. He might have aimed for careers like a management consultant, a tech entrepreneur, or a wellness guru – roles that offer structure and a sense of higher purpose. However, the aimless, pasta-loving character with family issues who seeks belonging throughout the galaxy, was raised within Emperor Palpatine’s Empire. As such, his ambition is to serve as an effective foot soldier.

In the story titled “Who Are You?”, the main character meets his tragic demise. Throughout the season, he had been undercover in Ghorman, working to infiltrate the Ghorman Front for Dedra (Denise Gough), who was both his superior and romantic partner. He believed his mission was to uncover rebels, but gradually realized that his job wasn’t as straightforward as he thought. His beliefs were challenged when the Empire massacred the Ghormans on what Syril knew to be false grounds. Before he could fully understand these internal changes, he saw Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), who had previously caused him trouble. This triggered a fit of rage, causing him to attack the Rebel. In the subsequent fight, Syril managed to gain the upper hand, but was shocked when Andor, the man he had been infatuated with for years, failed to recognize him. It was then that Syril was fatally shot in the head.

As a movie critic, I found Kyle Soller‘s portrayal of Syril to be nothing short of masterful. Born and raised in Connecticut, Soller now calls London home, yet he breathed life into this character with such authenticity that it felt as if Syril was real. The way Soller orchestrated Syril’s tragic demise was compelling, striking a perfect balance between satisfaction at how the story unfolded and a lingering sense of loss for his character. And to add a bit of levity to the somber moment, it’s worth mentioning that Soller got to keep some of Syril’s stylish coats as a memento – a small consolation in the face of such a significant goodbye.

I found his grand departure quite satisfying. Given his inflated sense of self-importance, his pompous and eccentric nature, it seemed only fitting. After all, he was a dreamer with grand illusions about his status within the Empire. The ending couldn’t have been more perfect.

I’m somewhat saddened by his departure too, as it seems he’s fallen victim to excessive devotion to his beliefs. The second season took me aback with the depth of emotion he displayed. I empathize with him. He’s merely misunderstood. We often are our own downfall, don’t we? It pains me when the truth unfolded so rapidly and he came to understand he was manipulated — though he played a significant role in shaping one of the most critical moments in Star Wars lore, a contribution that sadly won’t be recognized.

Absolutely! What’s fascinating about Syril is that he embodies one of the central themes in Andor: the idea that every individual plays a role, however small or unaware, within a complex system. He’s like a character still finding his feet, and his journey can be seen as a personal growth story set against the backdrop of the Empire. From his perspective, he might believe that Andor revolves around him, but little does he know he’s part of something much larger – making him both ironic and tragic in many ways.

In another scenario, I had the sense that Syril might have aligned himself with the enemy. It wasn’t because I wished for him to undergo a redemption or anything like that. Instead, he embodies the ordinary nature of evil so vividly – the man who agreed too readily or drank the proverbial Kool-Aid far too often, growing up in a place such as Coruscant. You see his mother, and it becomes clear why he’d gravitate towards a powerful force like the Empire. Following his encounter with Partagaz, Syril seemed ecstatic, exclaiming, “This is the highlight of my existence,” despite merely exchanging a few words with the man.

The term “bootlicker” is often used to describe him, and it’s not an exaggeration. He craves approval and recognition. In season two, when he was promoted in the Bureau of Standards and had a chance to showcase his influence, he reveled in it. This aspect of his character wasn’t fully explored due to time constraints, but he would have excelled as a loyal subordinate at a higher rank. However, it’s intriguing – I’m not sure if he would have truly thrived at the very top.

Some individuals have labeled him as a fascist, but I find that perspective questionable. To me, he seems more like an individual striving for inclusion in a more prestigious circle. If the Empire wasn’t his primary context, he would likely aspire to be part of a prominent organization such as Goldman Sachs or similar establishments. In essence, he appears drawn to groups with impeccable style, who maintain strict professionalism, work diligently, and uphold high standards.

I really enjoy how you portray Syril as a dreamer, given his apparent deep inner world. One of my favorite aspects is when Syril begins to dress fashionably and adorn his living space in Ghorman. By the latest series of episodes, it felt like he had grown fond of the place. Is that where you positioned him in terms of his emotional development?

Indeed, much of this character depth comes from the excellent costume design by Mike Wilkinson and hair and makeup by Emma Scott. In episode seven, as Syril strides into the plaza, his hair has grown longer, more fitting for Ghorman’s style. He wears a new Ghorman jacket that hangs looser, suggesting a shift from his earlier self. Since Mike and Emma excel at creating looks reflecting our characters’ emotional states, I interpret this as part of his personal growth. To be precise, the costumes I wore in the first season were rigid and had to be worn only one way. But in Ghorman, he’s letting go of that former persona. He’s also becoming more conscious. He’s aware that he’s been a spy on Ghorman for some time now, yet the information he receives from Dedra is different from what he gathers in the field. Therefore, he’s realized for a while now that he isn’t getting the complete story.

In the storyline, Syril harbors a deep-seated distrust in his connections, often feeling uneasy even on Ghorman as he learns to accept himself. By episode eight, he starts grasping the part he played in betraying Rylanz, a revelation I had expected might form a bond between them, given that Rylanz could’ve served as a surrogate father figure Syril never knew. However, such scenes weren’t explicitly shown. To bridge the gaps, we had to infer. Yet, I felt it was plausible because it intensified the emotional impact when Rylanz confronts him and later Dedra. The betrayal by Dedra, whom Syril holds a unique affection for, is heart-wrenching; not only does he face the ultimate deception from her but also from the Empire, his deepest love. This revelation leaves him utterly devastated, showing that Syril, despite being complex and multifaceted, is very much human and far from the stereotypical character some might have categorized him as. All characters in the story share this intricacy.

In this critical juncture, he discovers that everything he believed in was deceptive, causing a profound disillusionment and transformation. It’s like breaking free from a closed community or cult. He doubts whether what he sees above him is truly blue sky. He feels off-balance, unsure of his footing. When he encounters Andor, this turmoil intensifies, and he channels all that pent-up fury towards him. Let me guide you through the unfolding scene.

In the last four years, I’ve harbored intense hatred for that man. So, when I finally lay my eyes on him – Cassian – it triggers a torrent of primal anger and frustration. The sum total of who Syril is, and everything he’s endured in the past ten minutes, just erupts in a fury directed at Cassian.

At that moment, I’m not thinking about saving anything or anyone. Instead, it’s more like an urge to inflict pain upon him, to punish him, but also to punish myself. The fight is swift, and there are moments where I almost welcome his blows because I want to feel something, to endure some form of suffering.

Usually, Cassian would have easily overpowered me, but today, fueled by the destruction of my world, I’ve become a force beyond human comprehension. I’m lost in it all.

I’m intrigued: To what extent does Kyle Soller resemble the character of Syril Karn?
Well, we share quite a few similarities, if you will. [Laughs.] I can really empathize with him, man. I have a lot of understanding and compassion for his struggles. I may not be as obsessive or angry as he is, but I do have my own share of those traits. I hope I’m not as angry as Syril, but I did try to channel that anger in a controlled manner initially. His anger is so tightly coiled up inside him that it’s visible even in his jaw. Director Toby Haynes, who worked on a lot of the first season, once used a reference picture for my hair color and said, “I like this photo; it looks like you’re chewing on a wasp.” And I replied, That’s Syril. Chewing on his bitterness, constantly disappointed with everyone. So, yes, there are significant differences, but I feel for the character nonetheless.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must say that the portrayal of Syril in that particular story truly resonated with me – it’s as if I could feel his unique physicality. He’s so rigid and tense, almost like a ramrod standing at attention. It’s as if he’s clenching from the ground up. When creating this character, was there anyone specific you had in mind? Honestly, it wasn’t until I delved deeper into Syril during our scenes together, especially our breakfast table interactions with Eedy, that I felt I truly understood who he was.

He appears somewhat slouched and reserved, but there’s a hidden strength within his demeanor. He’s like a confined beast. His stiffness is evident not just in his posture, but also in the meticulous way he describes his attire and the gravity with which he approaches trivial matters. It’s only fitting for this individual, who has such stringent self-expectations and standards for others, to carry himself in a particular manner.

Concerning Eedy, I must say, collaborating with Kathryn Hunter is simply fantastic! She’s incredibly inventive, always keeping things fresh and unpredictable. It’s not that she intentionally alters anything; she just has this extraordinary creativity about her. In my opinion, Eedy could very well be an underrated Star Wars villain, and working with her was a true pleasure. Her vocal abilities are astonishing – she can switch octaves in the same sentence and evoke emotions instantly. She’s truly magical!

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you, I was thoroughly intrigued when Syril and Dedra were unveiled as a couple. I mean, what’s the deal with their relationship status? Situationship, perhaps? What on earth is Syril’s love language? I couldn’t help but wonder, alongside my friend Denise, “What do they do together? How do they even sit down to eat, let alone when the lights go out?” We’d have these discussions right up until the filming started, then we’d try to put it out of our minds and focus on making their relationship as bizarre as possible since both characters are quite eccentric. To be honest, I can’t say for certain how they make it work. Maybe they just spend a lot of time staring at each other.

In the second season, there’s a hint that Syril has a tender side. He returns home before the Eedy lunch and shows concern about her meeting, expressing his discomfort with their situation. This is a level of vulnerability we hadn’t seen from him before, which could be what makes this bond special. Otherwise, it might not really qualify as a relationship; more like an unusual arrangement.

It’s quite evident that she cares deeply for him, as she protects him from his mother and even makes compromises on her behalf. This leads me to speculate that Dedra expresses love through the demonstration of power. In essence, they are both drawn to each other, seeking power in their relationship and aiming to control Cassian. Dedra serves as an obsession for him regarding this power dynamic. He seems to be thinking, “Wow, you’re part of the ISB, I aspire to be like you, but I also feel a strong attraction towards you, and perhaps even a desire to possess you?

It’s also worth noting that they share some common traits, such as coming from challenging upbringings and perhaps being socially awkward in similar ways. This could potentially make a connection easier.

What’s the most significant lesson you learned while working on Andor? Frankly, it’s quite challenging to pinpoint one, but it was truly extraordinary in every aspect. It was an unparalleled experience as it was both massive and creatively liberating on set. However, if I had to choose, it would be the value of collaboration and leadership. This ethos permeated from the top with Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna, and it cascaded through every tier. Tony granted everyone on the crew and cast with responsibility and artistic freedom to tell their story. Of course, there were scripts, but we were entrusted with our roles. “This is yours, we’re not going to hold your hand.” I realized that a project of this magnitude requires an entire community working at their best. Every small detail mattered, even if it was never filmed. I feel immense gratitude for the experience and I get to bring home my fantastic coats.

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2025-05-09 22:47