By George & Josh Bate
April 22 will see the highly anticipated second and final season of Star Wars: Andor debut on Disney+. Ahead of the return of Cassian Andor and company, there are plenty of Star Wars stories fans can read or watch to help prepare for the events of Andor Season 2 (and make the way until April 22 go by more quickly).
Here are our recommendations of what to watch and read ahead of Andor Season 2….
Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear
We described the newest Star Wars novel Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear as Andor Season 0 in our review, which makes it perfect reading ahead of Andor Season 2. The book’s central character is Mon Mothma, depicting the senator as she navigates the first year of Palpatine’s reign as Emperor. The novel taps into many of the themes of Andor, such as what we’re willing to sacrifice for the greater good, how conflict alters our willingness to adhere to personal values, and the multifaceted ways in which an authoritarian regime oppresses its people. Alexander Freed’s book is phenomenal and the perfect way to prepare for Andor Season 2 and make the wait for April 22 feel shorter.
Rogue One – Cassian & K-2SO Special 1
This one-shot comic depicts how Cassian Andor met K-2SO. Questions have been raised as to whether Andor Season 2 will retcon this comic and tell its own version of how these two characters meet. Regardless, this comic will be interesting reading ahead of the new season.
Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel
The novel by James Luceno serves as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The book follows Orson Krennic as he is determined to develop a superweapon for the Empire. Meanwhile, brilliant scientist Galen Erso is dragged into the agenda, alongside his wife Lyra and daughter Jyn. With Krennic appearing in Andor Season 2 and the recently released trailer for the season implying the Death Star will play a role in the show, Catalyst is fitting reading ahead of April 22.
Star Wars Rebels – Season 3, Episode 18; Secret Cargo
This Star Wars Rebels episode is critical to the journey of Mon Mothma and the broader conflict of the Rebellion against the Empire. “Secret Cargo” sees Mon finally and publicly turn her back on the Empire following the Ghorman Massacre, an important event we predict will be depicted in Andor Season 2.
Andor Season 1
If you watch anything ahead of Andor Season 2, it should probably be the show’s first season. Critically acclaimed and arguably the most universally Star Wars project since The Empire Strikes Back, Andor’s first season amazed fans with its powerful messaging, poignant dialogue, mature tone, and strong ensemble. Andor Season 2 will continue the journey of its titular character, in addition to an array of others introduced in Season 1, including Bix Caleen, Dedra Meero, Syril Karn, Brasso, Luthen Rael, Vel Sartha, Cinta Kaz, and Wilmon Paak. Even if there wasn’t a second season of Andor around the corner, there is never a bad time to revisit the excellent first season.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Andor Season 2 will be to Rogue One what Rogue One was to A New Hope. That’s how the upcoming Star Wars season has been described by series creator Tony Gilroy, meaning a rewatch of Rogue One seems like a great idea ahead of Andor Season 2. And, for those never hesitant to watch Rogue One, you may want to revisit the Star Wars film from 2016 after Andor Season 2 concludes to get the full experience of Season 2 transitioning into Rogue One.
Stay tuned to The HoloFiles and Star Wars Holocron for continued coverage of Andor!