New Star Wars Book Uncovers That Andor Nearly Featured More Alien Characters

Tony Gilroy’s *Andor* has proven that Disney’s hefty $645 million investment in the series was a wise choice, as it stands out as one of the most visually captivating *Star Wars* TV series from the Disney era. The gritty narrative follows Cassian Andor’s evolution into the rebel who teams up with Jyn Erso in *Rogue One*. With *The Art of Star Wars: Andor* by Phillip Szostak set to drop next month, fans will have the chance to explore the entire production journey of *Andor*.

In anticipation of the book’s release, an outlet has shared an exclusive look at one of its two-page spreads, showcasing stunning concept art of beloved characters and an intriguing revelation: there were originally many more aliens in *Andor*.

The first page features one of *Andor*’s most formidable foes, the sharp and calculating Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), alongside her imposing desk at the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB). Dedra’s character exudes intimidation throughout the series, so it’s fitting that her workspace resembles that of a classic villain. The page also highlights ISB’s Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser), whose slick style is sure to excite fans.

The most significant revelation appears on page 93, addressing a common critique of the show: the lack of alien characters. According to the art book, Avril Heert (Jacob James Beswick), who served as Meero’s assistant before becoming ISB Supervisor, was initially envisioned as an alien.

While the book doesn’t specify which alien Heert was meant to be, dedicated *Star Wars* fans might speculate that his blue skin suggests he was intended to be a Chiss, the same species as Grand Admiral Thrawn. This shift away from making Heert an alien could stem from a desire to sidestep speculation about his background, as well as being a more budget-friendly choice.

This glimpse into *The Art of Star Wars: Andor* is just the beginning. Szostak also delves into the extensive efforts behind the creation of *Andor*, featuring in-depth interviews with showrunner Tony Gilroy, Cassian Andor himself, Diego Luna, and the talented visual artists at Lucasfilm.

Fans can look forward to more insights when *The Art of Star Wars: Andor* launches on June 30, 2026.