Disney and Lucasfilm's 'Andor' TV series is making headlines for its astronomical production costs, with both seasons combined exceeding $645 million. This budget surpasses the production costs of major theatrical releases, including 2019's 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.'
According to U.K. financial reports, the second season alone is projected to cost over $290.9 million, outpacing the $275 million spent on 'The Rise of Skywalker.' These figures emerged from mandatory financial disclosures required for productions receiving British tax benefits.
The show faced multiple production challenges in 2023, including delays caused by both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Creator Tony Gilroy suspended writing duties in May 2023, and filming paused during the actors' strike. Production resumed in January 2024 and concluded in February.
The reported costs don't tell the complete story. The current figures exclude post-production expenses and additional filming costs from early 2024. However, the production did benefit from a substantial $129 million tax rebate for both seasons.
'Andor' was conceived as a two-season narrative, with the story bridging the gap to 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.' The series finale will connect directly to the film's opening scene, providing context for Diego Luna's character, Cassian Andor.
The show's budget reflects Disney's substantial investment in expanding the Star Wars universe through streaming content, marking a new era in television production costs.