Diego Luna, known for his portrayal of the Star Wars rebel Cassian Andor, has seen his character’s spinoff series, Andor, receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series in the 2023 Emmy race. Although Luna did not receive a nomination for his performance, he is an executive producer on the project. In an interview, Luna expressed his excitement and pride in the show’s nomination, highlighting the collaborative nature of the team. He emphasized the significance of the nomination in recognizing the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
Andor, set in the Star Wars universe, follows Cassian Andor on his journey to political engagement against the Empire. Luna emphasized the show’s relevance, not only in the context of the SAG strike that was looming at the time of the interview but also as a reflection of the power of community and collective action. He described the show as a reminder of the strength that regular people possess when they come together for a common cause. Luna acknowledged that while the show’s relevance could be disheartening due to ongoing social issues, it also served as a hopeful reminder of the potential for positive change.
As an executive producer on Andor, Luna expressed the significance of being involved in the project from its early stages. He appreciated being able to contribute to the show’s development and witnessing its journey from mere ideas to a fully realized production. Luna highlighted the importance of diversity in storytelling and expressed his commitment to working on projects that embrace diversity. He believed that diversity enriches the creative process and the final product. Luna acknowledged that there is still a lack of representation for Latinos in the industry and expressed his hope that this will change in the future.
Looking ahead to the second and final season of Andor, Luna spoke about the bittersweet experience of saying goodbye to the character. Having already gone through the goodbye process when Rogue One: A Star Wars Story concluded, Luna anticipated another emotional farewell. However, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to revisit the character in a different context and explore deeper aspects of Cassian Andor’s personality. Luna felt that the extended format of a series allowed for greater character development and a more nuanced portrayal.
Luna also mentioned his passion for producing and his enjoyment of being involved in the creative process. The experience of producing Andor has inspired him and encouraged him to explore other projects. As Luna reflected on the journey of Andor, he expressed his readiness to move on to new endeavors, grateful for the knowledge he gained and the inspiration he received during the production.
Regarding the SAG strike, Luna expressed concern for the future of the industry but also hope for a resolution that benefits everyone involved. He emphasized the importance of a healthy and fair working environment for all, not just actors. Luna found encouragement in the unity and collective action demonstrated by various industry unions, seeing it as a reminder of the need for collaboration and finding solutions in a polarized world.
In conclusion, Diego Luna reflected on the recognition received by Andor’s Emmy nomination, celebrating the collaborative nature of the production. He emphasized the relevance of the show’s themes and the importance of diversity in storytelling. Luna expressed his nostalgia and gratitude for the opportunity to revisit the character of Cassian Andor, while also expressing his excitement for new projects. He expressed concern for the future of the industry amid the SAG strike but remained hopeful for a fair and just resolution.