The Drama in the Mundane

Host Anthony Carboni welcomes Denise Gough (Dedra Meero), Kyle Soller (Syril Karn), and Adria Arjona (Bix Caleen) from the hit series Andor to the Star Wars Celebration LIVE! stage. Carboni notes that the show is unique because it explores the crushing mundanity of working for the Empire. Gough agrees, noting how well-written the show is because it forces the audience to find the drama in the mundane. She points out that early on, people kind of loved Dedra. “They’re like, ‘Oh she’s like a woman in a man’s world and it’s really hard for her and you go girl,’ and then it was like, ‘Hey Bix, so sorry but uh… a little torture'”.

Being His Own Worst Enemy

Carboni asks Soller what it’s like to play a “jerk,” to which Soller laughs and says he’s been asking himself the same question for a year and a half. He describes Syril Karn as his own worst enemy, filled with delusions of grandeur while navigating the weird, boring, corporate structure of the Empire. Soller jokes about the absurdity of his intense scenes at home, saying, “If you had told me two years ago that one of the most stressful Star Wars scenes I’d ever seen in my life is just a dude eating cereal with his mom…”.

Bix’s Survival and Growth

Reflecting on Bix Caleen’s harrowing journey, Arjona notes that her character was forced to become a survivalist living under the Empire. She teases that in the upcoming second season, viewers will see massive growth. Because there are increments of time that pass throughout the season, Arjona explains, “I think you’ll get to see like three different versions of every character in season two”.

The Interrogation Scene

The cast discusses the tension of finally coming together toward the end of the season. Arjona recalls shooting the intense interrogation scene with Gough. Despite not interacting directly, Arjona praises Gough, saying, “This woman right here is so brilliant and she just took over the room”. Gough immediately returns the compliment, explaining how difficult it is for an actor to sit still while someone else does all the walking and talking. “Adria had to sit for that whole day giving absolutely everything in every moment,” Gough says, calling it “such a gift”.

A New Found Obsession

As the interview concludes, Gough reflects on the incredible talent surrounding her on the show, noting that many are her peers from the London theater scene, like Soller and Fiona Shaw. She expresses immense gratitude for being part of such a high-quality production, admitting that before the show, she didn’t know much about the franchise. “I never knew any of this and now I’m obsessed,” she declares, to which Carboni happily replies, “We got another one!”.