Star Warshas been in a precarious situation with many polarizing TV shows over the past few years.Star Wars: Skeleton Crewcould mark a turning point, but many fans are unsatisfied with how things are. Whatever fans think of some of the shows, everyone can admit thatAndoris their best recent TV series and one of the most extraordinaryStar Warsprojects in general.
The first season blew fans away with its mature themes and masterful writing, creating massive excitement forSeason 2,which will airin April 2025. With many new characters set to appear next season, fans should take time to appreciate the phenomenal cast from season one. Every actor put on some of their best performances, highlighting these complex characters, but these ten proved to be thebest out of the bunch because of their portrayal and writing.
Prequel series to Star Wars' ‘Rogue One’. In an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a Rebel hero.
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10Saw Gerrera
Played by Forest Whitaker
Introduced as a young rebel leader with his sister Steela Gerrera inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, Saw Gerrera is a prominent character. Portrayed by legendary actorForest Whitaker, this character has appeared inmultipleStar Warsprojectsbut has spent his entire life-fighting. This is partially why he uses extremist tactics in his fight against the Empire, which puts a target on his back and gains the attention of vital figures.
Saw Gerrera lands at the bottom of this list because he is only present for a short amount of time and isn’t a central character. However, his brief screen time was enough to leave a lasting impact on fans. Viewers can feel his intimidating presence from the screen and learn more about him and his group, which split from Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly). Whitaker’s incredible performanceadds so much to his character in so little.
9Vel Sartha
Played by Faye Marsay
Andorintroduced many new characters, one of which was Vel Sartha, played byFaye Marsay, who featured in one of themost underratedBlack Mirrorepisodes. Working with a small group for Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård), she led a group on a mission to raid the Aldhani Garrison and steal the credits. After the mission, fans learn she is Mon Mothma’s cousin, and Luthen sends her to kill Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in case he leaks any information to the Empire.
While not a main character, Vel Sartha played an essential role in the show and could potentially return for Season 2.
Learning that the tough and stoic rebel leader is an heiress was a shock for fans, but itadds much more depth to her character. Running away from home and a secure life, she chooses to fight, but she remains conflicted about the need for money to support the Rebellion. While not a main character, Vel Sartha played an essential role in the show and could potentially return for Season 2.
8Maarva Andor
Played by Fiona Shaw
Family is an important theme inStar Wars, as evident from the original trilogy and countless projects after it.Fiona Shawplays Maarva Andor, the mother of the show’s protagonist and a former member of the Daughters of Ferrix. While scavenging the planet Kenari, she adopted a young Andor but lost her husband, Clem (Gary Beadle), to the Empire. Living her final days on her home planet, Maarva recorded an inspirational hologram before her death.
While fans wish hercharacter would return for Andor season 2, Maarva’s death was one of the most critical moments in the series, and the show wouldn’t be the same without it. Fans could instantly connect with her caring character, wishing she would go with Andor to start a better life. However, her motivational recording inspired the rebellion on her planet,making a lasting impact and becoming a beloved character.
7Syril Karn
Played by Kyle Soller
Andorintroduced so many Imperial characters that fans hate to say are interesting despite their evil beliefs. Syril Karn, played byKyle Soller, is an overly ambitious Deputy Inspector for Preox-Morlana, a private security firm in charge of planets. After investigating a double homicide, his failure leaves him in disgrace and out of a job. Now working at the Imperial Bureau of Standards, he finds a new purpose with another character on this list.
Syril Karn might not be every fan’s favorite character, but he is stillincredibly interesting, well-written, and vital to the story. Viewers can understand the impact of his failure, which led to the Empire taking over Ferrix and caused the ensuing sparks of rebellion. His fear of things going out of control is why he wants to help the Empire clean everything up, making him a complex character in one of thegreatest spy TV shows.
6Bix Caleen
Played by Adria Arjona
Adria Arjonacontinues to impress with every new project she is in, but this time, she lands herself in a primary role inAndoras Bix Caleen. With multiple connections across the galaxy,Bix connects Andor and Luthenwhen the former is looking to sell a valuable item. However, she gets caught up in Andor’s chase, with the Empire ruthlessly torturing her for information until her eventual escape.
Looking to play a significant role inher return to Andor Season 2, Bix was a fan favorite who viewers can’t wait to see more of in 2025.Bix is a tragic character who goes through so much in the series, from her boyfriend’s betrayal and death to being brutally beaten to enduring the worst form of physical torture. This made her resilience admirable and instantly made her one of the most beloved characters inStar Wars.
Played by Andy Serkis
It isn’t uncommon for actors to play two roles in the same franchise; evenMark Hamill played Darth Banealongside Luke Skywalker.Andy Serkisgot his much-needed return toStar Warswith Kino Loy, a character who could do the actor justice. After Andor’s imprisonment, he encountered Kino Loy, the floor manager for Unit 5-2-D, who would be instrumental in escaping the prison.
There isn’t aStar Warsfan who hates Kino Loy, the motivational and brave character responsible for the best episode ofAndor. His rousing speech wasone of the franchise’s most significant momentsand solidified him as an iconic character. His development was intriguing, and his role in the story was critical, as he helped Andor and the other prisoners escape. Kino Loy is a legendary character who fans hope learned to swim.
4Mon Mothma
Played by Genevieve O’Reilly
First appearing inStar Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, played byCaroline Blakiston, her character made numerous appearances in animated series and serves as a main character inAndor.Genevieve O’Reillyplays the long-time character who was a senator during the Clone Wars and remained an advocate for peace even during the Empire’s rule. This led her to find the Rebellion, where she would play a significant role.
Mon Mothma is a prominentStar Warscharacterwho has created a lasting legacy through many movies and TV series, butAndorfinally gives her a leading role, and she doesn’t waste it. The show details howshe maneuvers and manipulates the Empire, masterfully avoiding suspicion. The writers did a phenomenal job showing her character development despite not much action, and hopefully, there will be more of her in the next season.
3Cassian Andor
Played by Diego Luna
Rogue One: A Star Wars Storywas the first movie not to feature Roman numerals and serve as a main film. Fans didn’t know they needed this, but it became one of the bestStar Warsmovies. Viewers had the same reaction to theAndorseries, but they quickly got adjusted.Diego Lunaplays the titular character, who reluctantly helps the Rebels but quickly faces imprisonment and attempted assassination.
It is painful not to put Cassian at the top of this list, considering he is the protagonist, but that should go to show how good the characters inAndorare.Cassian is a perfect main characterwho slowly develops and changes his ideals after everything he experiences. With everything about him, his journey is incredible and full of pain and discovery, which makesAndorone of Luna’s best projects, and fans are excited to see what he does in Season 2.
2Dedra Meero
Played by Denise Gough
Star Warshas set up a long history of arrogant and incompetent Imperials, which is the reason for their eventual downfall. This is prevalent inAndor, but Dedra Meero, played byDenise Gough, breaks the formula. The cunning lieutenant is aware of a forming Rebellion and makes it her mission to prove and stop its existence. Narrowly escaping at the end of last season, Dedra is sure to play a massive role in the final season.
Dedra is perhaps the most interesting character in this series, breaking the typical Empire stereotypes by showing initiative, drive, awareness, and humility. If characters like her were in charge, then the Rebels wouldn’t have stood a chance, but it seems her biggest challenge is her superiors. It’s hard not to root for her, which makes Dedra one of the best new additions toStar Wars’s legendary heist show.
1Luthen Rael
Played by Stellan Skarsgård
Acting as an antique dealer in the heart of Coruscant,Luthen Rael is a rebel leaderwho works alongside Mon Mothma. First, when meeting Andor through a deal, he recruits the outcast for a dangerous heist mission. However, Luthen orders the assassination of Andor following his success, tying up loose ends. Despite his failed efforts, Luthen gained a better result when Andor officially joined the Rebellion.
Luthen feels like the underbelly of the Rebellion, the nasty side that they don’t want people to see but is necessary for their success. His ruthless approach is motivated by the hope of a better world, knowing he will never be able to experience peace.Skarsgård efficiently delivers the best performance inAndor, encapsulating everything Luthen represents and perfectly portraying subtle mannerisms. With some of the best quotes, he is incredibly written to be essential to the story but also stands out as a solo character.
NEXT:The 10 Best Diego Luna Movies and TV Shows, Ranked
