Andor Draws Unexpected Inspiration from a Hidden Gem in the Star Wars Universe

One of the coolest aspects of the expansive Star Wars universe is how it inspires creators across various projects to draw from each other. This is evident in the 2008 animated series The Clone Wars, which influenced the Western-style vibe of the first season of The Mandalorian, as well as The Book of Boba Fett, which features several characters from the animated show.

Even Tony Gilroy, the showrunner of Andor and someone who doesn’t consider himself a Star Wars superfan, has found creative sparks in other Star Wars content. Interestingly, a specific element of Andor took inspiration from an unexpected source.

In The Art of Andor, a behind-the-scenes companion book for the 2022-2025 Star Wars series, it’s revealed that one of the first tasks for the production team was to design the logo for Andor’s opening title. This symbol needed to encapsulate the early days of the Rebellion while also hinting at the Rebel Alliance emblem that would later be recognized during the original trilogy with iconic characters like Luke, Leia, and Han.

Barry “Baz” Gingell, the lead graphic designer for Andor and a passionate Star Wars enthusiast, took on this challenge. He found his inspiration in another Star Wars series that debuted in 2014.

“Tony and Luke [Hull] were considering having anti-Imperial, pro-rebel graffiti on the brick walls of Ferrix,” Gingell shares in The Art of Andor. “I aimed to create a ‘proto’ rebel symbol, a precursor to the one we know, but sharper and more menacing. […] I couldn’t overlook the bird motif established in Star Wars Rebels with Sabine’s phoenix.”

The Starbird symbol, created by Sabine Wren, a member of the Ghost crew and a Mandalorian warrior, initially served as her personal mark of rebellion, which she would spray-paint to represent herself and her crew. While the symbol would later be embraced by the Rebel Alliance, it started as Sabine’s unique signature.

If you tilt the Andor logo, you’ll notice its shape and presentation bear a resemblance to Sabine’s design, which resembles a phoenix rising from flames. Gingell notes that this similarity was intentional.

“I envisioned this symbol as more of a dangerous talon than a swooping bird,” Gingell explains in The Art of Andor. “It’s a weapon.”

As the Rebel Alliance evolves over the years in their fight against the Galactic Empire, it’s logical that their symbols would also transform. It’s also intriguing to observe how the Star Wars medium—both old and new—adapts and grows over time.