Friday, April 10, 2026

“Don’t say ‘fuck the Empire’”: Disney gave just one note to ‘Andor’ creator Tony Gilroy

Disney+ has been dominating the streaming world with its captivating content, and one of its latest offerings, “Andor,” has just concluded its first season on May 13. The show, created by Tony Gilroy, has received rave reviews from both fans and critics alike. But what many may not know is that Disney gave just one note to Gilroy during the making of the show – “Don’t say ‘fuck the Empire.'”

In an interview with NME, Gilroy revealed that Disney only had one request for him while he was working on “Andor.” The streaming giant wanted to make sure that the show did not use any profanity towards the iconic Empire, which has been a staple in the “Star Wars” franchise for decades.

Gilroy, who is known for his work on the “Bourne” franchise, shared that he was pleasantly surprised by Disney’s note. He explained, “I’ve worked with a lot of studios, and they usually have a long list of notes and changes. But Disney only had one – ‘Don’t say ‘fuck the Empire’ – and I thought, ‘That’s it? That’s all you’re worried about?'”

The creator also praised Disney for being open to his vision and allowing him to tell the story he wanted to tell. He added, “They were very supportive of my creative choices, and I’m grateful for that. It’s not often that you get that kind of freedom in a big franchise like ‘Star Wars.'”

The note from Disney may seem insignificant, but it speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to its brand and the values it stands for. The Empire has always been portrayed as the ultimate villain in the “Star Wars” universe, and Disney wanted to ensure that the show did not deviate from that.

Moreover, Disney’s request also highlights the importance of language and how it can shape the perception of a character or entity. By not allowing any profanity towards the Empire, Disney is reinforcing the idea that they are the ultimate evil and should not be sympathized with.

But despite this restriction, “Andor” has managed to deliver a thrilling and engaging story that has kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The show follows the journey of rebel spy Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, as he navigates through the dangerous world of espionage and betrayal.

The show has been praised for its strong storytelling, impressive action sequences, and stellar performances from its talented cast. Luna, in particular, has received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Andor, with many calling him a standout in the “Star Wars” universe.

The success of “Andor” is a testament to Disney’s ability to create compelling and entertaining content while staying true to the essence of the franchise. The show has managed to strike a balance between honoring the “Star Wars” legacy and introducing new elements that keep the story fresh and exciting.

As the first live-action “Star Wars” series on Disney+, “Andor” has set the bar high for future projects in the franchise. It has also proven that Disney is not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, as long as it aligns with their brand and values.

In conclusion, the note from Disney may have been simple, but it speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to its brand and the “Star Wars” universe. “Andor” has been a resounding success, and we can’t wait to see what Disney has in store for us in the future. As fans, we can rest assured that the company will continue to deliver top-notch content while staying true to the heart and soul of the franchise.

popular