The Return of the Rebellion [00:10] Host Andi Gutierrez introduces the guests, noting that Diego Luna is returning as Cassian Andor in the new Disney+ series, and he brought along someone who has been acting in Star Wars since she was 26 years old to once again lead the rebellion as Mon Mothma. She welcomes Luna and Genevieve O’Reilly to the stage. [01:10] Luna and O’Reilly walk out to thunderous applause. After taking in the massive crowd, Luna jokes, “Not a bad welcome.” Gutierrez points out the excitement in the room, asking Luna what it feels like to finally come back to the character of Cassian Andor. [02:07] Overwhelmed by the response, Luna pauses to thank the audience. He says it has been a very special day for him and wishes he could share the energy on stage with the rest of the cast and crew who have been working so hard over the last few years. Exploring Cassian’s Awakening [02:51] Gutierrez asks again what it is like revisiting this specific character. [02:57] Luna explains that it is amazing to be back, specifically because he is not playing the exact same Cassian Andor that fans met in Rogue One. He points out that this series takes place five years before the film and answers all the questions that Rogue One left open. He references a specific line from the movie where Cassian says, “I’ve been in this fight since I was six years old.” Luna explains that the series will introduce fans to that wounded man who couldn’t have a childhood. “We’re going to get to meet him in a moment where he doesn’t feel capable of what he actually ends up doing,” Luna states, noting that the story is about his awakening and realizing that everyone is capable of transforming and doing extraordinary things. [04:24] Gutierrez asks how the changes in Cassian compared to the movie altered how Luna approached portraying the character. [04:35] Luna reveals that when he shot the film, he had to invent answers to many of these backstory questions himself just so he knew where the character was coming from when he stepped on set. Now, he gets to actually explore those answers. He describes this version of Cassian as “very wounded” and surviving, but stops himself from revealing too much so he doesn’t ruin the experience. Mon Mothma’s Diplomatic Fight [05:50] Gutierrez turns to O’Reilly, noting that she has been bringing Mon Mothma to life since Episode III and Rogue One. She asks what it is like to go even deeper into the character for this series. [06:11] O’Reilly calls the opportunity “such a gift” and “extraordinary.” She explains that having 12 episodes allows the actors to truly engage with the characters and discover their history. She notes that while Mon Mothma’s battle is a diplomatic one, it is still very much a fight. [07:18] Gutierrez asks how this version of Mon Mothma is different from the times fans have seen her previously. [07:24] O’Reilly explains that while fans know her as one of the powerful leaders of the rebellion in Rogue One, this series starts with her steeped in the Empire as a member of the Galactic Senate. She begins the story trying to collaborate and engage in a political society to oppose the ever-looming autocracy of Palpatine’s Empire. “She’s trying her hardest, you know, obviously she fails, but maybe that’s interesting to watch,” O’Reilly teases. A Collaborative Experience [08:14] Gutierrez asks both actors what the most rewarding part of being involved in the Star Wars experience has been. [08:18] Luna says it is difficult to pick just one thing, but highlights the joy of returning to the Lucasfilm family and the unique expectation that the work generates. He notes that actors usually have to beg people to watch their work, but in Star Wars, the attention and the need for the stories is already there. However, he says the absolute nicest part of the process was being invited to be involved from the very beginning. Instead of just showing up when the cameras rolled, he was part of every decision. “I feel I belong to this project and the project belongs to me,” he shares. [10:07] Luna jokes that he is going to need a shrink after experiencing the roaring crowd, noting that when he goes home, his kids won’t even react when he talks to them. He then takes a moment to speak passionately in Spanish directly to the fans in the crowd. [10:41] Gutierrez points out that all the Spanish-speaking fans in the room are going absolutely crazy over his message. Three Words to Describe Andor [10:51] Gutierrez asks them both to describe the upcoming series in exactly three words without spoiling anything. [11:12] O’Reilly goes first, selecting the words “thriller,” “adventure,” and “revolution.” [11:34] Gutierrez almost wraps up the panel before realizing she skipped Luna’s turn. [11:42] Luna laughs and offers his three words, choosing “thriller,” “adventure,” and “darkness.” He then asks to say one more thing and delivers another heartfelt message to the crowd in Spanish, drawing massive cheers. [12:57] Gutierrez wraps up the interview, expressing her excitement for the series and thanking both Luna and O’Reilly for their time on stage.