How the Casting of ‘Andor’ Brought More Powerful Women to ‘Star Wars’

The article discusses the casting process for the "Andor" series, a Star Wars spin-off centered on the character Cassian Andor. Casting directors Nina Gold and Martin Ware emphasize the importance of bringing more powerful female characters to the Star Wars universe. The series features a diverse cast of women, including Genevieve O'Reilly as Mon Mothma, Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen, and Fiona Shaw as Maarva. The casting directors worked closely with the series' creator, Tony Gilroy, to ensure that these female characters were not just supporting roles but had substantial arcs and agency within the narrative. The article highlights the efforts made to create a more balanced representation of women in the Star Wars franchise, moving away from the traditional male-dominated storylines. The casting of "Andor" is seen as a step towards greater diversity and more nuanced female characters in the Star Wars universe.