Original Star Wars Andor Concept Featured a Different Love Story

Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna, first captured the spotlight as a seasoned rebel in the 2016 film Rogue One. Alongside Jyn Erso and a band of brave souls, he made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the Death Star plans reached Princess Leia, setting the stage for the events of A New Hope.

Fast forward to the present, and we have a series crafted by Tony Gilroy, known for his work in the spy genre, that delves into Cassian’s transformation into the character we know from Rogue One. Andor received widespread acclaim, offering a fresh perspective on the personal sacrifices Cassian faced, including the loss of friends and loved ones, notably his partner, Bix Caleen.

Interestingly, during the early stages of Andor’s development, before Gilroy took the helm, the initial concept for the series and Cassian’s love interest was quite different.

According to The Art of Andor, the official companion book for the series, the original vision was shaped by writer-director Jared Bush, recognized for his contributions to animated hits like Zootopia and Encanto. Bush envisioned a spy drama where Cassian and a team of rebels would engage in Cold War-style espionage against the Empire, with K-2SO playing a more prominent role than in the final series.

Among the intriguing elements from Bush’s original outline was a character named Avnee, a young alien woman who would have been pivotal to Cassian’s journey. In an entry from August 3, 2018, Bush described Avnee as a non-allegiant mercenary residing on Okara, trading intelligence for profit. Their relationship hinted at a romantic past, adding depth to Cassian’s character.

Avnee was depicted as blue-skinned with striking blue eyes and silvery-blonde hair, though her species remains a mystery—whether she was a Chiss like Grand Admiral Thrawn or something entirely different. What’s clear is that she would have served as an informant for Cassian, embodying the traits of a typical information broker with no true loyalties.

While details about Avnee are sparse, her essence seems to echo in Gilroy’s Andor, particularly in the complex history between Cassian and Bix. Their relationship is marked by tension and shared history, contrasting with Avnee’s more ambiguous loyalties. Unlike Avnee, Bix is firmly committed to the Rebellion, showcasing a different dynamic.

Though Bush’s vision for Andor will remain unrealized, it sparks curiosity about how Cassian’s connection with Avnee might have unfolded compared to his bond with Bix. Would it have been more compelling to see Cassian, a staunch supporter of the Rebellion, entangled with someone whose beliefs diverged from his own? While we may never find out, it certainly opens the door for future Star Wars narratives to explore these intriguing possibilities.