A number of movie musicals have won Best Picture over the years, and including some that came from director/screenriter Bill Condon. The writer of Chicago once again brought a musical to the big screen with Kiss of the Spider Woman, which earned Jennifer Lopez a standing ovation at Sundance. And her co-stars Diego Luna and Tonatiuh recently spoke to CinemaBlend about how she helped the cast on set.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez helped to bring this project to life, as producer and star respectively. But the "Get Right" singer also helped to support her fellow actors before shooting Kiss of the Spider Woman's musical numbers. As you can see in the video above, I had the chance to speak with the great Diego Luna about working with JLo, and he told me:

Honestly, that's some great advice. As a global pop star, Lopez knows a thing or two about dancing in front of people. She seems to think that in order for the audience to enjoy the performance, you have to be having fun yourself. Clearly that bit of advice stuck with Luna.

Following his tenure on Andor (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription), Luna is once again playing a revolutionary standing against an authoritarian government in Kiss of the Spider Woman. But this time he's also got to sing and dance with a modern day diva like JLo. In our conversation, the 45 year-old actor went on to share how her advice guided him, sharing:

That rigor is definitely on full display in Kiss of the Spider Woman, with Jennifer Lopez using all of her talents as a global pop star and actress. It's no wonder that her performance has gotten so much praise and chatter about Awards Season recognition.

Vida actor Tonatiuh takes center stage in this movie musical as Molina, the protagonist of Kiss of the Spider Woman. He was paired with some huge names with Diego Luna and JLo. In our interview, he shared his first reaction to this daunting dream job, telling me:

He's not wrong. Jennifer Lopez has countless hit movies and songs, so getting the chance to work with an icon of her stature must have been a trip of Tonatiuh. Not only were they going to work together, but he was doing to sing and dance with the iconic superstar. No pressure.

But rather than letting these stakes get to him, the Promised Land actor seems to have cherished his time working with such established movie stars. In his words:

Having seen Kiss of the Spider Woman, I can report that Tonatiuh absolutely rose to the occasion and gave a stunning performance as Molina. It's one that will stick with me for sure, and there was no one hint of nerves as he worked alongside JLo and Diego Luna.

Kiss of the Spider Woman is in theaters now as part of the 2025 movie release list. I thought Bill Condon crushed it again, and am really hoping that the movie gets its flowers during various Awards Ceremonies... possibly competing with fellow musical Wicked: For Good.

Andor wrapped with its second and final season earlier in the 2025 TV schedule, and holds the distinction of being the rare Star Wars projects that most fans seem to agree is pretty fantastic. Unfortunately, that fan reaction didn't result in the show's cast sweeping the awards circuit nominations, as Diego Luna was left out of the 2025 Emmy Awards nominations, as well as Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård, Elizabeth Dulau, and the rest of the regular cast members.

I'm still bitter that Luna at least didn't get an Emmy nod for his work as Cassian Andor, even if he was unlikely to win as star of a genre series. (You can revisit Andor now with a Disney+ subscription.) So I had to celebrate when I saw that he recently won a notable award for Season 2.

Diego Luna's Award For Andor Season 2

The Critics Choice Super Awards from the Critics Choice Association are an annual event that specifically honor superhero, sci-fi/fantasy, horror, and other genre projects that are often left out of mainstream awards circuits like the Emmys, Academy Awards, Golden Globes, etc.

While The Penguin (available streaming now with an HBO Max subscription) took the most prizes on the TV front, Andor came out on top in two key categories: Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-For-TV Movie and of course Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-For-TV Movie.

Luna beat out Ncuta Gatwa (Doctor Who), Walton Goggins (Fallout), Adam Scott (Severance), Tramell Tillman (Severance), and Julio Torres (Fantasmas) for Best Actor, while Andor came out on top of Black Mirror, Doctor Who, Dune: Prophecy, Fantasmas, and Severance. The Star Wars show was also nominated in another category, with Adria Arjona up for Best Actress

While a Critics Choice Super Award isn't the same as an Emmy, Diego Luna did have a refreshing take on not being nominated. Plus, it could be a sign of things to come on the awards circuit in the coming months. Sure, Luna didn't get the nod that many Star Wars fans (myself included) believe he deserved from the Emmys, but Andor could still be honored at the next round of Golden Globe Awards and even the main Critics Choice Awards later this year.

Could Andor Win At The Emmys?

Even though Diego Luna doesn't have a shot at the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Emmy, he did take to Instagram to celebrate Andor earning no fewer than fourteen nominations, notably including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Guest Actor for Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera, and Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for Alan Tudyk as K-2SO.

Am I a little bit bitter that Alan Tudyk got a nomination for three episodes of voice work when Diego Luna didn't get one as leading man? Kind of, but not because I begrudge Tudyk. I was as excited as anybody when K-2 arrived. Forrest Whittaker definitely turned in an intense guest performance as Saw, and I was pleasantly surprised to see him get the Emmy honor after I still think Andy Serkis was robbed for Season 1. In fact, after Season 1 did get any acting noms from the Emmys back in 2023, I wasn't confident about Adria Arjona getting a nod as Bix.

But dang it, my hopes were up for the leading man of one of the shows in the running for Outstanding Drama Series would have a shot at the trophy. Maybe I should just follow Diego Luna's example and celebrate Andor getting fourteen nominations instead of focusing on the big one he didn't get! We can all find out if Andor wins in any major category when the event airs on Sunday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze.

The 2025 Emmy nominations have been buzzed about since they were announced, and for good reason. Plenty of talented creatives are being honored for their contributions to TV over the past year. As a Star Wars fan, I was particularly excited to see Andor rake in 14 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series. What I was disappointed by, however, was the fact that the show’s lead actor, Diego Luna, was not nominated. Nevertheless, I do appreciate his feelings about not being among the nominees.

Before Andor Season 2 becoming available to Disney+ subscription holders earlier this year, critics shared overwhelmingly positive reactions. Many series creator Tony Gilroy and co. for strongly building only the highly regarded first season in various respects. Diego Luna’s portrayal of the eponymous thief-turned-rebel also garnered major praise. Praise from fans followed on social media throughout the season and, like me, many also seemed taken aback by the snub. As explained to Ventaneando (via YouTube), he’s unfazed:

It’s a level-headed take on not receiving an award nomination if I ever heard one. It’s also worth mentioning that the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category is filled with some heavy hitters. Adam Scott (Severance), Sterling K. Brown (Paradise), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Noah Wyle (The Pitt) and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) are all in the mix. I still wouldn’t argue with someone for thinking that Diego Luna was robbed, but know that Luna doesn’t see it that way.

Something that should be noted is that one other Star Wars show does beat Andor for the most Primetime Emmy nominations received for a single season. The first season of The Mandalorian managed to score 15 and won seven. Still that doesn’t at all undercut the Cassian actor’s enthusiasm, and he revealed the awards category that has him the most excited:

I can’t blame the Rogue One star for being so excited about the show (which he served as an executive producer on) being up for the Emmys’ drama series award. That nod is a true testament to the hard work put in by the cast and crew. Of course, as a fan, it’s also hard for me not to marvel over the 13 other nominations that the show earned. Check out the complete list down below:

• Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More)
• Outstanding Picture Editing For A Drama Series
• Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score)
• Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics
• Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
• Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie
• Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
• Outstanding Cinematography For A Series (One Hour)
• Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
• Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Alan Tudyk)
• Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series (Forest Whitaker)
• Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
• Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
• Outstanding Drama Series

Of course, with its second season having finished amid the 2025 TV schedule, Andor’s run has come to an end. Diego Luna is at peace with the show having ended as it has, and I’m right there with him. It’s been amazing to watch Luna’s journey not just on the show but as an actor, considering there was a time where he could mostly just book “drug dealer” roles. So the fact that he was even being proposed as a possible nominee for Outstanding Lead Actor is a true win in and of itself.

Check out Diego Luna and co.’s excellent work on both seasons of Andor now by streaming them on Disney+. Also, check out the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards when they air on CBS on Sunday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET.

Diego Luna is one of the the biggest star in the galaxy far, far away. His role in Andor, available with a Disney+ subscription, is widely regarded as one of the best pieces of the entire Star Wars franchise. It’s made Luna a more high profile actor, and it’s helped him (mostly) break free from being offered the same sort of movie roles again and again.

Diego Luna recently participated in a roundtable discussion for THR that included the likes of Walton Goggins, Eddie Redmayne, Jeffrey Wright, Adam Scott and Cooper Koch. He told the group how, prior to being cast in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, he was only offered roles as drug dealers. Luna explained…

A lot of people likely became aware of Diego Luna for his role in Narcos: Mexico, where he did, in fact, play a drug lord. While the shift in the roles being offered to Diego Luna may have coincided with Star Wars, he doesn’t credit the franchise exclusively with changing his career. Instead, he thinks there’s been a larger shift in the way the entertainment world works that allows the audience to be in more control of demanding what they want to see. The actor continued…

While the modern entertainment landscape, specifically the popularity of streaming, has arguably had some strong negative impacts, such as on theatrical exhibition, there are other ways that streaming has certainly changed things for the better. The global reach of most streaming platforms means audiences all over the world can watch shows and movies from anywhere, and it gives the ability to see performers in different ways.

All this being said, it apparently hasn’t ended the endless stream of offers to Diego Luna to play drug dealers. It’s just that now he doesn’t feel obligated to take the roles simply because they are offered. He knows there are roles out there that will be more of what he wants to be doing, not simply what others tell him he should be doing. Luna says…

Diego Luna will next be seen in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman with Jennifer Lopez. It certainly won’t be the same old drug dealer role.

The end of yet another Star Wars era is almost upon us. Andor Season 2 is about to move from the slate of upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows slate and begin airing on the 2025 TV schedule, with three episodes being weekly on Disney+. Once the 12-episode season is over, it will wrap up Diego Luna’s time as Cassian Andor, as the show is leading directly into the events of Rogue One. While there has speculation that Luna wanted to leave Andor after Season 2, the actor informed CinemaBlend that he had nothing but a positive experience working on the Star Wars series as it reaches its conclusion.

Our own Jeff McCobb spoke with Luna, who was seated next to Bix Caleen actress Adria Arjona, during the Andor Season 2 junket, and among the questions he asked him was out he felt about bringing Cassian Andor to an end. The star of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which opens on the 2025 movies schedule in October, answered:

This summer marks the 10-year anniversary of when Rogue One, the second Star Wars movie of the Disney era, began filming, with its release to the public coming in December 2016. Given that the movie ended with Cassian and the other main characters dying, it understandably seemed at the time like he would be a one-and done character. However, thanks to Andor, we’ve been been able to follow along with the title character in the half decade leading up to him perishing on Scarif alongside Jyn Erso. So Luna got to stick around in a galaxy far, far away for a decade, something he’s enjoyed immensely.

Although it had originally been planned for Andor to run five seasons, show creator Tony Gilroy explained that this ultimately just wasn’t feasible. The decision to end the show after two seasons was “born out of desperation” after he realized just how “monumental” an effort it was putting Andor together during Season 1. Additionally, since this is a Rogue One prequel, Gilroy added that, “Diego’s face couldn’t take the timing, because it just takes too long to make it.”

So rather than dedicating one season to cover a year leading up to Rogue One, Andor Season 2 has instead dedicated three episodes each to peek in on what Cassian Andor is up to in the subsequent years after the events of Season 1. The end result seems to have paid off, as Season 2 has already earned a lot of early positive reception. And while Diego Luna is leaving Cassian behind him, he’ll always be a member of the Star Wars family, and he’s definitely grateful for the experience.

Andor Season 2 premieres tomorrow on Disney+, and the series will conclude on May 13. After that, next on the live-action Star Wars TV front is Ahsoka Season 2, which doesn’t have a release date yet.

April is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean we’re running out of things to watch as the 2025 TV premiere schedule can show. Two incredibly popular streaming series are debuting new seasons this week. In addition, we’re seeing what could hopefully be one of the best new 2025 movies on streaming.

The long-awaited second season of Andor is finally here on Disney+, promising to bridge the gap between the events of Season 1 and Rogue One. Netflix will also see the final season of one of its popular shows get started as You premieres just days later.

Andor, Season 2, 3-episode Premiere - April 22 (Disney+)

While not everybody has loved all of the new Star Wars movies and series under Disney, one show that nearly everybody believed made a Disney+ subscription worthwhile was the first season of Andor. Now the second season makes its debut in hopes it will be just as good. As with Season 1, each group of three episodes will make up a different story arc. This time around, all three episodes will be released at once each week.

Gladiator II - April 22 (Prime Video)

Gladiator II may not have reached quite the heights of the original film, but it was an epic movie nonetheless, with an incredible performance by Denzel Washington that is alone with making sure you have a Prime Video subscription so you can check it out.

Sea Lions of the Galapagos/Guardians of the Galapagos - April 22 (Disney+)

April 22 is Earth Day, and for the last several years, Disney has used that day to release its newest Disneynature documentary. This year will see the release of Sea Lions of the Galapogos, narrated by Oscar winner Brendan Fraser, and the behind-the-scenes documentary Guardians of the Galapogos, narrated by Blair Underwood. Disneynature films trace their origins back to the original True Life Adventures produced under Walt Disney himself, and it's wonderful that the studio is still making them today..

You, Season 5 - April 24 (Netflix)

You has been one of the most consistently compelling streaming series around for its previous four seasons. Now, fans will surely be ready to see how the story comes to a close as Season 5 will mark the end of You.

Havoc - April 25 (Netflix)

Director Gareth Evans is responsible for one of the greatest action movies of all time in The Raid: Redemption. Now, he directs Tom Hardy in the new crime thriller Havoc. If the movie is even a fraction as good as Evans' best efforts, it will be a reason to have a Netflix subscription and possibly a reason to keep one just so you can keep watching it again and again.

Baby Girl - April 25 (Max)

The early buzz surrounding A24’s Babygirl was that it could mean another Oscar nomination for Nicole Kidman, and while that didn’t materialize, it’s still a strong performance by one of our great living actresses and a movie worth checking out when it’s made available with a Max subscription.

Next week, April becomes May, so get ready for the monthly content churn as all your favorite movies jump from one streaming platform to another. At least their original shows and movies won’t go anywhere.

There are plenty of upcoming Star Wars series headed our way, but one of the most highly anticipated is, without a doubt, Andor Season 2. The upcoming 12 episodes will cover the remaining four years before Cassian Andor’s appearance in Rogue One, which means the series is ending after this season. Some lucky critics have already had the chance to screen episodes before it hits the 2025 TV calendar on April 22, and their first reactions are pretty exciting.

CinemaBlend has been bringing you all the latest from the Star Wars Celebration in Japan, including coverage from the Andor Season 2 panel, but let’s take a look at some of the overwhelmingly positive first reactions from those who have seen the new episodes. That would include critic Darren Mooney, who says he can’t stop thinking about the “beautiful, incredible, transcendental” second and final season. Mooney writes on X (Twitter):

Critic Zach Pope says this installment is “1000 percent” better than Season 1, and like the critic above, this Star Wars fan hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it, and he predicts that won’t change anytime soon, writing on X:

Jordan King also gives Andor Season 2 — which will be available to stream with a Disney+ subscription — a vote for best TV show of the year, saying:

The trailer gave fans plenty of reasons to get excited, and it sounds like fans won’t be disappointed. Germain Lussier of Gizmodo is positively gushing over this “miracle” of a season, writing:

Nick Iarriccio writes that this isn’t just a good series in regards to a galaxy far, far away; it’s great television overall, from the writing to the acting. Prepare to be emotionally devastated. In the critic’s words:

Justin Lawrence of Geekcentric also uses the word “masterclass” to describe the upcoming series. Although some parts of Season 2 are “uneven,” the story is ultimately both ambitious and powerful. The critic writes:

While many of the first reactions are centered around the writing and the plot that — if you’re watching the Star Wars movies in order — will lead us into Rogue One, Anthony Gagliardi of The Movie Podcast praises the performances, specifically of those portraying Cassian Andor and Mon Mothma — who Tony Gilroy says is in for a “hellacious Season 2.” Gagliardi says:

It sounds like there’s plenty for Star Wars fans to be excited about, and thankfully you don’t have to wait long to get the first dose of Andor Season 2. The first three episodes premiere on Disney+ on Tuesday, April 22, with the streamer releasing three episodes each Tuesday thereafter.

We are here at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Japan to report live on all the big news on upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows coming out of the convention! After Friday's festivities kicked things off with a panel for The Mandalorian & Grogu movie that officially announced Ryan Gosling's Star Wars movie and the Lucasfilm Animation panel revealed an upcoming Darth Maul series, you're going to want to see what Saturday brings.

This one is going to be all about Andor Season 2, which is set to premiere for those with a Disney+ subscription this Tuesday, April 22. We'll provide all the updates from the panel here.

We're here at the Andor panel on this Saturday morning in Tokyo. It's another packed panel at the Celebration Stage. Stay tuned.

Before the panel has even begun, we're being entertained by over 100 Star Wars fans who are dressed up like the prisoners from Andor Season 1, and not only took to the stage, but walked all around Celebration Stage in unison yelling "One Way Out." This is too good. And what a way to honor Season 1.

Tony Gilroy, producers and the whole cast is here including Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Genevieve O'Reilly, Alan Tudyk and Denise Gough. The energy from the fans is so palpable right now and Gilroy and Luna took some time to thank fans for the massive support they've given the show already. Luna is teasing new and familiar characters and is urging fans to go back to Rogue One right after they finish. In his words: "You're gonna see a different film."

Gilroy let the audience know that the episodes are dropping three episodes at a time, with each batch taking place during a different year leading up to Rogue One. Gilroy is is calling the season "a chorus" that will play out the stories of every character we followed in Season 1.

O'Reilly is talking about Mon Mothma. She said her and the cast feels like they have been "sitting on a diamond" and can'r wait for audiences to see the new season. She said the season starts in Mon Mothma's home world for a wedding. She said her character goes to some "dark places" amd her character has to go out of the shadows and speak up.

Gough is now talking about her character this season. She says we will learn more about Deidre's origins. She teased that "things get real strange" and "much more fascist" for Deidre this time around.

Kyle Soller's Syril teases his character's romance with Deirdre this season, which he called "the heart" of his arc. Gough jokes the romance goes "goes super well." I'm so curious what they mean by all these comments.

Adria Arjona says Bix is trying to "reconstruct" herself after her rough first season. I can't wait to see some redemption for her character after all the pain she underwent the first season, but as we know this story is very tragic, so I'm holding my breath.

Now there's huge applause for Alan Tudyk who is finally back this season as K2SO as the moderator addresses him.

Tudyk joked that he tried to originally pitch K2SO: 2 Fast 2 Furious years ago, but he's grateful for Gilroy being the better writer. Tudyk also called it a "very important series" he's happy to be part of. Luna also gushed about his reunion with Tudyk after seven years apart.

They are going to show this first episode, which means the laptops and phones are being put away!! Thanks for sticking with us here on CinemaBlend for all the highlights. Catch the first three episodes next week, and stay tuned for exclusive interviews with the cast.

If you’re the leading actor in a Star Wars TV show, you should be allowed to hang onto a prop from the production, right? Well, Diego Luna was fortunate enough to be able to keep blaster prop after completing work on Andor Season 2, which is set to premiere next week on the 2025 TV schedule for those with a Disney+ subscription. However, no one said it was going to be easy for him to bring that blaster home. Case in point, the actor told a wild story about how he was stopped by airport security for having the prop, and this happened as he was hungover.

Luna, who first played Cassian Andor in 2016’s Rogue One, recounted this harrowing tale while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote Andor’s second and final season. After sharing that he was given the blaster at the Star Wars series’ wrap party, he said:

I don’t blame the Heathrow security for immediately going on alert after noticing the blaster. It is, after all, a firearm, albeit one from a popular science fiction franchise that doesn’t work. Still, you can’t assume that one of those agents is a Star Wars fan and will instantly realize there’s no actual danger. Diego Luna continued:

How’s that for unfortunately-timed irony? Between the blaster, recovering from the alcohol-fueled night before and being recognized for playing Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo on the Netflix subscription-exclusive series Narcos: Mexico, Luna was not in an ideal situation. Fortunately, he was able to prove his connection to Star Wars and make this mess go away. He concluded:

I imagine that this will rank as one of Diego Luna’s most stressful times at the airport for the rest of his life, if not rest comfortably in the #1 position. It probably would have been wiser for him to send the blaster back home, but I also understand his implied rationale that it could have ended up being damaged.

And here’s the hilarious cherry on top of this narrative sundae: rather than that blaster occupying a prime place in the Luna household after all the trouble he went to bring it back, it’s instead just been tucked into his closet.

You can see Diego Luna wield a blaster onscreen for the final time when Andor Season 2 kicks off on Tuesday, April 22. Three episodes will be released weekly, bringing the show to a close on May 13. But not to worry, as there are plenty of other upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows to look forward to afterwards.

While Andor Season 1 took place over the course of one year in Cassian Andor’s life, Season 2, which premieres next month on the 2025 TV schedule, will cover the remaining four years that lead to his appearance in Rogue One. So why not have this Star Wars series run for three additional seasons and give fans nearly half a decade more worth of entertainment to stream with their Disney+ subscription? Well, that was originally what was going to happen, but according to Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy, two specific issues required the shift in plans.

Gilroy discussed this subject as part of the Andor spread in the latest issue of SFX Magazine. The showrunner, who previously wrote additional scenes for Rogue One following the conclusion of principal photography and worked with director Gareth Edwards on the reshoots, intended for each season of Andor to cover one year in the life of Diego Luna’s character as a member of the Rebel Alliance. However, that went out the window due to the unbeatable enemy of all, time. It was a move “born out of desperation,” with Gilroy explaining:

When Andor Season 2 premieres on April 22, it will have been a little over two and a half years since Season 1 started airing. Granted, the writers and actors strikes in 2023 played into the long gap, but even ignoring them, it’s an intensive feat putting together Star Wars TV shows. One might argue it’s even more so than the Star Wars movies considering there’s more than just two hours of content being written, filmed, edited, etc. Andor Season 1 began rolling cameras at the end of November 2020 and didn’t finish until September 2021.

So not only did Tony Gilroy realize that he didn’t have it in him to make three more seasons of Andor, there was also the matter of that being too much time for Diego Luna’s face. Remember, the actor shot Rogue One in 2015 and the movie was released at the end of 2016. If too much time passed working on Andor, then suddenly his younger version of Cassian Andor would end up looking older than he did in his last chronological appearance.

So instead, it was decided to cover the remaining four years of Cassian’s life across three episodes each of Andor. Not only that, each trio of episodes will be released weekly, meaning Andor will be done by May 13. Tony Gilroy shared his thoughts on this Disney+ rollout thusly:

While it’s regrettable that Tony Gilroy’s original five-season vision for Andor didn’t work out, I take comfort knowing that as Diego Luna pointed out, that “in a way, we did four movies.” Sure, we won’t be exploring his years as a Rebel as in-depth as what was done in Season 1, but it’s not an insignificant chunk of time either. Maybe if the pandemic and the aforementioned strikes hadn’t happened, those five seasons could have happened, but I’m just grateful that the show will have a definitive ending planned ahead of time. The same can’t be said for The Acolyte.

There’s only a few weeks left to go until Andor Season 2 begins, so continue visiting CinemaBlend for more updates on what it’ll deliver. You can also count on us covering the latest and greatest news about the other upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows.

Star Wars has been a big part of Disney+ since one of the best streaming services originally debuted with The Mandalorian. While not every show has been a massive success, the one series that is seen by many as the absolute best of the best is Andor starring Diego Luna, and Luna is very appreciative of the support.

Andor was a rare Disney+ series in that the show was given an order for two seasons upfront. That second season is set to debut next year and considering the first season is ranked among the best Star Wars shows on Disney+, anticipation is quite high. Speaking with IMDb, Luna is clearly touched by the support that the show has received, saying…

Certainly, not every Star Wars series has seen the warm embrace that Andor did. While most Star Wars series have gotten generally positive reactions from fans and critics, that hasn’t spelled success for all of them. The Acolyte was recently canceled after one season, despite a very strong public call for a renewal. While many loved the series, The Acolyte was also the victim of an apparent review bombing.

Andor was certainly something different from the Star Wars universe. The show has a distinct lack of Jedi and is instead focused on the early days of the rebellion against the Empire. The first season was largely separated from the movies we had seen, with only a couple of characters fans knew in advance.

We know the new season of Andor will be a bit different when it comes to that final point. Andor Season 2 is supposed to bring the character right up to the point where Rogue One: A Star Wars Story begins, and that means introducing some characters who are key to that film. We know Ben Mendelsohn will appear in the new season in some capacity. We can expect K-2SO, voiced by Alan Tudyk, to also arrive.

Fans looking forward to Andor Season 2 may need to make do with it. It’s being reported that Disney is looking to cut back the number of Star Wars series on Disney+, which could mean Andor may be the only series coming out next year. Even Disney+ stalwart The Mandalorian is shifting to theaters with The Mandalorian & Grogu setting a 2026 release date for a movie, rather than releasing a new season on the streaming platform.

The most recent Star Wars series on Disney+, The Acolyte, is seeing the same hyper-critical response from viewers that most of franchise's shows have seen since Disney bought Lucasfilm. But one show has seemingly been immune to that backlash thus far -- Andor. The Rogue One prequel series starring Diego Luna is widely seen as the best thing to come from this modern age of the franchise, just as many people love RO above the rest of the new SW movies. With Season 2 on the way, Luna, has been teasing heavy connections to the film, but what's even more exciting is that one of the stars of the blockbuster has been confirmed to appear during the season season.

Who's Reprising Their Rogue One Character For Andor?

We've always known that Andor was designed to end somewhere very close to where Rogue One: A Star Wars Story begins for Diego Luna's Cassian Andor. So we've expected that we might see characters from the film make appearances on the series. Now, that has been confirmed, as The Playlist reports that Ben Mendelsohn, who played Imperial Officer Orson Krennic in the movie, will be appearing during the new season.

Exactly how big a role Orson Krennic will have on Andor Season 2 is far from clear. It's being suggested that he'll appear in a small capacity near the end of the season as part of the lead-in to the events of the 2016 flick. That's certainly possible. The first season was broken up into different chapters with significantly different stories. Seeing Krennic in one of them makes sense, but it's also possible that he could be playing a larger role. 

Whatever the plan, Diego Luna was also hyping up the Rogue One connections for the second season during a recent appearance.

What Diego Luna Said About Andor Season 2

During an appearance at ACE Superhero Comic Con 2024, (via Popverse), Diego Luna talked a little bit about the plans for Season 2 of Andor. It sounds like the new episodes will be especially great for fans of Rogue One: A Star Wars: Story, as the events of that film will be closer to happening. Thus the new season will start to put all the pieces in place. Luna said…

There’s at least one other character, besides Krennic, that Cassian Andor hadn't met by the end of Andor Season 1 that we know he’ll meet before the events of Rogue One. K-2SO is an Imperial droid, voiced by Alan Tudyk, that Cassian himself reprogrammed. If we know we’re going to see any characters from the movie, the droid seems almost a shoo in to be one of them. He was a fan-favorite, so a lot of people will likely be excited to see how the two came together.

The second season reportedly wrapped filming earlier this year, but we haven't heard much in the way of announcements regarding the Andor Season 2 cast beyond the returning stars from Season 1. Ben Mendelsohn is the first big name we've heard that marks a new addition to the ensemble. With the new episodes not expected to debut until 2025, Lucasfilm is probably holding off on most major announcements until the episodes are closer to release.

While Diego Luna was light on details, he did promise that the second season, which is already set to be the final one for his series, will resolve everything that's already been set up on the sci-fi drama. Except, of course, for the fate of Cassian Andor himself, which is already known. Luna continued…

As somebody who absolutely loved Andor and Rogue One, I can’t wait to see what happens with the new season. Gareth Edwards' film itself changed the way that we looked at the original Star Wars trilogy, so the idea that the new season of Cassian's show could alter our perceptions of the spinoff film is equally exciting. 

For now, make sure you have a Disney+ subscription so that you can check out Andor Season 2 when it premieres. You can also take a look at the 2024 TV schedule if you're in need of something to watch at this time.

Even though Cassian Andor died at the end of Rogue One, that wasn’t the last we saw of Diego Luna’s Star Wars character. The franchise set in a galaxy far, far away wound the clock back to five years before the events of the 2016 movie for Andor Season 1, which showed how Cassian came into contact with the Rebellion. Andor Season 2 will cover the remaining time period leading up to Rogue One, and now the actor has revealed that he’s done filming this final batch of episodes through a touching message saying goodbye to the Star Wars show.

Luna revealed in January that he only had a few days left of filming Andor Season 2, with production on the show exclusive to Disney+ subscribers having finally resumed after being halted by the actors strike last year. Fast-forward a few weeks, the actor has completed all his scenes, which means his time playing Cassian Andor is over. Luna commemorated the end of this chapter of his career on Instagram by saying:

While Diego Luna was by no means an unknown actor prior to appearing in Rogue One, it’s safe to say that joining the Star Wars franchise catapulted him to worldwide stardom, and that Cassian Andor remains his most well-known role. This could have easily been a one-off appearance for him, but the powers-that-be decided that Cassian was deserving of his own show, and in November 2020, Andor Season 1 began filming. Over three years later, Luna and the rest of Andor’s cast and crew having finally finished their work, so the actor took some time to thank everyone who played a role in putting the show together over these last several years.

The Andor Season 1 ending left off with the title character confronting Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen Rael aboard his ship, handing over his blaster and giving him one of two options: either kill him or recruit him into the Rebel Alliance. Obviously we know what will be chosen, so Season 2 will depict going on various missions as an official member of the Rebellion. This will pave the way to Cassian traveling to the Ring of Kafrene trading post, where he was first seen in Rogue One, which then led to him meeting Jyn Erso and perishing on Scarif.

Of course, there are many characters in Andor who don’t appear in Rogue One, so even though we know how Cassian’s story ends, there are plenty of surprises in store regarding the fates of others. As for when Andor Season 2 will premiere, an exact date hasn’t been set yet, but it’s expected to arrive sometime in 2025. Continue visiting CinemaBlend for more news about the series, as well as updates concerning other upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows. 

The brand new, revamped and rebooted DC Universe (DCU) has opened up endless possibilities. A new Superman has already been cast and is ready to take flight in the first movie in the new universe, which is replacing the old DC Extended Universe (DCEU). 

Producer James Gunn has shown he has a clear vision to wipe away most of the past and move forward with new actors and new stories, so for the purposes of this daydreaming, we're going to leave out the great actors who have appeared in DC-related films in the past, including the most recent movies starring the likes of Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Ben Affleck, though we're not against them returning, too. 

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is one of the biggest stars in the world, and also one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. He's the kind of actor you could cast in almost any role and you just know he'd hit it out of the park. He could play a hero or a villain and audiences would be transfixed no matter what. We probably want him as one of the most famous heroes though, someone befitting his star status. 

Daisy Ridley

We know she can carry a franchise, and we know she's a tough woman, so Daisy Ridley just has to find her way into the DCU. Of course, she'd have to be a hero, but who knows, maybe a change of pace from the Star Wars movies could be cool and she could play a villain. Either way, she has to have powers greater than The Force. 

Tom Cruise

It's time. It's hard to believe Tom Cruise has never been in a superhero movie. One of, in not the, biggest action stars of the last few decades still has that "hole" on his resume and it's time it got filled. Of course, we'd all love to see Cruise as a hero, but it would be awesome for him to be in any role, even a cameo like his turn in Tropic Thunder. Just get him in there, James Gunn! 

Jennifer Lawrence

Sure, Jennifer Lawrence appeared in the X-Men franchise, but that was years ago, and the comic book movie scene is a whole lot different today. Lawrence is a perfect fit for any number of roles, and even though she's great as Mystique, what about a hero as big as Wonder Woman or Black Canary? Surely she'd be fantastic. 

John Krasinski

John Krasinski delighted fans with his cameo as Dr. Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. MCU fans have been dying to see him as Mister Fantastic in the Fantastic 4 in the future, but so far, there's only been cold water thrown on the idea. That opens up the DCU for the former The Office star and he needs to step in. 

Zendaya

There isn't a bigger star on the scene right now than Zendaya. Sure, she's played MJ in the MCU and Spider-Man movies, but let's give her some real superpowers and let her run wild in the DCU. 

Jacob Elordi

Sure, Jacob Elordi says he's not interested in playing a superhero, having turned down an opportunity to read for Superman in the new DCU, but that doesn't mean we can't dream, right? There are so many heroes in the universe he could play. Elordi has been a hit in recent years with his role on HBO's Euphoria and movies like Saltburn and Pricilla, so he doesn't really need to be in the DCU, but we need him to be. 

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet has a knack for picking great roles for himself. At this point, he can pick and choose anything he wants, given how often his movies are hits. Chalamet could probably just tell James Gunn what role he wanted and they'd find a way for it to happen. So let's do it! 

Meryl Streep

Let's be real, there is nothing Meryl Streep can't do. The greatest actor of her generation, bar none, and yet, she's never appeared in a superhero movie. She's flirted with the idea, according to some reports, and she even did the Wakanda salute at the 2024 Golden Globes, but alas, we still haven't seen her in one. The new DCU must have a spot for her, right?

Patina Miller

Patina Miller has won a Tony and she's starred in two hit shows (Madam Secretary and Power Book III: Raising Kanan), but she hasn't broken big on the big screen, aside from an important but too-brief role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and it's time that changed. She looks like a superhero and can act her socks off, so let's make it happen, let's make her a star in the DCU. 

Adam Driver

As Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequels, Adam Driver showed he could play a first-rate villain. Now it's time to see him play a hero. Any hero, pick one, it doesn't matter, he'd kill it. Batman? For sure. Superman? Well, that role is taken, but yes. Aquaman? Oh yes. Martian Manhunter? Check. Wonder Woman? Sure, why not, he's got the hair for it. Let's go! 

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg may be aging gracefully and while he says he's ready to play grandpa roles, we think he'll never be too old for a spot in the DCU. Somehow he's never been in either the MCU or any of the DC-related properties, so the time is right. 

Cailee Spaeny

She may not jump off the page as a possible superhero, but don't forget that Cailee Spaeny starred in Pacific Rim Uprising and clearly has the chops to be in a big action flick. She's an up-and-coming superstar and jumping into the DCU now would be perfect timing. 

Alan Ritchson

Reacher's Alan Ritchson is over six feet tall and built like a monster truck, is there anyone in Hollywood more perfect to play an intimidating villain in a comic book movie? Sure, he could play a superhero, too, but being a villain would be an awesome departure from his character on Reacher and it would be a ton a fun. And again, just look at the guy! 

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown had an all-too-brief role as T'Chala's traitorous brother N'Jobu in Black Panther and it's high time he gets a chance to sink his teeth into a bigger superhero role. How about John Stewart/Green Lantern in the DCU? Brown has even campaigned for the role, so really, it's a perfect opportunity to get him into the DC Universe, it needs to happen, so we're putting it out there into the universe again. 

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage has dabbled in superhero movies in the past, playing the villain, Bolivar Trask, in X-Men: Days of Future Past, as Eitri in Avengers: Infinity War, and as the Toxic Avenger, but it leaves us all wanting more. Let's be honest here, anything Dinklage does is awesome, so getting him into the DCU somehow would be amazing. He's also pretty good at carrying a wildly popular franchise, as he proved with Game of Thrones.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has done it all, except star in a comic book movie. Henson is one of the best actors of her generation and yet, she's got this hole in her resume that, let's be honest, we all want to see filled. The DCU would be a perfect place for her to land, in just about any role, superhero, villain, regular human... anything, just get her in there! 

Charlize Theron

Audiences were teased with a Charlize Theron character in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the actress stars in the Old Guard franchise, but she's not appeared in any DC-related projects yet and she sure deserves to. We'd love to see her in any number of roles, as she can play just about anything. 

Jason Statham

He's one of the biggest action stars in the world, and yet Jason Statham hasn't appeared in the MCU or anything DC-related. This is something that must be remedied! How about Cliff Steele/Robotman, whose origin story comes out of a race car crash, which would dovetail perfectly with Statham's past work as star of The Transporter movies and in the Fast franchise?

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer has been taking the world by storm over the last few years and that means it's time to find her way into the DCU. Comer could be great in the MCU, but the possibilities in the DCU are endless and for someone like her, on the rise in Hollywood, the sky's the limit. 

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle is pretty entrenched in the MCU, where he's played James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine 10 times in various movies and TV shows. Still, Cheadle is awesome, and there has to be a way to get him into the DCU, too. He'd need to play a completely different kind of character, like a villain, but we're for it. 

Jenna Ortega

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega is clearly ready for the big time. She'd be great as Aquagirl, or, even better, the villain Lourdes Lucero/Encantadora. There are a lot of options, let's hope she fits into one, because it would be great. 

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is another star that most fans immediately associate with The Guardians of the Galaxy and the MCU, but with the Guardians franchise possibly winding down, and the franchise's director, James Gunn, now in charge over at DC, this could be a good time to switch it up for Saldaña, as there are a lot of different heroes she would be great for. 

Josh Gad

Hear us out. Josh Gad may not be the first person you think of when you think of an action movie or a comic book movie, but some of the best casting decisions are sometimes the ones you least expect. Think Michael Keaton as Batman or even Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man. Gad, with his blend of humor and "everyman" qualities, can be pretty chameleon-like and that could make him perfect for the DCU. 

Gwendoline Christie

How has this happened? How have we gotten dozens of superhero movies in the last couple of decades and Gwendoline Christie hasn't been in any of them? Sure, she's got the physique to play any hero out there, but it's her wit and comedic timing combined with that that makes the Game of Thrones star a no-brainer. This seems too easy.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris jumped into the comic book world by playing Shriek in Venom: Let There Be Carnage. She was predictably great, so why not have her cast as a character with a multi-film arc? She should be. With the James Bond Universe in flux with the departure of Daniel Craig, this would be a great time for Harris to find a new franchise to get attached to. 

Daniel Kaluuya

Black Panther star Daniel Kaluuya (who also starred as a real-life Black Panther in Judas and the Black Messiah) is an actor who could fit into the DCU in just about any role. He could be a charming hero, or an evil villain, or even a government bureaucrat. Kaluuya's acting toolbox has a lot of options, the DCU will do well to take advantage of that somehow. 

Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer is a veteran of a lot of big-time franchises. Game of Thrones, Hunger Games, and even the MCU. Unfortunately, she was in fewer Game of Thrones episodes than you would think, and her appearances in the other two were also fairly brief. The DCU has a great opportunity to feature her in a much larger role. 

Donald Glover

This is another absolute no-brainer. Donald Glover is one of the most talented and charming actors in the business, there are an endless amount of roles he could fill in the DCU, so someone out there needs to find a spot for him. 

Diego Luna

With Andor (and his other projects) Diego Luna showed the world how great he can be in a franchise. His performance was gripping, and bringing that same energy to the DCU would be fantastic. 

Jack Quaid

Let's take a sec to lament that despite starring in one of the wildest superhero franchises of all time, The Boys, Jack Quaid hasn't really had an opportunity to be a proper superhero (V-24 notwithstanding). So let's give him a proper chance here! Put him in the DCU! 

Hayden Panettiere

Save the cheerleader, save the world. It was a mantra for Heroes and it's time to see Hayden Panettiere play another superhero. She was so great in Heroes, there's no way she wouldn't be great in the DCU

The DC Universe is James Gunn's oyster, these are some of the pearls out there just waiting to be plopped onto his beach. 

Although our introduction to Cassian Andor in 2016’s Rogue One ended with him dying in the arms of Jyn Erso (a sharp turn from the happier ending originally conceived for the Star Wars movie), that didn’t mark the last time we’d see him on screen. In late 2022, Andor Season 1 premiered to Disney+ subscribers, showing them what Diego Luna’s character was up to five years before the events of Rogue One. Andor Season 2 will chronicle the remaining gap of time leading up to the movie, and Luna has revealed how close this final season is to wrapping up.

Prior to the 75th Emmy Award winners being announced earlier this week (Andor did not win emerge victorious in any of its nominated categories), Diego Luna was on the red carpet chatting with Variety, and it was noted how Season 2’s production was halted last year because of the actors strike. But that’s been over for a few months now, and as the actor said below, he was soon heading out to complete his final scenes:

As Luna noted earlier in the conversation, because Andor Season 2 leads directly into Rogue One, this will mark his departure from the Star Wars franchise for good. That works just fine for the actor, as he liked working on the Star Wars TV show knowing that there’s a concrete ending for his character. So once filming wraps up in London, that’ll do it for the Narcos: Mexico alum in a galaxy far, far away.

When we left off with Cassian in the Andor Season 1 ending, he’d met back up with Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen Rael aboard his ship, handed over his blaster and gave the Rebellion operative two choices: either kill him or recruit him. Obviously we know which choice he picks, so now we wait to see how Casein’s first missions as an official member of the Rebel Alliance went down. Additionally, it was revealed that Season 1’s final moments that the machinery Cassian and his fellow inmates forged at the Narkina 5 prison was for the first Death Star.

Andor Season 2 began filming in November 2022, the same month that Season 1’s final episodes premiered. However, following a series of temporary suspensions caused by the writers strike and other factors, cameras officially stopped rolling by July 2023 once the actors went on strike, and it’s only this month that production has finally resumed. As such, although Season 2 was reportedly aiming to be released sometime in 2024, it’s now looking like a 2025 drop is more likely.

Between Season 2 dealing with these various setbacks and Season 1 shooting during the height of the COVID pandemic, it’s safe to say that Andor has been one of the more challenging Star Wars productions. Soon though, this chapter of Diego Luna’s professional life will be ending, so we’ll pass along more details about this final round of Cassian Andor’s adventures as they trickle in. Don’t forget to also visit Disney+ to revisit the Star Wars movies in order and the franchise’s many other TV shows.

The Boys may have started on Amazon Prime Video as a solo series based on comics, but it has since expanded into a franchise with the premiere of The Boys: Diabolical in 2022 and Gen V in the 2023 TV schedule. Now, the franchise is growing even more with a Mexico-set spinoff in the works, fittingly called The Boys: Mexico. From the details available so far, the creative team behind the scenes is worth getting hyped about!

The Boys: Mexico is in the works for viewers with Amazon Prime Video subscriptions with Blue Beetle writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer as creator, writer, and executive producer, according to Deadline. Andor's Diego Luna and Werewolf by Night's Gael García Bernal are on board as executive producers. The two actors are reportedly considering appearing in front of the camera for the series, but not to play major roles. The pair starred together in Y Tu Mamá Tambien, which released back in 2001. 

No co-showrunner has been found to collaborate with Dunnet-Alcocer at the time of writing. Also credited with working to launch The Boys: Mexico are The Boys developer Eric Kripke, Loreli Alba (also an EP for The Boys: Diabolical) for Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's Point Grey Pictures, and Sony Pictures Television. The series will film in Mexico, and budget has not yet been confirmed to begin casting. 

While the finale of Gen V aired just weeks ago, the Boys franchise continuing to expand doesn't come as a huge surprise. Not only does the original series rank among the best Prime Video shows, but the streaming service is moving ahead with Season 4 and wasted no time in renewing Gen V for a second season. Among The Boys' Gen V Season 2 details we know so far is that the spinoff leads into Season 4 of The Boys, which in turn will lead into Season 2 of Gen V. 

At the time of writing, no details are available about when The Boys: Mexico can be expected to debut on Amazon Prime Video. Season 4 of The Boys has been confirmed to release at some point in 2024, however, so perhaps viewers can count on the original series to set up the spinoff in some form or other. Gen V didn't exactly get a backdoor pilot in The Boys Season 3, but we shouldn't rule out some details for The Boys: Mexico in Season 4. At the very least, we can hope! 

For now, you can find all three seasons of The Boys so far streaming on Amazon Prime Video, as well as Gen V Season 1 and The Boys: Diabolical. The latter is an animated series, with Eric Kripke revealing on X that only three episodes are actually canon to the larger Boys universe, including the finale. 

The animated show featured episodes penned by Andy Samberg, Aisha Tyler, Awkwafina, and Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, among others. There's a lot to look forward to on The Boys front, so it's worth keeping up on all the content available so far!

There has been a ton of exciting Star Wars content released since Lucasfilm was acquired by Disney, including both movies and live-action TV shows. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story broke new ground as the first standalone movie from the franchise, eventually inspiring the acclaimed TV spinoff Andor. Actor Diego Luna played Cassian in both of these projects, and he recently debunked a Darth Vader ending rumor related to Rogue One.

Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One covered the time directly before A New Hope, with its ending even directly connecting to George Lucas’ beloved original movie. The movie also included a truly badass scene of Darth Vader ripping apart Rebels, although there was a rumor that he could have been the one to kill Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor. He was recently asked by the Star Wars Sith Council about those Vader rumors, responding with:

There you have it. It looks like the story that was pitched to Diego Luna about Rogue One ended up being pretty accurate to what was seen on screen. And neither one included the Milk actor being personally killed off by Darth Vader. Although that does sound pretty epic.

Diego Luna’s comments help to peel back the curtain on what it was actually like working on Rogue One, starting with how he got involved in the galaxy far, far away. It was the first movie of its kind, and fans ended up really responding to seeing a story without any Jedi. And it also featured a gut punch of an ending for Andor and Jyn Erso. 

The ragtag group of rebels in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story were ultimately going on a suicide mission. And throughout its third act we watched each member fall in order to procure the plans for the Death Star. Jyn and Andor were the last ones alive, and embraced as the planet of Scarif itself was blown up by the Empire. It’s a gorgeous sequence, and arguably a more powerful sequence than having Darth Vader brought in.

Darth Vader was a relatively small role in Rogue One, but fans went crazy seeing the franchise’s mascot back on the big screen. On top of being at his castle on Mustafar, we also got to see him light that red lightsaber and brutally dispatch a group of enemies. Most recently Vader appeared in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, including a return from Hayden Christensen. 

Diego Luna can be seen in both Andor and Rogue One on Disney+, with his spinoff already being renewed for Season 2. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your trips to the theater in the New Year. Just don’t expect to see any Star Wars titles on that list. 

The following contains major spoilers for the end of Season 1 of Andor on Disney+.

Disney+’s Andor is one of the more critically acclaimed original series to come out of the relatively young streaming service, and it seems clear that Disney had something of an idea they were on to something here, as Andor is one of the few shows that had a greenlight for Season 2 before Season 1 began to film. This means we know there’s more to the story. And now that Season 1 has come to a close, we have some idea where that story will pick up

The first season follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as he gets recruited by a band of rebels for his skills as a pilot. He’s essentially brought in to play getaway driver in a bank robbery, but the story takes Andor all over the galaxy, giving him a real look at what the Galactic Empire has done, not only to his own home but to countless other worlds. And everything comes to a head at a funeral. 

Where Cassian Andor And The Rest Of The Characters Are At The End Of Season 1 

The primary focus of the final episode of Andor Season 1 is the funeral for Cassian’s foster mother Maarva Andor. Knowing that she has died, and that Cassian is likely to try and attend the funeral, all the other major characters of the series go to the planet Ferrix as well. Imperial Dedra Meero goes there to grab Andor, hoping he will give up the rebel leader she calls Axis. Meanwhile, Axis himself, Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen, is on the planet, with plans to kill Andor to prevent him from ever talking. Disgraced Imperial Syril Karn also goes to Fennix in an attempt to capture Andor himself in order to restore his name in the eyes of the Empire he loves so much.

Andor’s own priorities change when he arrives home and discovers that his friend Bix (Adria Arjona) has been captured and interrogated by the Empire in an attempt to capture him. Instead of trying to attend his mother’s funeral, he goes to save Bix, an endeavor that he is successful in, largely thanks to his mother. Her last words, recorded as a message for her funeral, act as a statement of defiance against the Empire, leading to a riot in the streets, one that nearly kills Dedra before Syril is able to rescue her.

Andor gets Bix to a ship where she, Brasso, B2EMO, and others from Fennix are able to escape. They head for a place Andor calls Ganji Moon. Cassian doesn’t go with them, but he promises he will find them later. Instead, Andor tracks down Luthen and gets him to admit he came to Fennix to kill him. Cassian makes Luthen an offer. Either he can go ahead and kill him (and Andor seems weirdly OK with that option), or take him in, and let Andor officially join the cause. Luthen chooses the latter option.

What It Could Mean For Andor Season 2 

So with Season 1 of Andor now complete, but with us also knowing where Cassian Andor’s story ends, the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, we have the beginning of an understanding of how we’re going to get from here to there. The Rebel Alliance doesn’t exactly exist yet, but we can see its beginnings, and Cassian Andor is right there at the heart of it all. 

Cassian has now joined Luthen’s group of rebels, which includes Senator Mon Mothma. Her story in Season 1 ends with her making the choice to introduce her daughter to the son of Davo Sculdun, which should secure her ability to procure funds for the rebel group when necessary. 

One way that we do know that Andor Season 2 will ultimately connect to Rogue One, as well as the original Star Wars trilogy, is that the next season will take place at least in part on the planet Yavin IV, the place where the Death Star assault is launched from in A New Hope. Speaking to Collider, showrunner and lead writer Tony Gilroy said…

One expects that we’ll see Andor working side by side with Luthen, Vel, Cinta against the Empire. His time in an Imperial workcamp really showed him what the Empire was capable of and has made him a believer in the cause. 

The more interesting question is how the additional characters of Andor will fit into it all. Will Andor have met up with Bix, and what sort of shape is she in after her torture at the hands of the Empire? There’s also the question of how Imperials Dedra and Syril will fit in. Will they still be chasing Andor? And what of their own personal relationship, because there’s clearly something going on there, but Season 1 never sees it to fruition. 

How Andor Season 2 Will See A Big Change From Season 1 

Whatever happens in Season 2, we know that it is going to cover a lot more time than Season 1. Season 1 begins five years prior to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in case you're trying to watch all of Star Wars in order, and while it’s unclear exactly how much time was covered, it wasn’t more than a few weeks or possibly months. Season 2, for comparison, will cover the remaining four years. As Tony Gilroy explained to Empire, the new season will be handled in blocks of three episodes, which each block set a year after the previous one…

This means that when we meet Cassian again in Season 2, he likely won’t be “the new guy” working with the rebels, but a practiced hand. New characters may appear and disappear between segments as different events happen. It will certainly be an interesting way to handle the rest of Cassian’s story.

Andor Season 2 is reportedly getting filming underway soon, but is expected to film for the next several months. We likely won’t see the new season until sometime in 2024, but after such a solid Season 1, it will likely be worth the wait.  

Star Wars fans can take a lot of flak. They have proven themselves to be a tough crowd to please, finding issue with multiple Star Wars projects – from the prequel trilogy helmed by George freaking Lucas to the recent attempts at expanding the Star Wars timeline through original Disney+ series. Now that Andor has landed on the streamer, the consensus reaction has been extremely positive, leading to all sorts of speculation about the characters, the plotlines, and where this series can go. And Andor co-star Genevieve O’Reilly tells us that’s one of the things she appreciates most about the Star Wars fandom.

Genevieve O’Reilly had a difficult role to assume when she joined the Star Wars franchise to play a Rebellion leader and member of the Galactic Senate, Mon Mothma. The character originally dates back to Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, though she was played by English thespian Caroline Blakiston. O’Reilly later stepped into the classic part, and appears again in the new Disney+ series Andor. So when we spoke with her about her time spent in the Star Wars universe, which dates back to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, she told us:

The first three episodes of Andor, available to viewers with a Disney+ subscription, start to map out the seeds of rebellion that are planted in the show’s main character, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). We know a few quick things about the series, and where it might be heading over the course of its two season run. And we know that it will pass the baton to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which itself was a prequel to Star Wars: A New Hope. But how Mon Mothma will fit into that unfolding narrative remains a mystery at the moment, so we wait patiently for the next episode to arrive.

The Andor cast also raved about their director on the show, crediting Toby Haynes for the vision he has applied to the universe. Lucasfilm has managed to attract some exciting talents behind the lens on their series, going from Jon Favreau and Taika Waititi to Bryce Dallas Howard and the exciting Deborah Chow. We can’t wait to see where this Disney+ series takes the expanding story of Star Wars, but we love what we have seen so far, and eagerly await the upcoming Andor chapters.    

Thanks to the success of The Mandalorian and the fan-embraced final season of The Clone Wars, the future of Star Wars television has never been filled with more Empire-thwarting promise. One of the most anticipated Star Wars TV shows coming to Disney+ is Andor, which focuses on Diego Luna's Cassian Andor and takes place around five years before the events of the well-received Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. That film's success as a Star Wars spinoff movie, and its presence on Disney+, have helped keep fans stoked while waiting to hear more updates.

The new Star Wars spin-off series – for which Rogue One writer/director Tony Gilroy serves as showrunner – has arrived on  fans streaming devices as of Wednesday, September 21, 2022. However, in case anyone has any questions regarding where else they may have seen all the returning actors and actresses, as well as all the new faces entering into the franchise's canon for the impending spy thriller, let’s take a deeper look at who plays who in the Andor cast.

Diego Luna (Cassian Andor)

Expectedly, this Rogue One prequel tale wouldn't be complete without Cassian Andor himself, Diego Luna, who was one of the first to be attached to the project when it was announced back in 2018, which is great, since fans might have rioted over a recasting. In the years after Rogue One's 2016 release, Luna continued building up his career on the feature side, with the most headline-worthy films being the Flatliners remake and If Beale Street Could Talk. Luna's most recent TV work was Netflix's Narcos: Mexico, and he even more recently joined the DC Universe (sort of) by lending his voice to the DC League of Super-Pets cast in 2022.

Genevieve O'Reilly (Mon Mothma)

Rebel Alliance leader Mon Mothma's Star Wars legacy has spanned decades, covering three films and two TV shows. While Caroline Blakiston took on the role in Return of the Jedi, Genevieve O'Reilly donned the robes for Revenge of the Sith and made a surprise return in Rogue One, while also voicing the character in Star Wars Rebels. (Kath Soucie provided her voice for Mon Mothma in The Clone Wars.) O'Reilly's film output, which has been fairly light, includes appearances in The Snowman and Tolkien, though she's had regular roles on the Australian drama Glitch and the UK/Amazon Prime Video co-distributed drama Tin Star, starring Tim Roth.

Stellan Skarsgård (Luthen)

The patriarch of a Swedish family of actors, Stellan Skarsgård has long been a dependable addition to any production, be it art house drama or genre-centric blockbuster. It's definitely a blessing of sorts to have him joining the Star Wars universe via the Andor cast as Luthen – who is seen in the series’ trailer speaking to Cassian about a box he stole from the Empire. His most recent TV work was for HBO's miniseries, Chernobyl, for which he landed a Supporting Actor Emmy nomination, and his last time acting in a high-concept sci-fi production was when he joined Denis Veilleneuve’s Dune cast as Baron Vladmir Harkonnen. Skarsgård also already has  a good relationship with Disney, having portrayed astrophysicist Erik Selvig across five different Marvel movies – the most recent being Thor: Love and Thunder.

Denise Gough (Dedra Meero)

An actress who is, at this point, more familiar to UK audiences than those in the U.S., Denise Gough will be bringing her dramatic flair to Disney+ through Andor as Imperial officer Dedra Meero, whom the actor told The Direct was inspired by Mandalorian star Giancarlo Esposito’s Breaking Bad role, Gus Fring. Gough, who appeared with Genevieve O'Reilly in 2019's A Kid Who Would Be King, is probably best known for her work on the Showtime miniseries, Guerrilla, and the BBC miniseries, Paula.

Kyle Soller (Syril)

UK actor Kyle Soller landed the role of a fellow Darksider named Syril who, as he said during CinemaBlend’s interview with the Andor cast, could have easily joined the Resistance had his situation been different. Though he doesn't have very many U.S. credits to his name, Soller is known here for his work as the titular character's son on PBS' Poldark, as well as for the HBO TV movie Brexit. He does have ties to Disney+, however, with Soller voicing the colorful standout, Dante, on the animated series 101 Dalmatian Street.

Adria Arjona (Bix Caleen)

As a Lightsider who crosses paths with Cassian named Bix Caleen (according to EW), we have Adria Arjona, who began to develop something of a “Geek Goddess” reputation even before joining the Andor cast. She played Dorothy in Emerald City (NBC’s modern, limited series reimagining of Wizard of Oz), battled Kaijus in Pacific Rim: Uprising, played an occultist on Amazon Prime’s Good Omens, and encountered bloodsuckers in the Morbius cast in 2022. She also had a recurring role on True Detective Season 2, starred alongside Ryan Reynolds in Netflix’s 6 Underground, and was the bride in HBO Max’s Father of the Bride remake.

Fiona Shaw (Maarva)

As Cassian’s adoptive mother, Maarva (as Empire confirmed), we have Fiona Shaw, who is no stranger to playing parental figures (but usually not ones quite so loving) having starred in the Harry Potter movies as Aunt Petunia Dursley, 2018’s Lizzie as Abby Borden, and Killing Eve as Carolyn Martens. Also know for the Oscar-winning My Left Foot, the Irish actor’s other notable (and geeky) credits include 1993’s live-action Super Mario Bros. movie, The Avengers (not the one you think, but a 1998 remake of a ‘60s spy show), anthology horror TV show Channel Zero, and Netflix’s Enola Holmes.

If you were not already excited for Disney’s latest small-screen installment for the Star Wars timeline because of the stellar reactions it has received, perhaps the talented Andor cast will convince you to fire up that Disney+ subscription and enjoy another trip to a galaxy far, far away. 

Ever since Walt Disney took over Star Wars, the studio has relied on a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers to bring audiences new stories from that galaxy far, far away. Proven filmmakers like Ron Hoawrd, J.J. Abrams, Jon Favreau and Rian Johnson have worked beside thrilling new storytellers like Deborah Chow, Bryce Dallas Howard, Taika Waititi and Rick Famuyiwa to expand on the Star Wars universe and get fans excited for their frequent binges of the Star Wars movies in order. Now that Diego Luna’s Disney+ series Andor is arriving on the streaming service, a new name is about to be added to the ranks: Toby Haynes.

We have been lucky enough to preview the first three episodes of Andor, which is available to Star Wars fans with a Disney+ subscription, and our biggest takeaway was the streamlined ease with which Andor director Toby Haynes balanced multiple storylines that spanned different locations, and even different timelines. The show, so far, takes us to locations previously unexplored in the Star Wars universe. (Hooray, no detours to Tatooine!) It has a Blade Runner vibe to it, but also shows us the dividing line between the Haves and the Have Nots during the time of the Empire. 

The whole show FEELS like Star Wars, and when we spoke with the Andor cast, they raved that it’s because Toby Haynes is a magnificent geek himself, who treated every day on set like a gift. Morbius star Adria Anjona, who plays Bix Caleen in the series, had this to say about her director:

There seems to be a legitimate love for the world and these environments that’s captured on screen in Andor. We linger inside of downed spaceships and wander around alien planets, reminding us that this is out of the ordinary, and a special place to visit. The director’s enthusiasm was picked up by Kyle Soller, who plays Diego Luna’s antagonist in the series, Syril Karn. When we praised Toby Haynes, Soller was quick to add:

Directors don’t always have to get along with their cast members. I mean just look at all of the Don’t Worry Darling drama that distracted audiences from the movie, itself. But when a cast buys into the vision of a director, it can lead to a special show, which is what I believe we have in Andor. The rest of the series still has to play out. After all, we loved Obi-Wan Kenobi when it started… but then it kept going. While you wait to see how the series will be resolved, scan our listing of all of the Star Wars movies ranked, watch other shows on Disney+, and stay up to date with the pop-culture conversation.

Star Wars fans continue to revel in the ever-growing treasure trove of content that Disney is adding to the story of a galaxy far, far away. Diego Luna reprises his role of Cassian Andor for the next offering of upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows — Andor. With the series set to be released to Disney+ subscribers on Wednesday, September 21, the first four episodes of the 12-episode first season were made available for screening, and those lucky viewers are taking to social media with their reactions. Fans have been hungry to learn more about Andor and its story of the thief-turned-Rebel, and it sounds like they’re in for a dark and exciting adventure.

As far as where Andor falls in the Star Wars timeline, the new series takes place about five years before the events of Rogue One. Andor is already set for a Season 2, and the story will take viewers right into the events of the 2016 movie. Along with Diego Luna, some other familiar faces will be seen in the series, along with some newcomers, as Andor also stars Genevieve O'Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller and Fiona Shaw. Let’s get to the reactions, starting with CinemaBlend’s own Dirk Libbey. He’s pleased with what he’s seen so far, but says it takes a few episodes for the series to get going: 

Meredith Loftus of Collider calls the first four episodes a “big win,” and along with an impressive story, she praises the score and says new droid B2EMO is “everything”: 

Peter Sciretta of Slashfilm is one of several people commenting on the darker mood of Andor, calling it “more adult” than previous Star Wars projects: 

David Chen says he has become disenchanted with the Star Wars franchise over the past few years, but Andor made him so excited about its characters and what it has to say that he became emotional: 

The Skytalkers podcast agrees with CinemaBlend’s Dirk Libbey that a three-episode premiere is perfect because Episode 3 is so impressive: 

Sam Hargrave of The Direct thinks Andor is the biggest departure from the franchise and calls it the best-looking of the streamer’s original offerings yet: 

It sounds like those who had the opportunity to screen the first four episodes of Andor are really excited about what the series is going to add to the franchise. The show, like Rogue One, had a different feel to it than other stories in the universe, and it seems like fans can’t wait for the rest of Season 1 to drop! The first three episodes of Andor will be available on Wednesday, September 21, with a new episode released each Wednesday thereafter. 

In the meantime, be sure to check out the Andor video interviews CinemaBlend Managing Editor Sean O’Connell did with Diego Luna, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Adria Arjona and Kyle Soller. 

When you watch all of the Star Wars movies in order, you will learn that there’s something special about the bond shared between a Star Wars actor and their droid. We even went so far as to rank all of the Star Wars droids, from best to worst. This chemistry dates all the way back to Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 in the original Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. If not for that plucky sidekick, Luke might not have survived the aerial dogfight in the film's conclusion long enough to shoot the shot that blew up the Death Star. But those relationships have expanded over the years, looping in Rey (Daisy Ridley) and BB-8, IG-11 and The Mandalorian, and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) with K-2SO in the winning prequel, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Now that he is on the verge of returning to the character of Cassian in the Disney+ series Andor, Diego Luna will establish a relationship with another important droid named B2EMO… which also sounds like the name of a band who will be playing on The Warped Tour next summer. So when we got a few minutes to speak with Luna and the Andor cast, I asked the Star Wars veteran if he had any tips for actors who needed to interact with droids on screen. How can you make it look convincing? Luna told CinemaBlend:

Can you imagine the diva that is B2EMO staying in his or her trailer for hours, refusing to come to set and complete the necessary dialogue for a key Andor scene? I kinda want to see that in a behind-the-scenes clip. In case you don’t know anything about Andor, this is a prequel story to the prequel that is Rogue One, explaining how Cassian Andor became an integral component of the Rebel Alliance. This would have to be a prequel, given the ending of Rogue One. But we also know, going into the first few episodes, that there is enough story to tell here to last two seasons. Now we just need to see where Cassian’s journey begins. 

Star Wars seems very content to explore new worlds through Disney+ series like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, and the upcoming Ahsoka with Rosario Dawson. So make sure that you are getting the most out of your Disney+ subscription by sampling all of the content at your disposal, from Marvel and Pixar to Disney and Star Wars. 

On the final day of filming for the 2016 sci-fi adventure Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Diego Luna officially said goodbye to his original character Cassian Andor, never expecting to get to play the Rebel Alliance intelligence agent again. Andor went on to become a fan favorite, thanks to his interplays with both Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and the amusingly droll droid K-2SO, voiced by Alan Tudyk. But those who know the ending of Rogue One understand that Cassian’s journey was finite… something the actor appreciated about his Star Wars gig at the time, and something he says is special about Andor.

Cassian Andor returns to our screens on September 21 when the limited series Andor arrives on the streaming service Disney+. Similar to Rogue One, Andor will be tackling a prequel story that aims to explain how Cassian (Diego Luna) came to join the Rebellion, and lead into where his story picks up in the 2016 Gareth Edwards feature film. But while speaking with CinemaBlend for an Andor press day, Luna admits that he was completely done with the character and the world when he agreed to take on Cassian in Rogue One, because he knew the ending was predicted. As he told us:

We know now that isn’t the case. Even though Diego Luna appreciated the fact that his Star Wars journey had a definitive end, a phone call that came a year later opened up the possibility of him exploring Cassian Andor’s backstory. And we will start to see the seeds of rebellion starting to form when the new Disney+ show arrives. 

But even going into Andor, Diego Luna stresses that it’s just like Rogue One in the fact that this series, too, has a natural end because it can’t go longer than Rogue One. It has to pass the baton off to that story, the way that Rogue One handed the narrative off to Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. So Luna won’t be the next Mark Hamill, playing Luke Skywalker decades later. There’s a conclusion at the end of the show’s announced two-season, 24-episode run. As Luna tells CinemaBlend:

As Star Wars fans, do you prefer storylines that build toward conclusions we already are familiar with? Or do you want actors like Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christiansen to be able to reprise their classic Star Wars characters years after the fact, if the story allows? No matter where you fall in that discussion, you likely are going to appreciate what the Andor team has put together, so keep this one on your radar for when it lands on Disney+ on September 21.

“Andor” is the latest Star Wars saga to come to Disney+! CinemaBlend Managing Editor Sean O’Connell sat down with stars Diego Luna, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Adria Arjona, and Kyle Soller to discuss those massive practical sets, returning to the characters created in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and much, much more.

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Sean Gushes About “Andor” To Diego Luna

02:30 - Genevieve O’Reilly On The Intricate And Beautiful Sets Of “Andor”

03:30 - Denise Gough Expected Green Screens, But Got A Whole World

04:45 - Adria Arjona On Working With Toby Haynes

05:45 - Kyle Soller On Working With Toby Haynes

06:30 - Diego Luna On The Writing Of Tony Gilroy

07:12 - Genevieve O’Reilly On Bringing Back Mon Mothma

08:05 - Adria Arjona On The Backstory Of She And Diego Luna’s Characters

08:50 - Kyle Soller’s Syril Could Have Joined The Rebellion

10:20 - Diego Luna On Acting With A Droid

11:24 - Why Genevieve O’Reilly Loves Star Wars Fans

If you’re a fan of Star Wars movies and TV shows, Diego Luna is a name that you've probably heard over the past several years. Known for his role in the popular Star Wars movie, Rogue One, where he played Cassian Andor, the actor has become even more popular because of that character, to the point that he is receiving his own Disney+ show, appropriately named, Andor. 

But, Luna has been around in Hollywood for some time, with appearances in both movies and TV shows, and if you’re like me and you’re looking for something new to watch the actor in, these are several of his best projects to watch - from action films to Netflix original shows. 

Narcos: Mexico (Netflix)

Developed as a companion series to the Netflix show, Narcos, Narcos: Mexico tells the story of the drug trade in Mexico, and how it was established from the ground up and became one of the biggest criminal businesses in the world. 

If you want to talk about one of Diego Luna's best roles, this definitely makes the cut. He played Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, the leader of the Guadalajara Cartel - and the person who really created the drug cartel as we know it today in Mexico. He was stellar in this role, and while he didn’t return for Season 3 of the show, his first two seasons as one of the main stars is some of my favorite of his work. Seriously, if you’ve never seen him in this show, watch it, especially if you’re interested in crime dramas. 

Stream Narcos: Mexico on Netflix.

Milk (Hulu)

Next up, we have the Academy Award-winning film, Milk. a biographical drama about Harvey Milk, who was a pioneer in the history of gay rights and became a politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. 

Diego Luna portrayed Jack Lira in the film and he is so great in this role, especially alongside his fellow cast members, where you really get to see their chemistry shine, but he also brings so much charisma to the role that you can’t help but love him. The entire Milk cast is incredibly talented, with stars such as Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, and more all having their time to shine, but I’ve always loved seeing Luna as Jack anytime I’ve watched this movie - and the story is incredibly uplifting as well. 

Stream Milk on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Milk on Amazon.

Contraband (Hulu)

Moving on, we now have the action thriller, Contraband. This exciting movie follows the story of a smuggler who is on a quest to protect his brother-in-law from an evil drug lord, so, he travels to Panama in order to get millions of dollars, all in counterfeit money. 

The film, which was based on the Icelandic movie, Reykjavik-Rotterdam, has many stars that you might recognize besides Diego Luna, who played Gonzalo in the film. Some of the biggest names are Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster - even J.K. Simmons, but I personally enjoy Luna’s role more, as he’s a badass here and shows just how skillful he is in action roles, and considering this came before he was in Rogue One, we really get to see him shine in a kick-butt part. 

Stream Contraband on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Contraband on Amazon.

Y Tu Mamá También (AMC+)

On to the Mexican film, Y tu mama tambien (which means “and your mom, too”). This road movie, directed by acclaimed moviemaker Alfonso Cuarón, tells the story of two teenage boys who end up taking a road trip with a woman in her twenties, and the journey they go on in this coming-of-age story. 

For those who don’t know, prior to Luna crossing over into the American filmmaking industry, he starred in plenty of Mexican films, and I think this was one of his best. I love my coming-of-age movies, like Booksmart, but there’s just something about films such as Y tu mama tambien that hit home - specifically because of the acting. Diego Luna is fantastic in his starring role, and the movie even garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film - and Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. 

Stream Y tu mamá también on AMC+ via Amazon Prime.
Rent/Buy Y tu mamá también on Amazon.

Elysium (Starz)

Do you want another action film that’s mixed in with dystopian science fiction? Check out Elysium. This film, starring Matt Damon, tells the story of two worlds, one that is luxurious and for the rich and powerful, and the other a ravaged earth, where the poor live, and how one man might be able to bring equality through a dangerous mission. 

Like many of the films on this list, Elysium is stacked with stars, but I freaking love Diego Luna in his role of Julio, the best friend to Max (Matt Damon). Their chemistry is awesome and their scenes always drew my attention to the screen. The film itself is also so much fun as well, with a lot of social commentary on many issues that we talk about often today, such as immigration, the justice system, and so much more. 

Stream Elysium on Starz.
Rent/Buy Elysium on Amazon.

The Book Of Life (Disney+)

This is one of my personal favorites. The Book of Life is a wonderfully animated film that follows a bullfighter who goes on an incredible journey to the afterlife on the annual Day of the Dead celebration in order to fulfill the wishes of his loved ones. 

Diego Luna starred in The Book of Life, where he voiced Manolo Sanchez, and I loved how he did it. Luna has such a distinct voice that you can tell instantly that it’s him, but he’s still able to make the character of Manolo his own and that’s something I can really appreciate. The film has a full cast of stars as well, such as Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Christina Applegate, and many, many others, and it’s a great movie to watch for Latinx representation. 

Stream The Book of Life on Disney+.
Rent/Buy The Book of Life on Amazon.

If Beale Street Could Talk (Amazon Rental)

This romantic drama always makes me feel some type of way - and it will for you as well. In If Beale Street Could Talk, we follow a woman who is on a mission to somehow clear her lover’s name after he is wrongfully accused of a crime before their child is born. 

This movie, man. Ugh. I barely even have the words to talk about it because it makes me so emotional. Diego Luna plays the role of Pedrocito, a friend of Fonny, the male lead in the couple, and while his role is small in comparison to this large cast of players, I always love the scenes he was in, as his charisma and chemistry with his co-stars bounces off the screen. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you definitely should, especially if you love romantic dramas and good music - pretty sure I’ve listened to “Agape” too many times, now. 

Rent/Buy If Beale Street Could Talk on Amazon.

A Rainy Day In New York (Peacock)

If you’re looking for a romantic comedy instead of a drama that Diego Luna starred in, check out A Rainy Day in New York, directed by Woody Allen. In this star-studded film, we follow a couple who go on a weekend trip to New York City where the girl is trying to interview a film director for her newspaper, and the boy wishes to deepen their relationship - but of course, nothing goes as planned.  

Diego Luna plays Francisco Vega, a film star who has a really good story with one of the main characters, Ashleigh (played by Elle Fanning), and I love the scenes they had together whenever I’ve seen this film. Luna and Fanning have such amazing chemistry and their story, out of the many in this film, is one of the most interesting. This movie has plenty of other stars too, such as Selena Gomez, Timothée Chalamet, and more, so this is the one to watch. 

Stream A Rainy Day in New York on Peacock.
Rent/Buy A Rainy Day in New York on Amazon.

Wander Darkly (Hulu)

If you want just a pure drama, you have to check out Wander Darkly. This movie, starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna, tells the story of a troubled couple who get into a car accident - but after this, they go on a journey through each other’s memories in order to help them repair what they lost - if not for themselves, then for their baby girl. 

This movie does something to you. It’s one of those films where there are twists and moments that I really don’t want to spoil here. All I’ll say is that Diego Luna and Sienna Miller show amazing star power in this film and played the roles of Matteo and Adrienne perfectly, and their characters, one way or another, will make you cry - in a good way, I promise.

Stream Wander Darkly on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Wander Darkly on Amazon.

Rogue One (Disney+)

It’s why you’re here, isn’t it? Rogue One: A Star Wars Story acts as a prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy, following rebels who are banding together in order to steal the blueprints for the Death Star, which was the Rebel Alliance's first ever victory that was spoken about in the first film. 

Arguably, this is the role that made Diego Luna such a household name, especially if you love Star Wars, and that’s because his role as Cassian Andor was so badass and this movie is just fantastic. He was smart, skillful, and would do anything for the alliance to gain ground, and while what happened to his character in the film was sad, it doesn’t change the fact that we’re getting a whole series dedicated to Andor on Disney+. I, for one, am so excited to see Diego Luna return to this role - and I might as well re-watch Rogue One in the meantime. 

Stream Rogue One on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Rogue One on Amazon.

With so many picks on this list, you’ll be entertained for hours with Diego Luna content, and if not, you can always wait until September 21, 2022, when Andor drops on Disney+. I know I’ll be counting down the days. Will you? 

When it comes to animated films, it’s never a big surprise that a ton of stars tend to join those casts, and now, DC’s League of Super Pets has added to that with their list of stars, from action heroes such as Dwayne Johnson to comedians like Kevin Hart. But with so many characters and so many amazing cast members, you might be wondering where you’ve seen - or heard - them before. 

If you’re like me and trying to see exactly where these famous faces were from, check out where you might have seen the DC’s League of Super Pets voice cast before. 

Dwayne Johnson (Krypto The Super-Dog) 

Starting off with the main hero in DC’s League of Super Pets, we have Krypto, a character I’m pretty familiar with from the Krypto the Super-Dog TV show from a long time ago - but now, he’s in a movie and is voiced by the fabulous Dwayne Johnson. If you don’t know that name, surely you have been living under a rock (pun intended). While he started off his career in the WWE, Johnson continues to prove how talented he is as a movie star. 

He played Maui in Moana, and has appeared in films such as the comedy, The Game Plan, the Jumanji series, Central Intelligence, Rampage, the Fast and Furious series, Skyscraper, Jungle Cruise, and more. He also had a pretty big year in 2021 with the release of Red Notice on Netflix.

Johnson has also had some experience with television as well, producing (and appearing) in the NBC series, Young Rock, as well leading the series, Ballers. 

Kevin Hart (Ace The Hound)

Next up on this list, we have everyone’s favorite hilarious comedian, Kevin Hart, who plays Ace in DC’s League of Super Pets. Hart has been in many movies and produced some hilarious comedy specials, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve seen him before. 

Some of his biggest roles thus far have included Night School, Think Like A Man, Ride Along, The Man From Toronto, About Last Night, and the drama, Fatherhood, alongside many others. This is also the fourth time that Hart and Johnson have collaborated together on a film, with the first being Central Intelligence, and the next two being the Jumanji series. Since these two are always ripping on each other, it’ll be fun to watch the press tour for DC’s League of Super Pets. 

Kate McKinnon (Lulu The Guinea Pig)

Moving on, we now have Kate McKinnon, who voices Lulu the Guinea Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s because McKinnon was a huge star on NBC’s Saturday Night Live before she left in 2022, but besides her big role on the sketch series, this actress has done plenty. 

Some of her biggest roles this far was being a part of the Bombshell cast, starring in 2016’s Ghostbusters, and the films The Spy Who Dumped Me and Yesteryear, among others. She also had a starring role in the Peacock original series, Joe vs. Carole, playing Carole Baskin. 

John Krasinski (Superman)

Next up on this list we have John Krasinski, who voiced Superman in DC’s League of Super Pets. As someone who has followed Krasinski for a long time, I can’t think of anyone better to voice the superhero in this film. One of his most famous roles was portraying Jim Halpert as part of The Office cast, and becoming the second half to one of the cutest relationships on television, but Krasinski has done plenty of other fun roles. 

Krasinski directed both A Quiet Place movies, while starring in the first one, and has appeared in other films such as Away We Go, It’s Complicated, Big Miracle, and more, and had voice roles in the Pixar film Monsters University, as well as the Hayao Miyazaki film, The Wind Rises. 

The actor has also dived back into television, starring as Jack Ryan in the titular series on Amazon Prime, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. In 2022, he appeared as Reed Richards in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. 

Vanessa Bayer (PB The Potbelly Pig)

Moving on, we take a look at Vanessa Bayer, who voiced PB the Potbelly Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. Bayer is another Saturday Night Live alumni and is funny as all heck, but she has also been in plenty of other movies and TV shows as well. 

Some of her biggest movies have been Trainwreck, Office Christmas Party, Ibiza, Barb and Star Go To Vista del Mar, and more. She also has the lead role in the Showtime comedy, I Love That For You, and has guest starred on many other TV shows as well. 

Natasha Lyonne (Merton The Turtle)

Natasha Lyonne voices Merton the Turtle in DC’s League of Super Pets, and has had quite the career in both movies and TV. For the last couple of years, she’s starred in Russian Doll on Netflix, but prior to that, she was a big part of the Orange is the New Black cast, where she played Nicky. However, Lyonne has done much more in the film and television industry than just her roles on TV. 

Some of her biggest roles have been in the American Pie cast, Ad Astra, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Scary Movie 2, But I’m A Cheerleader, Sleeping With Other People, and many others. 

Diego Luna (Chip The Squirrel)

Moving on, we now take a look at Diego Luna, who voices Chip the Squirrel in DC’s League of Super Pets. Luna has been an even bigger star in Hollywood lately, mainly thanks to his huge role in the popular Star Wars film, Rouge One: A Star Wars Story, where he played Cassian Andor - a role he is set to reprise in the upcoming Disney+ series, Andor, following the character before the film. 

However, Luna has done plenty of other projects you might recognize. He had a big role on the Netflix series, Narcos: Mexico, where he played Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo. He also has appeared in a variety of movie roles, including several Spanish films, Berlin, I Love You, A Rainy Day In New York, Wander Darkly, If Beale Street Could Talk, and more. 

Marc Maron (Lex Luthor)

Marc Maron voices the legendary villain, Lex Luthor, in DC’s League of Super Pets, and he has done plenty in the movie and TV business. Maron is mainly known for his comedy, and has had several guest appearances on late night talk shows, such as the Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, but he’s done plenty on his own. He hosted his own talk show, The Marc Maron Show, and co-hosted both Morning Sedition and Breakroom Live. 

Maron has also acted plenty before, doing movies such as Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Stardust, Joker, Respect, and more. He’s also appeared in many TV shows, including having his own series, Maron, and appearing in shows such as Easy, The Simpsons, and Roadies among others. He also had a co-starring role in the cancelled-too-soon Netflix series, GLOW. 

Keanu Reeves (Batman)

I don’t think I could have pictured a better casting for the role of Batman in DC’s League of Super Pets than Keanu Reeves himself, and it’s so cool to see him voicing this awesome role. Reeves has been in Hollywood for decades, and is one our our most enduring action stars. 

Reeves’ biggest roles have definitely been the Bill & Ted film series, his starring part in The Matrix Series, as well as his titular role in the John Wick movie saga, which is getting a fourth movie in 2023. However, Reeves has plenty of other major films, such as Constantine, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Street Kings, The Lake House, Already Gone, and more. He even had a voice role in Pixar’s Toy Story 4 as Duke Caboom.

Thomas Middleditch (Keith a.k.a. Ice Guinea Pig) 

Moving on, we now take a look at Thomas Middleditch, who voices Keith, known as the Ice Guinea Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. Middleditch is primarily known for his role on the hit HBO series, Silicon Valley, but has done plenty of other roles that you might recognize him from. 

He has done voice roles in shows such as Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero, and the Hulu original series, Solar Opposites, and had a main role in the TV series, B Positive. He also had a voice role in the movie Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, and has done live-action roles in movies such as Someone Marry Barry, The Bronze, Once Upon A Time in Venice, Tag, Zombieland: Double Tap, and more. 

Ben Schwartz  (Mark a.k.a. Fire Guinea Pig) 

Next up, we have Ben Schwartz, who voices Mark, known as the Fire Guinea Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. Schwartz was primarily known for his role in the Parks and Recreation cast, but has since gone on to do plenty of other fun parts. 

Some of his biggest film roles have included voicing the titular character in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, and appearing in Peep World, This Is Where I Leave You, Flora & Ulysses, Falling Down, The Walk, and more. Schwartz has also had a prominent TV career besides Parks and Recreation, having roles in TV shows like Netflix’s Space Force, the comedy series The Afterparty on Apple TV+, House of Lies, Ducktales, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more. 

Additional Voices

Lastly, there are plenty of other additional voices in DC’s League of Super Pets that we should take the time to mention. 

These include Olivia Wilde as Lois Lane, Yvette Nicole Brown as Patty, Jameela Jamil as Wonder Woman, Jemaine Clement as Aquaman, Daveed Diggs as Cyborg, Alfred Molina as Jor-El, Lena Headey as Lara, Keith David as Dog-El, Busy Philipps as Foofy Dog, Maya Erskine as Mercy Graves, and Dan Folger in the additional roles of Carl, Pilot, and Radio. 

Goodness, with so many names on here, you might think we were going to an awards show of some kind, but this is just the talent that DC’s League of Super Pets has, and it’ll be a super time wondering where these actors go next after suiting up in their fluffy suits.  

Disney+’s Andor is set to continue the adventures of Diego Luna’s titular protagonist ahead of the explosive (and tear-jerking) events of 2016’s Rogue One. Details on the project are mostly under wraps, though the show has announced its principal cast. The roster includes a mix of veterans and newcomers to the Star Wars family, making for an eclectic mix of stars. Now, a recent rumor suggests that franchise alum Andy Serkis is rumored to have joined the production and, if it turns out to be true, his casting could answer some major franchise questions. 

The veteran actor originally played the villainous Supreme Leader Snoke in the sequel trilogy. Introduced as a powerful lord of the Sith in 2015’s The Force Awakens, the character ultimately met his fate at the hands of Kylo Ren in the 2017 sequel, The Last Jedi. The trilogy capper, The Rise of Skywalker, would later establish that he was merely a genetic puppet used by Emperor Palpatine to prolong his own life and influence Ren’s rise to power.

Interestingly enough, Making Star Wars’ report does not indicate whether Andy Serkis will be playing Snoke or an original character. But if it happens to be the former, it could help answer a few lingering queries. The biggest would arguably be the ultimate creation of Snoke. At this point, The Mandalorian, which is set after the events of Return of the Jedi, has hinted at a cloning operation being conducted by the remnants of the Galactic Empire. So Andor could potentially provide even earlier insight into the experiments. 

Giving the cloning aspect of it all, it’s possible that the Lord of the Rings alum could be playing the original host that Darth Sidious used for the process, an assertion the news site also makes. How said person would theoretically intersect with Cassian Andor’s story is anyone’s guess. However, given how much the rebel spy travelled the galaxy, it wouldn’t be crazy to think that he could run into them. 

Of course, on the flip side of all this, if Andy Serkis has actually been cast, there’s a fair chance he could be portraying a new character. It wouldn’t be the first time an actor has played multiple roles in this franchise, especially ones that only require vocals. Mandalorian director Jon Favreau voiced characters in both The Clone Wars and Solo. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill has had voice roles in every new movie that’s been released since 2015. 

One thing that can be said for certain is that the British actor and director would be a strong pick-up for the Rogue One spinoff. He’d join a Diego Luna-led cast that includes Star Wars newbies Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona and Fiona Shaw as well as veterans Genevieve O'Reilly and Forest Whitaker. 

Production on the show wrapped in late-September so, Andy Serkis would theoretically be finished with his work on the show at this pointn, barring any potential reshoots. It’ll be interesting to see if the report pans out to be true. And if it does, it could have some interesting ramifications for not just the series but for the Star Wars universe as a whole. 

Andor is set to arrive on Disney+ sometime in 2022.

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Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor became a fan-favorite after making his debut in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. That popularity could arguably be why Lucasfilm is bringing the charming Rebel spy back for his own TV series, Andor. Luna has shown plenty of enthusiasm about the project up to this point, though he’s been careful when choosing his words. Still, compared to his fellow Star Wars alums, he’s having a relatively easy time promoting his show, which is mostly due to Cassian’s fate being widely known to the public.

In Rogue One, Cassian, Jyn Erso and their team sought to steal the Death Star schematics and transmit them to their rebel allies. The group was ultimately successful but, sadly, they all lost their lives in the process. Andor’s demise initially left Diego Luna “disappointed” but, as he cheekily explained just recently, it now takes quite a bit of pressure off him whenever he’s discussing his upcoming series:

It has to be a good feeling to know that he no longer has to worry about spoiling his character’s death. One can only imagine how difficult that must’ve been for him and his castmates while promoting their film several years ago. However, the Narcos: Mexico alum isn’t completely in the clear just yet, as he’ll still have to remain quiet on other details.

During his chat with Deadline, he also teased that the show would feature a few surprises. More specifically, he mentioned that fans will “definitely see familiar faces.” The star didn't name any specific players but, at the very least, he’s likely referring to Genevieve O'Reilly’s Mon Mothma and Forest Whitaker’s Saw Gerrera, who are both reported to be involved in the show. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there are other cameos being kept under wraps at the moment.

Andor is reportedly set five years prior to the events of Rogue One and will explore the titular character’s checkered past. The behind-the-scenes video that was released during Disney’s Investor Day livestream in December 2020 teased that the series will also explore the early years of the Rebel Alliance. Additionally, it could even include some unused characters from the films. You can stream those Star Wars movies on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.

We may not know much about Andor yet, if Diego Luna’s excitement is any indication, it could be something special. The Star Wars series will premiere on Disney+ sometime in 2022.

Star Wars fans, we’re at the dawn of a new era for a galaxy far, far away. After Rise of Skywalker concluded three generations of Skywalkers, Disney and Lucasfilm are building the universe across streaming and on the big screen, and I cannot wait. But before moving forward, it’s a solid time to appreciate our favorite Star Wars entries in recent memory. And I’m pleased to report I’m not the only one who is still gushing about Rogue One.

The 2016 movie took a step back from all the Skywalker drama to deliver a genuine war movie about how a ragtag group of rebels stole the Death Star plans before they were placed in R2-D2's care in A New Hope. Recently, out of nowhere, Rogue One just became a trending topic on Twitter if only for fans to remind each other of its excellence:

Does there really need to be a reason to gush about a great movie? It looks like the movie dominated the social conversation when a viral tweet asked Star Wars fans to make a choice between Force Awakens, Phantom Menace, Solo: A Star Wars Story or Rogue One. And I think we’ve found a winner here considering the resounding words of admiration that were immediately thrown toward Rogue One:

Before Rogue One, Star Wars had been explicitly tied to the story of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. And while Rogue One’s story is definitely part of the puzzle piece here, there was something refreshing about diving into the Star Wars world with Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso and Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor leading an impressive ensemble. Plus, it told a standalone story with a definite ending hat really grounded the Star Wars franchise in a new way.

Not only was it incredibly fun, but it had an effecting story. With each rewatch, it only gets better. And as one Twitter user pointed out, the production design of Rogue One was absolutely breathtaking:

And the way Gareth Edwards’ film got us attached to its characters with the constraints of their limited screen time? Also, unmatched! One fan used the trending topic to share his love for Riz Ahmed’s Bodhi Rook in Rogue One:

Rogue One is truly a standout Disney era Star Wars film and will hopefully inspire more filmmakers working with Lucasfilm to tell stories from different angles that prioritize good storytelling amidst the franchise's large-scale action and special effects. If you didn’t quite give it a chance before, I'd recommend to give it another pass now. This fan says it best:

What’s exciting is Rogue One fans will be getting a prequel to the film with Andor in 2022, a series that will focus on Cassian Andor’s adventures. And there does seem to be more of a focus on standalone Star Wars movies moving forward, including Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron.

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The expanding slate of Star Wars series will revisit the Rogue One era thanks to Diego Luna reprising his role as Cassian Andor, for a show fittingly called Andor. The film unfortunately ends with Luna's Cassian and the rest of the Rogue One stars dying heroic but definitive deaths, but Andor will take the action back to before the mission to retrieve the Death Star plans. With Andor currently in production, Luna compared working on the film to working on the series.

Diego Luna spoke with THR about the upcoming Andor series, saying:

The Andor series will be able to show what made the Rebellion what it was by the time of Rogue One, but also why Cassian was the way he was, and Diego Luna considers the work for the show similar to the work for the movie. Cassian Andor debuted in Rogue One in 2016 as a spy rather than the hero that Star Wars fans had come to expect from films to that point, killing an informant and then going on to seriously consider assassinating Galen Erso.

It was all in the name of the Rebellion, but it wasn't pleasant work. The weight of everything he had gone through off-screen drove Cassian's decisions in Rogue One, and now Andor will give viewers the chance to see more of his story even knowing the tragic way it will end. Diego Luna went on to share how it feels to revisit the character that he brought to life in Rogue One:

Despite setbacks due to the pandemic that shut down many TV shows and movies throughout the entertainment industry in 2020, Andor is back in production, with a target premiere date in 2022. The show will be a spy thriller, which is not something that the Star Wars saga has done before, and he won't be the only Star Wars movie actor reprising a role for the show. Genevieve O'Reilly will be back as Mon Mothma.

Also appearing in Andor are Stellan Skarsgard, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough, and Kyle Soller. Jimmy Smits, who played Bail Organa in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and then again in Rogue One, was rumored earlier this year to appear in Andor as well. Given the timeline of Andor set shortly before the events of the original trilogy, there are plenty of other existing Star Wars characters who could appear, including most of the surviving leads from Star Wars Rebels.

Unfortunately, the 2022 premiere date means that fans have at least a little over a year before Andor launches, and possibly considerably longer. The good news is that there will be plenty of Star Wars content on the way to Disney+ in 2021 for fans to look forward to. The Bad Batch, centering on clones introduced in The Clone Wars, is expected as the next animated Star Wars series in the new year. Also expected in 2021 is The Book of Boba Fett as the first Mandalorian spinoff, with The Mandalorian Season 3 to follow.

For now, you can watch and rewatch Diego Luna's debut as Cassian Andor with Rogue One, available streaming on Disney+. For some viewing options not set in the galaxy far, far away, check out our 2021 winter and spring premiere schedule.

Following some huge roles from Diego Luna, between Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico, the actor stepped back into the arthouse space for Wander Darkly, a romantic drama about a longtime couple being faced with tragedy following a sudden car accident. Luna stars alongside Sienna Miller. The movie takes its characters down a rabbit hole of time and changing tenses, as they contend with their pasts in hindsight to where they find themselves years later.

Wander Darkly is completely it’s own thing, but its concept does follow a line that Charlie Kaufman has explored with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The movie, written and directed by Tara Miele, simulates consciousness with the actors playing out scenes in their character’s pasts as they comment on how things played out with the hindsight of the present. It's complicated stuff. When I spoke to the actors for CinemaBlend, Diego Luna broke down bringing these moments to life:

Although the actors make it look effortless on screen in Wander Darkly, it was a tough process for them both to wrap their heads around. On top of the pair playing an established couple who had known each other for years, in our interview Diego Luna (who is currently working on his Star Wars Disney+ series, which will officially be called Andor) talked about how “terrifying” it was to work on a movie with a number of timelines in the mix. It’s a situation not far from what actors in Christopher Nolan movies like Inception and Tenet may have gone through as well. Thankfully in both instances, the brains behind the script were right there with the actors to clear up their visions. He continued,

Wander Darkly will be available in select theaters and on demand this Friday, December 11. Stay here on CinemaBlend for more exclusive interviews.

Fans have been very excited to hear any and all updates on Diego Luna's Cassian Andor series for Disney+, and while the show was about four weeks into production earlier this year when it had to shut down, they're now back up and running. And, even better, we now have a first look at the Star Wars: Rogue One prequel, which will be titled Andor, along with an awesome look behind the scenes.

The news was announced today by Disney and the official Star Wars Twitter feed that Andor has been filming for two weeks, and when you see what will be on offer when the show hits Disney+ in 2022, your excitement is sure to ramp up to some amazing levels. Take a look!

As star / executive producer Diego Luna said in the short video, magic does seem to have happened with Andor, but not just because fans will get to further explore the life of a beloved character, who previously only had one film in which to shine. We may not have gotten to see much of whatever has been filmed so far, but just looking behind the scenes and seeing how much work is going into the show gives fans a pretty solid indication of how amazing the series will likely be when it finally debuts.

In the clip, we also heard from costume designer Michael Wilkinson, who let us in on the fact that we'll be treated to 12 episodes once Andor comes along, which will outpace the hit The Mandalorian by four episodes. Also, this show will be no joke when it comes to the amount of characters who will be on display, as there will be over 200 named characters. You guys? That is a whole bunch of characters with actual names for a TV show, especially since we're just talking about Season 1.

There will also, as could be expected from anything Star Wars, be some cool creatures and droids on Andor, including the one droid we even got a tiny peek at during the video. The whole thing wrapped up by showing off some of the concept art for what's to come and, I mean, really. You have to be seriously pumped just from looking at this:

OMG. Cassian's ship is on fire! Obviously he's going to be OK (for now), and get a chance to go on and become the self-sacrificing hero we all know and love, but, still! I need Cassian Andor to not get singed, OK.

Along with this sneak peek at Andor, several other Star Wars shows were announced for the future of Disney+. There are now two spinoffs of The Mandalorian in the works, Rangers of the New Republic, and Ahsoka, which will (prepare for even more excitement), in fact star Rosario Dawson, as well as a Lando Calrissian series, and much more. Be sure to stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates on all of these shows and more, as there will be tons of news coming over the next several months!

Movies are more often than not tellings of present, physical experiences. Yet everyday there are entire stories people experience without in our heads – conversations we have with our past and present selves to ruminate with. And there’s an invisible string connecting with us our individual and collective fate as humans: we either focus intently on what will meet us on the blurry point at the end of the line, or look away and allow for it to live within us without fear. This is down this deep and introspective avenue that Tara Miele’s Wander Darkly takes its viewers.

Wander Darkly is a rare entry into the romantic drama genre in its ability to actively allure one into its world not through suspense or melodrama, but with a carefully crafted storyline that maintains tight focus on every moment being experienced throughout. Its nonlinear plotting feels reminiscent of Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but comes from a place more grounded in personal tragedy and rooted in examining life from death’s lens.

Wander Darkly twists time and tense in a really engaging and affecting way.

Wander Darkly is the sort of movie that benefits from the less you know the better, so I’ll remain cryptic describing the plot. It is worth not only noting, but applauding, writer/director Tara Miele clearly placed a lot of detail in telling the story in an effective and memorable way. The movie stars Rogue One’s Diego Luna and American Sniper’s Sienna Miller as Matteo and Adrienne, a couple who are stuck in a rut of unhappiness and frequent arguments.

While driving home from an awkward night out together they get into another spat about the state of their relationship before their car suddenly rams into another. Moments later a blood-drenched Adrienne finds herself standing over her own body zipped into a body bag in a hospital. Just as you strap into Wander Darkly’s premise, the movie takes multiple sharp turns that somehow manage to feel smooth and gliding. As the audience is taken down a reflection of the couple’s better days, it plays with tense in an inventive way that takes a simultaneously true and creative approach to processing memories.

Sienna Miller and Diego Luna’s central relationship is filled with nuisances that set it above other relationship dramas of its kind.

Along with Wander Darkly’s difficult concept working to its benefit, Sienna Miller and Diego Luna offer some of their best performances to date. Sienna Miller is the primary protagonist here and it's her journey, and in that sense the movie is more Miller’s than Luna’s. Adrienne could have easily been a rattled mess under another direction. Yet, Miller’s performance is able to portray the complexity in the many dimensions of love Adrienne holds for her Matteo, despite her own reservations about the muddled feelings the pair have developed after years together and as tired, unmarried parents.

Despite its star power, Wander Darkly makes you believe in the existence of them as characters because of how much attention is brought to their roles. While Miller holds the form of the audience, Luna is processing death alongside her, and has an endearing and calm presence that helps guide the film along.

There’s a number of ways one can interpret Wander Darkly, setting itself up for satisfying repeated viewings.

Wander Darkly is the kind of film that may perplex on first viewing. There are many elements enriched upon a repeated viewing, but that's not to undercut the richness of the experience the first time you see it. Like great poetry, Wander Darkly is something that can fill you with emotions and deep thought as you absorb it. Each shot is careful and artistic, the orchestral score and soundtrack will sweep you away. And it has a healing quality that seeks to resemble reaching the other side of loss and grief.

Narcos: Mexico has become of Netflix’s signature shows, and fans want more. The critically acclaimed drama has made quite a bit of noise on the streamer, with many comparing it favorably to its parent show. Based on the way Season 2 ended, many wondered if a potential third season was in the cards. Now, we have confirmation that Narcos: Mexico will indeed be returning for a third season. However, this announcement comes with a bit of bad news.

Although Netflix has officially ordered a third season of Narcos: Mexico, the show’s star – Diego Luna – will not be returning for the new season, per Deadline. The trade also reports that the show will also have a new showrunner when it returns, as series co-creator Carlo Bernard will be taking over day-to-day duties for Eric Newman, who is said to be taking a step back from both Narcos series. Newman will, however, remain with the show as an executive producer. He also released a statement in which he formally announced his departure:

The third season of Narcos: Mexico will also see a familiar face moving behind the camera. Wagner Moura, who portrayed Pablo Escobar on the show, is returning to the series to direct two episodes.

There are a number of things to look forward to with Season 3 of Narcos: Mexico, but Diego Luna’s absence is admittedly disappointing. Luna played drug lord Felix Gallardo, who was sentenced to prison at the end of Season 2. This may have led some to question Luna’s future with the show, and it would seem that it did indeed spell the end for him, at least for right now.

It should also be noted that Diego Luna has another project on the horizon, which may or may not have played into this development. The actor is currently set to work on Disney+’s Cassian Andor series, in which he’ll reprise his role as the titular character from Rogue One. Like many other productions, that show was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but, according to Deadline, it’s now moving into pre-production.

Luna’s Gallardo may not be physically present, but his absence will definitely be felt. Narcos: Mexico Season 3, which is set in the ‘90s, will explore the aftermath Felix’s arrest, as his drug empire is splintered. And all the while, new kingpins begin to come onto the scene.

Narcos: Mexico is certainly entering a new chapter, and Diego Luna will be missed. But by the sounds of it, Season 3 is shaping up to be another exciting era in this franchise’s history.

The first two seasons of Narcos: Mexico are now streaming on Netflix.

Diego Luna is getting a live-action Star Wars series on Disney+ that's centered on his Rogue One character, Cassian Andor, and fans could not be more excited. Unfortunately, filming for the series (and countless others) hit a massive roadblock in the form of the coronavirus pandemic. But for his part, Luna is in no rush to start filming the series.

Work on Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor Disney+ series had advanced for roughly four weeks when production got forced to shut down. And while the actor wouldn't mind getting back to work, he just wants to make sure things proceed with as much caution as possible: In terms of getting back to work on the show, Luna told The Guardian:

For Diego Luna, safety around the coronavirus arguably has personal meaning, as the story mentions that Luna’s children contracted COVID-19. As for the technical aspects of mounting a return, Luna shared that the manner in which the Disney+ Star Wars series returns is critical to how the industry will come back in a world post-pandemic. Diego Luna also indicated that there are aspects of filming that could get sheared down. Or at least, that is my read on the last line of his comment.

As Luna points out, many shows are restarting filming like Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart, which is already making progress on its next season, while Disney+’s Star Wars series seems to be a little further behind.

Following The Mandalorian’s success, Star Wars fans are undoubtedly anxious to see the Cassian Andor series, which picks up five years before the character's heroic death in Rogue One. Adding to the excitement is that the Disney+ show could introduce Star Wars characters that ended up getting cut out of the movies.

Dune’s Stellan Skarsgard and Poldark star Kyle Soller (who played Ross’ cousin Francis) both joined Diego Luna in the cast of the Star Wars series. And the excitement hasn't ended there because there have been rumors that Jimmy Smits could be reprising his role as Bail Organa for the show.

Updated cast lists aside, fans are ready to see Cassian Andor back among the living on the Disney+ series. And with the show seemingly starting back production, it will soon join other Disney+ shows in restarting like Falcon and Winter Soldier, which received a bit of special treatment.

At this point, it's hard to say what the future holds for Diego Luna's Rogue One prequel, but I think he makes a good point in regards to safety. It'll be interesting to see what kind of measures are taken when the actor and his co-stars can finally return to set.

Disney+ has yet to announce a premiere date for Diego Luna’s Star Wars series, though it's safe to say that, considering the delay in filming, it will be well after this fall’s premieres.

Narcos: Mexico is returning to Netflix to continue the story of the rise of the modern war of drugs in Mexico, with cartel leader Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo unifying traffickers to build a drug empire. Diego Luna, also known for his work in the Star Wars franchise, plays Gallardo for the series. Tackling the dramatized role of a real-life figure presents some challenges, but Luna chose not to reach out to the drug lord himself for insight into playing him in Narcos: Mexico, and now Luna explained why.

Revealing that he would "try to ignore it as much as possible" if Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo or any of his associates ever reached out, Diego Luna shared with ET why he decided not to gain insight directly from the real-life drug lord:

Considering Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo is currently behind bars, it likely wouldn't have been impossible for Diego Luna to make contact with the real-life version of his Narcos: Mexico character. Unlike Alejandro Edda, who attended the trial of the real-life El Chapo while tackling the role for Narcos, Luna prefers to focus on the big picture. Few would likely argue that Gallardo is nearly as well known as Pablo Escobar or even El Chapo, so Luna has a certain "freedom" in playing Gallardo.

Since Narcos: Mexico ended Season 1 with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo ordering the murder of a DEA agent, Season 2 should turn up the heat on the drug lord and bring the narrative closer than ever to the present day. Diego Luna shared that the names viewers will hear throughout Season 2 are "people that actually are there," with most of them still alive and many of them still operating. Gallardo was arrested in 1989, so Narcos: Mexico presumably won't make it all the way to the present day, but the show is getting closer.

Only time will tell how much of a future Narcos: Mexico has on Netflix. While there will likely be ways the show could continue by the end of Season 2, Diego Luna himself has another high-profile project in the works: the Disney+ series based on his Star Wars character, Cassian Andor. Although Luna was "disappointed" at the end of Rogue One, he is already excited to return to the Star Wars universe with the Rogue One prequel.

If this live-action series is a hit even close to The Mandalorian and doesn't catch up to Rogue One in the Star Wars timeline, it could run for a while. Unlike the Obi-Wan Kenobi project, Luna's Rogue One prequel isn't described as a limited series that would begin and end with one stretch of episodes. At least Narcos: Mexico fans will always have the first two season streaming on Netflix!

Season 2 of Narcos: Mexico goes live on Netflix on Thursday, February 13 at 12:01 a.m. PT. For some additional viewing options now and in the not-too-distant future, check out our 2020 winter and spring premiere schedule.

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Now that The Mandalorian has given Star Wars fans a proper taste of the franchise's potential on TV, the future is looking mighty promising. Though details are pretty scattershot where Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi standalone miniseries is concerned, the mood is still pleasant and anticipatory when it comes to the Rogue One prequel series centering on Diego Luna's Cassian Andor. Thankfully, Luna sounds just as pumped as anyone about the project seeing the light of day.

It's been a few years since Diego Luna's victoriously tragic portrayal of Cassian Andor for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but Disney+ got fans pumped about seeing him again with the upcoming prequel series set to premiere in 2021. Luna himself is especially pumped, saying:

Of course, as awesome as it is to hear the actor's jubilance about getting back in the saddle (so to speak) as Cassian Andor, those comments above seem to confirm that nothing too big is happening behind the scenes yet with the still-untitled Rogue One prequel series. At least, nothing that would involve the actor's participation.

Which is probably a good thing, since Diego Luna is currently out promoting another streaming show he's on, Netflix's crime drama Narcos: Mexico. That series is heading into its second season, after having received a lot of critical acclaim for its first batch of episodes. It's technically the fifth season within the expanding Narcos franchise, and there's no telling when things will let up on that end. However, I think it's safe to say that any third season plans will have to wait until Luna has finished his space-faring adventures for Star Wars and Disney +.

To that end, during Diego Luna's interview with Variety, he was asked what he wanted to see from his character in the new Disney+ show, but he had to back away from that answer.

The second season of Narcos: Mexico is set to hit Netflix on Friday, February 13, so one can assume that Diego Luna's promotional campaigning will be over in the near future. While that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be donning his Cassian Andor gear immediately afterward, it's coming soon!

For those who haven't yet experienced the magic that comes with a Disney+ subscription, you can click this link for a free seven-day trial to browse and stream to your heart's content. That trial will obviously run out before the Cassian Andor series gets here, though, so use your time wisely.

With no official premiere dates set just yet for the Rogue One prequel, fans should be patient as all the behind-the-scenes elements come together. While waiting, head to our Winter and Spring premiere schedule to see what else is hitting the small screen soon.

When Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was first announced, I was one of those people who wrote it off as a stupid, unnecessary, plot-hole-closing film that couldn't possibly stand a chance at the box office. Now, while the finished product is far from perfect, its final 45 minutes treats viewers to one of the greatest final acts ever written/executed in a Star Wars film. Unfortunately, while some of the actors involved accepted the ending, others were left utterly disappointed by the fates of their characters. The most tragic part? The film almost had a happy ending.

Here's a quick refresher for more casual viewers: In an effort to stop the Empire's Advanced Weapons Research director Orson Krennic, a ragtag group of rebels race to confront the Death Star, a super weapon of unequaled destructive might. Unfortunately, the mission proves costly, killing every member of the team but giving them one notable victory before they go, leading fans right up to the events of the first Star Wars film, A New Hope.

Diego Luna, who plays rebel fighter Cassian Andor, conveyed his disappointment during an interview with SYFY Wire. Of his on-screen death, he said:

So there you have it. It's worth noting that Diego Luna will return to the role in Disney+'s upcoming Rogue One prequel series, but knowing his ultimate fate kinda puts a damper on things (although it was a fitting ending for these characters). But let's also remember that Luna called Rogue One the most realistic Star Wars movie, which has a faint positive connotation attached to it and points to an obvious respect for the film. The prequel series will be one of a handful of the streaming service's live-action shows, alongside The Mandalorian and others. These will reportedly cost a ton of money so hopefully the expenditures will be worth it.

You can catch Diego Luna as he reprises his role as Cassian Andor when his series premieres on Disney+.

This Rogue One prequel series is definitely going for high quality. Not only do they have Diego Luna returning as Cassian Andor, The Americans writer and executive producer Stephen Schiff was just hired as showrunner. The Disney+ series will follow rebel spy Cassian in his early days of espionage and daring missions, long before the events of Rogue One.

Stephen Schiff started as a journalist and film critic. He was actually a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Criticism back in the early 1980s, before turning to film work. He wrote screenplays for films like the 1997 Lolita and The Deep End of the Ocean. As Collider noted, he joined The Americans in its second season, writing episodes and climbing the ranks to executive producer until the award-winning series ended with Season 6 earlier this year.

The Americans was one of the best TV series of all time, and it just won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for its final season. The Cold War drama also had a strong espionage angle, so Stephen Schiff sounds like a perfect fit for the Rogue One prequel.

The currently untitled Cassian series does not have a release date yet on the Disney+ streaming service, but it starts production in 2019. It's one of the many series to be announced, but it has to wait its turn. The Mandalorian is currently in production, with a pretty big budget, and just added another star. Disney+ also has series in the works for Loki, Scarlet Witch (and a friend), and many more from the Marvel/Star Wars families and beyond.

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced Lucasfilm's second Star Wars live-action series for Disney+ just a few weeks ago. Diego Luna shared his excitement in a statement on StarWars.com:

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was released in 2016 and made more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office, from a fairly even split between the domestic and foreign box offices (as opposed to, say, Venom). Not accounting for inflation, it is the third highest-grossing film in the Star Wars franchise, after Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Rogue One was the first standalone anthology film, set just before the events of the very first Star Wars film, A New Hope.

Disney+ has yet to announce any release dates for its streaming shows, but the service is meant to debut in late 2019. Here's what else is still ahead on TV in 2018, and what we know so far about midseason 2019.

Star Wars has brought the action from that galaxy far, far away to the small screen more and more in recent years, and we've known for a bit that a new live-action series set after the events of the original trilogy is in the works with Jon Favreau. Now, more exciting Star Wars TV news has broken. A second live-action series is happening, and this one will be a Rogue One prequel with a movie star reprising his role.

Yes, Diego Luna will be back as Cassian Andor in the new Star Wars series. Its nature as a prequel means that we'll see Cassian in his days before his fateful final mission to Scarif. It will be a spy thriller and go into production next year.

Viewers can expect the show to tackle stories of daring missions and espionage that were only hinted at during Rogue One. The movie had enough time to establish Cassian as a spy for the Rebellion who'd had to cross a lot of lines for the greater good, but it wasn't long enough to really delve into what made him the way he was. In the show, Cassian will attempt to restore hope to the galaxy as the Empire grows stronger than ever.

Like The Mandalorian, the Rogue One prequel will debut on the direct-to-consumer streaming service from Disney. Today brings more good news from Disney; the streaming service finally has a name! When it launches in 2019, it will be called Disney+.

Details about when the show could be released on Disney+ are not yet available. The show is slated to go into production in 2019, with no release date announced just yet. Complicating matters is that fact that Diego Luna is slated to continue work on Narcos: Mexico for another season, according to Variety's Justin Kroll on Twitter, so he has projects to finish before the new Star Wars show.

Despite the absence of a premiere date, Star Wars fans have a lot to be excited about with this new series. The deaths of all the main Rebel characters in Rogue One meant that we couldn't expect them to show up during any shows or standalone movies set during or after the original trilogy. A Rogue One prequel means we get more of a character who had a lot of potential before giving his life in service on the Rebellion.

It also means that we shouldn't count on appearances from other Rogue One characters like Jyn Erso, as Cassian won't have met any of them yet. We can't rule out appearances from characters in Rebel high command, though! Given the sky-high reported budget for the first live-action series, it should be interesting to see how much Disney+ will invest in the Rogue One prequel.

By setting the new show ahead of the original trilogy, Star Wars has opened the door for other Star Wars TV characters to appear. The franchise has already produced two shows set before A New Hope, with survivors who could appear on Cassian's new show. The rebels of Rebels could even make sense, depending on the precise timeline! Hera was involved with the Rebellion for years, even before Kanan knew that they were part of a larger group of rebels. Let's see some Rebels rebels in live-action!

Only time will tell what we can expect. For now, the Star Wars TV show you have with new episodes is Star Wars Resistance on Disney Channel, which is set shortly before the devastating events of The Force Awakens. Resistance was impacted by The Clone Wars and Rebels in some key ways, so there will be a sense of a large Star Wars TV universe if you tune in. For other viewing options, swing by our fall TV premiere schedule.

After hearing, roughly six months ago, that the Netflix drama Narcos, now known as Narcos: Mexico, would be heading to a new location for Season 4 and adding Michael Pena and Diego Luna, we finally have more details on what the new season will be about and who the cast will be playing.

Netflix released information on the upcoming fourth season today. After three seasons of following the cocaine trade in Colombia and the rise of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s, Narcos: Mexico brings the action to a new country in order to examine the where the modern war on drugs began. This time saw a Mexican drug trade that was a messy conglomeration of independent dealers and growers, that is, until Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna) takes over with the Guadalajara Cartel. Michael Pena is seen above in character as DEA agent Kiki Camarena, who moves from California to Guadalajara with his wife and young child in order to take on a new position trying to take down the cartel. According to the official synopsis from Netflix, his mission will be far more complex than he imagined, leading to "a tragic chain of events" that will affect "the drug trade and the war against it for years to come."

As you can likely tell from what Netflix said about the new season, Kiki's undercover work went a long way toward finding out valuable information about Félix and his operations, but he soon realized he'd grossly underestimated the system that Félix developed. Félix, for his part, was one of the biggest narcos in the history of Mexico, and is considered the founder of the modern Mexican drug trade. And, even though he appeared to a quiet and kind leader, his ambition came above everything. He's described as being fiercely loyal to those around him, including his employees, intelligent and, ultimately, unknowable.

The cast for Narcos: Mexico is quite an impressive one, and includes many familiar faces. While we haven't been given details about who these other actors will be playing, we do, at least, know which characters they'll be playing. The large cast includes Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen, Little Children) as Jim Ferguson, Matt Letscher (Scandal, The Flash) is playing James Kuykendall, Alejandro Edda (Fear the Walking Dead) is Joaquin "Chapo" Guzman, Lenny Jacobson (Nurse Jackie) as Roger Knapp, Alyssa Diaz (Ray Donovan, The Rookie) is portraying Mika Camarena and José María Yazpik will reprise his role on the series as Amado Carrillo Fuentes.

Narcos: Mexico will debut on Netflix sometime this year, so stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more details on when you can watch the popular crime drama. For more on what you can watch in the meantime, be sure to check out our summer premiere guide.

2018 looks as though it's going to be a busy year for Michael Peña. The actor is already set to reprise his role as Luis in Ant-Man and the Wasp, he's appearing in Disney's live-action telling of A Wrinkle In Time, and it has just been announced he's heading to Netflix. Netflix has announced that Peña will join actor Diego Luna when the two sign on for Season 4 of Narcos as it prepares to come to the service in 2018.

As of this writing, it is unknown what roles have been assigned to Michael Peña or Diego Luna, but their presence will undoubtedly elevate the acclaimed Netflix original series. The news of Season 4 is no surprise, since Narcos was guaranteed the run back when the show was renewed for Season 3. The series is currently in production in Mexico City, which is fitting, because Season 3 ended with the DEA realizing the drug trade had shifted to Mexico. The teaser for Narcos Season 4 features a Mariachi band, which is believed to have been a style of music originated in Jalisco, Mexico, which seems to further indicate the Season 4 will spend a good amount of time there.

The castings also make sense considering that Michael Peña's father is originally from Jalisco (Peña was born in Chicago), and Diego Luna grew up in Mexico City. Narcos will mark the second time the two actors have collaborated. Prior to this project, Luna cast Peña for the role of Cesar Chavez in his 2014 film of the same name. Diego's schedule for 2018 is a bit lighter than Peña's, although he is due to have a couple of acting projects set to release in 2018, titled A Rainy Day In New York and Berlin, I Love You.

The addition of both Michael Peña and Diego Luna are great for Narcos; these talented actors will bring a lot to the series whether they're DEA agents or drug smugglers. Hopefully, the two share some scenes together, as it would be great to see these two team up or butt heads while the drug war continues on in the series. For those wondering if the drama was still going to focus on the cocaine drug trade, this Mariachi band covered in white powder seems to answer that question:

Narcos has been revealed to be coming to Netflix in 2018, but no specific release date has been announced at this time. For a look at upcoming programming, visit both our fall premiere guide and midseason premiere guide to stay up to date. Those wanting to see which shows were canceled in 2017 can find out by visiting our cancellation guide.

All aboard the Remake Express! That's right, folks, Hollywood once again is blowing the dust off of a familiar property from our collective youth and putting a fresh coat of movie-making paint on a concept that they hope will work better the second time around. Usually, we end up with drivel like Point Break 2015 (shudder). But wait. This new trailer for an updated Flatliners looks... pretty damn good? Maybe it's just the use of Jane's Addiction's haunting "Up the Beach," instead of the latest Imagine Dragons track? Either way, check it out.

The idea behind Flatliners really can work in almost any decade, so I'm not vehemently opposed to Sony trying to bring it back for a new audience. For those unfamiliar with the original 1990 thriller, Flatliners follows experimental medical school students who want to investigate the afterlife. How do they do so? By killing each other -- medically -- and staying dead for longer periods of time, trusting that their colleagues will be able to resuscitate them each time. Only, the longer that these folks stay dead, the more trouble they start to create in the supernatural realm.

Directed by Joel Schumacher, the original Flatliners actually was a vehicle for some major talents. The first cast included Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt and Kiefer Sutherland. Back then, they looked like this:

The new cast is equally attractive, and egotistical, and slipshod with their science... which will lead to all sorts of chilling horrors. Inception and Juno star Ellen Page is back on the big screen in the new Flatliners, playing Courtney, the lead doctor in this dangerous experiment. She needs to convince Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev, James Norton, Kiersey Clemons, and Beau Mirchoff to join her on this dangerous quest. And as the trailer points out, things are going to go south in a hurry.

Why does this one look better? Just because, with the advancements in medical technology, the idea behind Flatliners doesn't look as futuristic as it did back in 1990. Yes, the horror genre has evolved in the past few decades, but director Niels Arden Oplev looks to create a haunting vision of the ramifications of tinkering with the undead in this new Flatliners, and I'm hoping that this will be a chilling new look at smart people making dumb decisions. Because if it devolves into shock-and-awe basics, that will be a wasted opportunity.

Flatliners, so far, looks pretty solid. What did you think of the first trailer? The movie will hit theaters in September 29. And head over here for a full rundown of the movies opening in theaters in 2017.

As if someone was reading our minds on a regular basis, it was announced last weekend that director Robert Rodriguez is looking to bring the long developing remake of Escape From New York to the big screen. So with such a dynamic director behind the camera, you can expect not only a lot of fun in front of the camera, but also some top notch casting. After all, the man's not a contemporary of Quentin Tarantino's for no good reason. But just who could take the role of Snake Plissken and make it as balls out exciting as Kurt Russell did in John Carpenter's 1981 original?

Well, in the 36 years between the original film's release and now, there have been quite a few actors that came along and walked the line between bad ass and wise ass that Plissken has always occupied in our hearts and minds. And these 10 contestants are the ones that should be on Rodriguez's short list, with a couple of them undoubtedly being on that list already as he's worked with them in the past. So join us now as we slither through these select few people who could possibly come close to that 80s Kurt Russell magic synonymous with Snake's legacy.

Ben Foster

Snake Plissken needs an actor that knows how to take the bad guys to task, and do so with a smile on his face. We need to identify with him, but at the same time know that he's going to do some stuff we might begin to question. After watching Ben Foster in his turn as Chris Pine's brother in Hell or High Water, he became one of the first people we'd cast in this role in a heartbeat. Even with his total resume laid out on the line, we'd be sold to cast Foster as the next stage of Snake's pop culture lifespan. But recalling the mix of raw threatening energy and good ol' boy charm, piss and vinegar, just makes us thrill at the prospect of Ben Foster turning New York city into his own playground.

Antonio Banderas

Robert Rodriguez and Antonio Banderas are like peanut butter and chocolate: they've been paired before, they'll be paired again and we'll line up for our fair share whenever they decide to do it again! In the case of the Escape from New York remake, it'd pair the two together for a project that'd harken back to the days of Desperado and Once Upon A Time In Mexico. Except Snake is a bit more of an anti-hero than El Mariachi ever was, which should be fun when played with Banderas' darker sensibilities. It's also been way too long since Antonio Banderas has gotten to shoot stuff up and spout witty lines, so this is too good a possibility to pass up.

Alexa Vega

Now, let's say for a moment that Robert Rodriguez wants to go in a really different direction with Snake Plissken and gender swap the character. Snake is a pretty gender neutral name, last we checked, so why not bring in long time Rodriguez contributor Alexa Vega into the mix? She's already worked on some action friendly projects with the director, such as Machete Kills and Sin City: A Dame To Kill For, and she's young enough that a franchise wouldn't be out of the picture. Also, it'd be kind of cool to see how the role of Snake would change with a female actor taking the lead, and it's the sort of experimentation that can make a remake like this really sing.

Chris Pine

Hewing closer to the short list a major studio would probably draft up once Escape From New York's remake was announced, Chris Pine's name seems like a natural to be linked to Snake Plissken. That said, Pine has definitely shown range outside of any typical studio picture, in both Hell or High Water and Stretch. Pine is definitely up for getting crazy while staring danger dead in the eye, and he just has one of those faces that screams Snake. You could practically imagine him speaking in a low, menacing drawl similar to that of Kurt Russell as you're reading this sentence.

Gael Garcia Bernal

With what could arguably be the most varied range roles in his personal canon, Gael Garcia Bernal definitely has what it takes to play Snake Plissken. Bernal's experience in everything from independent dramas to a Spanish language Will Ferrell comedy, he's flexible enough that you could drop him in any project, and he'd fit. But between the cheerful defiance of authority in Mozart In The Jungle, and the pulse pounding action he endured in Desierto, it's that combination that wins Gael Garcia Bernal a spot on this list.

Chris Pratt

You can blame James Gunn for this one, as casting Kurt Russell as the father of Chris Pratt's Star-Lord in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 showed us just how alike the two actors are. In fact, it could even be said that Peter Quill feels like a Marvel/Disney version of Snake Plissken, only with more humanity and the ability to give a shit about the people he's working with. Those could easily fall away though, and Pratt's natural swagger and command of the screen take after his soon-to-be on screen dad's earlier masterworks. From here on out, you're probably going to hear Pratt's name as an automatic option whenever a Russell picture is being remade.

Diego Luna

Above any other role on Diego Luna's resume, Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the one that really sold us on Luna becoming the next Snake Plissken. Charming when he has to be, yet dangerous all the time, Cassian was a vital piece to the operation that stole the Death Star plans. He's also a dyed in the wool anti-hero for a good portion of the film, which also helps sell his credibility in the role. So naturally, if Diego Luna can navigate through Imperial forces to complete such a task, rescuing the president from post-apocalyptic New York should be a walk in the park.

John Leguizamo

It's no secret that Robert Rodriguez loves to work with Latino and Latina actors, and we've definitely played that fact to the hilt with previous contenders we've put onto this short list. But if there's anyone who could use an awesome career resurrection in the vein of so many others Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have brought into the modern world, John Leguizamo is certainly one of them. With his work in the John Wick franchise laying down some serious framework, Leguizamo would not only be a perfect fit for the gruff and grumpy side of the character, but he's also a shoo-in for the wise cracking part of the deal. Giving him a chance to take on a wild future New York, with all of the gangs and freaks waiting to take a piece of him, would be a glorious cherry on top of an already legendary career.

Michael Biehn

Dipping into the Robert Rodriguez stable of character actors for one final time, we can't help but think that Michael Biehn would be a fantastic Snake to bring Escape From New York into the 21st century. As if plum roles in films like Terminator, Aliens and Tombstone didn't prime us to automatically cast this fellow 80s bad-ass in Rodriguez's new iteration of Snake Plissken's infamous adventure, his work with the director only reinforces our feelings. Playing the sheriff in Planet Terror has familiarized him with the director's unique touch, so this is only another hand in glove combo that could serve the material perfectly. Well, maybe there's one last person that could do justice to Snake Plissken.

Kurt Russell

If something's not broken, then you really shouldn't try to fix it. Which is why we think if Robert Rodriguez is going to give Escape From New York some serious thought, he should consider making a call to Kurt Russell and inviting him to grow out his hair and don the eye patch once more. The only real drawback is the fact that casting Russell does limit Rodriguez's remake in terms of how much it can innovate or diverge from the original. Still, with his action franchise cred being renewed with Furious 7, having the OG Snake riding again would not only help us forget Escape From L.A. ever existed, it kind of makes sense.

There must be something in the air, as "departure" seems to be the key theme of Hollywood's breaking news. Peter Capaldi is leaving Doctor Who, Ben Affleck will no longer be directing the Batman solo film, and now Scarface's remake has lost its director, as Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) has left the director's chair wide open. So if you're looking for that dream job in Hollywood, there's three new vacancies that have just opened up.

The Hollywood Reporter was the herald of bad news, stating that Fuqua's departure comes with the two most common caveats in the business: scheduling conflicts and increased focus on another project. The Universal remake is now in limbo, with Diego Luna attached to play the titular role of a Latino gangster, whose kingdom would be centered around 1990's Los Angeles in this third bite at the thematic apple. However, you Antoine Fuqua fans will probably be celebrating this shifting of gears, as the other project the Magnificent Seven helmer has prioritized is the sequel to The Equalizer.

The fact that The Equalizer 2 is gathering steam at Sony shouldn't be that big of a surprise to anyone, as the original film was quite the hit in 2014. Mix that with Denzel Washington's recent rounds in the spotlight thanks to Fences making some hay with prestige season, as well as The Magnificent Seven minting itself as yet another hit between the three parties, and you might be surprised this didn't happen sooner. So now, with Fuqua occupied with a world he's already laid the foundation for, two questions remain: should Scarface wait for Antoine Fuqua's schedule to free up again, and is it worth it to make another version of the iconic drama?

Well, as far as Antoine Fuqua's participation is concerned, it may be best to let the man move on with his career. There's always a chance that he could come back and try to spark things up again, which would be a welcomed turn of events. But at the same time, Scarface could always use another remake, especially in our modern times. While refreshes of classic properties usually mean bad news, Scarface has stood as a story of how the criminal underworld evolves, as well as how the American Dream isn't so far off from the life of a gangster. It feels like an idea whose time has come... again. Also, you had us at Diego Luna's casting, because he'd be a beast in this movie.

As it stands, Scarface is still looking for a director, with Universal hoping to find one for a production start slated for this spring. When we receive an update on the status of the project, you'll be the first to know from us here at Cinema Blend!

In the Star Wars canon, the fight between the Rebellion and the Empire has long been presented as a straight-up black-and-white battle between good and evil -- but part of what makes Gareth Edwards' Rogue One: A Star Wars Story intriguing is the fact that it throws important shades of gray into George Lucas' universe. Rebels aren't just white hat cowboys who ride in to save the day, but scrappers who are willing to do whatever they need to do in order to take down their oppressors. It's an element that star Diego Luna believes is crucial to the film and his character, Cassian Andor, and also explains his most controversial actions in the movie.

The night before sitting down with Diego Luna at the Rogue One press day earlier this month, I had the chance to watch the sequence early in the movie where Cassian Andor is forced to kill an informant who compromises his ability to escape-- and I decided to ask the actor about it. I asked to what degree that action defined who Cassian is as a character, and he fully agreed, saying,

As an extension of this, Cassian Andor is actually one of the most complex heroes we've been introduced to in the Star Wars canon. As noted, he's a character who does what is required in the name of the Rebellion's victory over the Empire, and that has clearly taken him down some very dark roads. That being said, he is also far from a mindless drone, and he still knows when it's right or wrong to pull the trigger. Here's hoping that we hear a lot more about him as the new continuity continues to grow with new comics and books.

It is also worth mentioning that Cassian Andor's actions are reflective of another Star Wars hero's controversial action: Han shooting first and killing Greedo. The Special Editions "fixed" it so that the smuggler didn't seem cold-blooded, but fans have long recognized that this misses this point: Han is a guy who is going to do what it takes to survive, and sometimes that means shooting an enemy before they can fire first. It's yet another reason to appreciate Cassian as a character, his part in Rogue One, and existence in the Star Wars universe.

You can watch Diego Luna talk about Cassian Andor's darkest duties in the Rebellion by hitting play on the video below!

Hit the comments section below to tell us what you think about Cassian Andor representing the darker side of the Rebellion, and stay tuned here on Cinema Blend for more Rogue One coverage!

Last year, I had the incredible fortune of sitting with the stars of Star Wars: The Force Awakens prior to the blockbuster's release, and during each of those conversations I asked each of them their favorite and least favorite part of the whole process. Each of them provided diverse and fun answers, which gave a great glimpse into what what the unique experience was like. So, naturally, when I sat down with the cast of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story earlier this month, I took the opportunity to ask the same question.

During the San Francisco press day for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, I spoke with Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelson and Ben Mendelsohn, and got all of them talking about their favorite and least favorite parts of making the movie. Check out their answers below and on the next few pages!

Felicity Jones

Before entering the Star Wars universe, Felicity Jones was primarily known for her work in serious drama (her Oscar-winning performance in The Theory Of Everything being a prime example), so when it came to making Rogue One, her favorite bit was diving into the action. The actress told me that she had a great deal of fun working with the stunt team and making the film's action sequences authentic. The downside of the production for Jones was just the rough conditions that many of the film's environments had to offer -- but it certainly sounds like it was a tough time that was worth it in the end.

Diego Luna

Of all the Rogue One actors I talked to, Diego Luna had far and away the most apparent enthusiasm for his time in the world of Star Wars - and that was fully reflected in his answer to my question and favorite and least favorite moments. He was clearly overtaken with joy any time he was surrounded by the world of the classic sci-fi saga, and he never wanted any of it to end. Literally his least favorite part of production was whenever Gareth Edwards would always say 'Cut' at the end of a shot.

Alan Tudyk & Riz Ahmed

Alan Tudyk didn't always have to get into the tougher stuff in Rogue One (an extended rainy sequence seeing K-2SO staying indoors), but Riz Ahmed found that flying around in spaceships wasn't always the most comfortable thing. Similar to Oscar Isaac's experience making Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he quickly found out that it can make you just a bit ill to stay in one for too long. At least they got to be in some amazing places while they were filming!

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen found his favorite and least favorite parts of making Rogue One: A Star Wars Story orbiting the same arena. As cool as it is making a Star Wars movie, it is also hard work when you're doing a lot of stunt and action work in rough environments -- which is why Yen felt a sense of relief when it all came together. As for his least favorite part of the production, the thing that was hardest for him was just being away from his family during the many months of shooting. Surely getting to go back to them made the aforementioned last day of filming that much sweeter.

Mads Mikkelson & Ben Mendelsohn

Like Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelson wasn't shy about expressing his Star Wars love and getting to wear his "fanboy hat" while making Rogue One (taking off that hat when diving into the material as an actor). Impressively, that left him with zero complaints and nothing to qualify as his "least favorite" thing about making the movie. Similarly, Ben Mendelsohn felt it was an honor just to be a part of this legendary franchise, while also admitting that keeping so many secrets about the production wasn't his favorite thing to do.

We're now in the midst of December, which means one thing: a new Star Wars movie is almost upon us. With Disney now having control over the property, we can expect a new installment every December for the foreseeable future. This year's movie will be Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is also the first standalone film in the franchise history. While this return to the original trilogy is exciting for diehard fans, skeptics are wondering if Rogue One will carry the same emotional weight- especially considering that it's the first movie not focused on the Skywalker legacy. But actor Diego Luna actually thinks that audiences will still relate to the movie in a big way.

The cast of Rogue One assembled last night at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco for a live interview about the upcoming movie. When addressing the social relevance of the standalone movie Diego Luna (via EW) said the following:

Who would have thought that an occasionally goofy space opera would hit so close to home? Rogue One seems like the perfect movie to unite folks who are perhaps feeling isolated given the current political climate and holiday season.

The diversity and inclusion of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is part of the reason that the standalone movie has been receiving such positive attention ahead of its release. Rogue One features an ensemble cast that is by far the most diverse in Star Wars history. While the original and prequel trilogy casts were almost exclusively white, Rogue One represents a melting pot that is more inclusive. The lead is female, and there ragtag group of rebels is is made up of black, asian, and latino performers. This casting follows Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which featured a trio of leading characters that were decidedly non-white.

The cast and their differences is sure to be a major plot line in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. As we can see from the most recent clip, trust is going to be a major issue for the group of rebels. They're all scoundrels who live in the morally grey, and they have no prior experience with each other. This is likely to echo the theme of Suicide Squad, which is choosing your family and accepting people's differences.

That, and they have to go steal the plans for The Death Star without getting force choked by Darth Vader.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will fly into theaters on December 16th. Stay here at CinemaBlend for updates on all things Star Wars.

It's a good time to be a Star Wars fan. Disney's plan for the franchise includes one movie a year so the galaxy far, far away has never felt closer. And while we will have to wait another year for the next installment in the Skywalker story, this December will bring us the franchise's very first standalone movie. Set right before the events of A New Hope, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will feature a ragtag group of rebels who attempt to steal the plans for the original Death Star, and will feature a handful of franchise favorites returning in live action. And according to Diego Luna, the film will be the most realistic installment of the space opera.

Diego Luna plays Cassian Andor in Rogue One, one of the lead characters in the spinoff. When discussing the upcoming movie with Variety Fair Mexico (via Star Wars News Net), Luna said the following:

Touche, Mr. Luna. We all knew Rogue One was going to be different from the Star Wars films proper, but now it appears that this translates to the actors' performances as well.

Diego Luna makes a very valid point regarding how Rogue One will star characters that don't have a direct connection to The Force. To our knowledge, there are no Jedi within their ranks, as Obi-Wan Kenobi, young Luke and Leia, and Darth Vader should be the final lines of the Jedi at this point of the timeline. The motley crew of rebels that are attempting to steal the Death Star's plans are utterly human, with normal limitations to their abilities in battle.

It also appears that the Rebels will be in poor shape during Rogue One. While Mon Mothma is desperately clinging to hope, it's clear that The Empire has all of the cards and troops in this situation. This will certainly help the tone of the movie feel more realistic (as real as it can be, that is), and centered. The Rebels don't realize that a young Luke Skywalker will make an appearance and change the course of the rebellion forever. They have to do the thing themselves, and possibly lose their lives trying.

It should be interesting to see how many members of the group die during the events of Rogue One. If one of them ends up surviving, will we see an old version of them in the main series? Fingers crossed.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will fly into theaters on December 16th.