Andor Creator Reveals Why Darth Vader and Palpatine Are Absent

In a recent interview, Tony Gilroy, creator of Star Wars: Andor, discussed the reasons behind the absence of iconic characters Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine in the series. Gilroy explained that including Vader was never planned, as writing for him limits storytelling due to his minimal dialogue. He mentioned that both characters, while present in the timeline, do not fit the show's focus, where knowledge of Jedi and Sith is rare among the galaxy's inhabitants. This approach emphasizes the unique narrative of Andor, which has gained acclaim, being dubbed the most critically acclaimed live-action Star Wars project to date.

Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine do not appear in Andor because their presence would limit the storytelling scope. Creator Tony Gilroy mentions that Vader doesn't have much dialogue, and the series intentionally focuses on characters who are not aware of the Jedi and Sith lore, aligning with the intriguing narrative of the show.

Star Wars: Andor serves as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, culminating in the events leading to Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. The series offers a deep exploration of the Rebellion's early struggles against the Empire, showcasing complex characters and situations that resonate with audiences. It has been celebrated for its rich storytelling and character development, setting a new standard for Star Wars narratives in live-action formats.