Tony Gilroy recently voiced his support for an Andor spinoff show. The idea arose from fans, and Gilroy expressed how promising it would be to see Kleya and Vel hunting after ex-Imperials. This premise is captivating for that reason, but also for the promise of how the characters would unfold.
A Captivating Andor Spinoff Series
Recently, Tony Gilroy talked about a potential Andor spinoff series. As reported here, the hosts of Podcast the House of R informed Gilroy about a listener’s idea, and he was very intrigued. While he indicated he wouldn’t be working on Star Wars projects anytime soon, Kathleen Kennedy may pick up the pitch.
The idea is to have Kleya and Vel in the role of “Nazi hunters” who track down former Imperials after the Empire has been defeated. Dedra Meero may even be part of the mix as a Hannibal Lecter-type of character, “using the situation to take revenge on her Imperial enemies.” That’s quite an exciting premise.
The podcast episode from June of this year focused on such topics as what characters Gilroy would miss writing about the most, the public response to the show, and the ongoing impact of Andor. Yet, the hosts interweaved, and Gilroy embraced this spin-off idea.
Interestingly and fittingly, the top response in this forum includes a GIF from Inglourious Basterds because this pitch seems like a follow-up to this Quentin Tarantino movie. A major reason why this idea is so enticing is that Kleya and Vel would assume similar roles as the Nazi hunters in that movie.
The premise builds on these two fascinating characters. As fans expressed here about a Kleya spin-off show, we have momentum for a covert operations series. Hunting after ex-Imperials would fall into the category of a “ground-level rebellion show” with espionage and intrigue around Kleya and Vel.
With Kleya’s background as a child survivor of an Imperial massacre, she would continue in her quest to completely dismantle the Empire. There would be further redemption in living on and paying tribute to Luthen too.
As for Vel, this character has captured attention for her mercurial qualities. At times in the series, Vel appeared emotional and volatile, while at others, more like a calm, decisive leader. As the series unfolded, this article asked, “Will the real Vel please stand up?” pointing to her human, complex background and motivations.
Kleya and Vel gradually became more focal characters as the series progressed. Bringing both characters together in leadership yet secretive roles would be a compelling way to continue the Andor trajectory. Adding another character into the mix would set up an even more intriguing stage.
Meero and the Spin-Off Idea
Including Deedra Meero would also speak to fan interests. Yet, this aspect is intriguing because it doesn’t have to mean that Meero has sold out to the Rebels, but instead is after revenge. That angle would accord with many fans who expressed that they would like to see this character developed more, but not necessarily as a Rebel.
As a “methodical, polished, and ambitious” ISB officer, Meero perfected a more complex, nuanced evil Empire. Now, after being discarded by the Imperials, she stands to press vengeance on them. Her “intelligence and cunning” were quite evident as she tracked down Cassian and Luthen, but now she can direct those skills on her former villain allies.
Not joining the Rebellion, but remaining as a free agent, is doubly compelling. Meero would be free from the restraints of either political organization and act more like a rogue element or an inverted villain who plays by her own rules. This would be interesting to see, especially since Meero originated more as “the underdog” in a male-driven Imperial world.
What exact role Meero would play remains to be seen, but the concept of a former skilled Imperial working or collaborating with two now-hardened Rebels against a common enemy is truly promising.
As a recent discussion suggests, “a common enemy” tends to bring people together. That is what would draw these three characters into an orbit. Instead of reforming and incorporating former Imperials into the New Republic, as the sequels did, this show could take a more punitive direction.
The Kleya, Vel, and Meero Pitch
While still a rough idea, the pitch about Kleya and Vel becoming Imperial hunters has much traction. Adding Meero into the series in a specialized role of someone who turns on those who turned against her makes it even more tangible. It could be a show that Gilroy would be proud of.