Andor Budget

I was thinking this morning about how expensive Andor is. The reported budget for both seasons is $645 million. It is, thankfully, all on the screen.

Some shows don’t necessarily benefit from an increase in budget. Star Trek (2009) was spectacular looking—there’s no denying it—but the increased money meant a flattening out of the sensibility that didn’t sit right with Trekkies.

Andor is such a unique situation. Because it’s a prequel to a hit (Rogue One), Tony Gilroy was given a lot of latitude. And because it was needed to promote Disney+, it was given the money to realize his vision.

How many episodes of Star Trek have there been where they go to some planet and the prime minister’s office is a single room with three people working there?

It works for Star Trek but it’s like a stage play. But Andor could never be made like that. Its sensibility comes from the reality of its characters dealing with large, insurmountable forces. It needs those giant sets, elaborate costumes, and endless verisimilitude: a plaza of protestors, an Imperial prison, a Senate with hundreds of officials, security guards and aides. Here’s an article on the production design.

It’s an accomplishment that may never be repeated.