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Star Wars Turns Cassian Andor Into Disney’s New Anakin Skywalker Replacement

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Heed this notice! The content of this post may reveal SPOILERS for season 2 of Andor. In the climactic episodes of the series, Cassian Andor has proven to be a compelling figure, almost like an alternate version of Star Wars‘s Anakin Skywalker. Within the main Star Wars saga, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, struggling between the competing forces of the Force, who ultimately restored balance to the galaxy. While Cassian Andor operates on a more earthbound plane and doesn’t traverse cosmic realms, when considering his entire Star Wars journey, he has managed something remarkably similar.

Through the two seasons of Andor, Cassian Andor’s transformation from a simple thief to a captain in the Rebel Alliance is truly remarkable. Yet, the concluding episodes of Andor season 2 set a clear path for Cassian’s future, creating parallels with the journey of Anakin Skywalker. In essence, Cassian Andor has been subtly positioned as a stand-in for Anakin Skywalker (from a certain perspective).

Cassian Is The Rebellion’s “Chosen One”

Identified As a Fated “Messenger”

In episode 7 of “Andor”, Cassian Andor and Bix Caleen meet a Force-wielding healer stationed on Yavin, who’s assisting soldiers from the Rebel Alliance. Even though Cassian was skeptical about her abilities, this Force healer could sense Andor before she laid eyes on him, and accurately identified the location of his hidden blaster wound. Despite this, Cassian remains unconvinced, while Bix and the healer continue discussing Cassian’s situation.

It’s quite clear that the healer tells Bix that she could perceive Andor as having a special role in the Force, referring to him as a “messenger.” This prediction, made by the healer, is a strong hint at Cassian’s ultimate sacrifice in Rogue One, where he delivers the Death Star plans to the Alliance. On a more modest level, this suggests that Cassian might be seen as the Rebellion’s “Chosen One,” a figure who was predestined and fated to provide the Alliance with the means to launch an assault against the Death Star, thus marking the start of the Galactic Civil War in earnest.

Like Anakin, Cassian Is Torn Between Two Attachments

Choosing Between Bix and The Cause

For Anakin Skywalker, the central conflict revolved around balancing his loyalty towards the Jedi Order with his love for Padmé Amidala, who eventually became his clandestine spouse. This internal strife between his Jedi responsibilities and affection for her was pivotal in Anakin’s story. Ultimately, this turmoil led to Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader when the fear of losing Padmé pushed him to acquire power beyond the bounds of the light side of the Force and the teachings of the Jedi Order.

In a comparable fashion, Cassian Andor found himself in a challenging predicament as he balanced his affection for Bix Caleen against his loyalty to the Rebel Alliance. Just like Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars, Cassian had proven himself to be an effective fighter dedicated to the cause. Nevertheless, the closing episodes of Andor season 2 revealed Cassian’s readiness to let go, forsaking his duties and allegiances to the Alliance to protect Bix and remain by her side.

In essence, Cassian and Bix both understand that their conflicting loyalties couldn’t last forever. Although Cassian desired to be with Bix, she chose the Rebellion over him. Recognizing his significance to the Alliance, Bix departed from Andor while Cassian was asleep, vowing to return once the Empire had been vanquished. This situation amplifies the sorrowful nature of the events in “Rogue One”, and it becomes even more heart-wrenching considering the ending of “Andor’s” second season.

Cassian Must Decide Which Side Of The Force He Aligns With

It’s Not Just About Jedi and Sith

According to Dave Filoni from Lucasfilm, the balance in the Force isn’t solely about the struggle between the Sith Lords and Jedi. Instead, each character in the Star Wars universe contributes uniquely towards restoring harmony.

The dark side of the Force is evident in our greed, ambition for power, and anxieties. On the other hand, the light side of the Force emerges through acts of selflessness, living harmoniously, and conquering our fears. The Force inherently maintains equilibrium; however, this balance can be disrupted when one yields to their fears and continues making self-centered decisions. Fear incites anger, anger breeds hatred, and hatred results in suffering.

Anakin feels compelled to save his wife because he fears losing her. His actions are driven by fear and an attempt to control the situation. The choices we make in these moments are crucial, as they can determine the path between good and evil. It’s not just a matter of Jedi and Sith; everyone faces this struggle of maintaining balance. The Mandalorian also has a significant decision to make: either complete his task by finding the Child and delivering him to the Empire, or take him in as his ward and become his protector. This choice will greatly affect both their lives.

Filoni highlights Anakin and Din Djarin as primary instances of putting a cause above personal loss, but Cassian Andor demonstrates this concept equally well. Initially, he follows Luthen Rael’s lead using questionable tactics in shows like Andor and Rogue One, employing the enemy’s weapons to bring them down, as Rael explains in his speech during season 1 of Andor. However, unlike before, in Rogue One, Cassian begins to adopt a path more aligned with goodness, taking on hope and becoming more trusting. After all, as Cassian himself says, “Rebellions are built on hope” – a sentiment that receives a compelling backstory in Andor.

Like Anakin, Cassian Fulfilled His Destiny Through His Death

Sacrificing Himself on Scarif

In the epic film “Return of the Jedi,” after more than two decades as a Dark Lord of the Sith under the name Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker is redeemed back to the light. This transformation occurred due to his son’s unwavering faith that there was still good in him. In a dramatic turn of events, Anakin was resurrected when Vader chose to save Luke from Emperor Palpatine by throwing the Sith ruler into a reactor shaft. These actions restored balance in the “Star Wars” universe for many years. It’s important to note that Anakin/Vader’s act of restoring balance to the Force was his final act, thereby completing his destiny and leading up to his death in Return of the Jedi.

In much the same vein, Cassian Andor met his end but accomplished his destiny. By ensuring the Death Star plans reached the Alliance fleet stationed above Scarif, he made a selfless sacrifice in a final act that granted the Alliance the vital opportunity they needed to evolve their resistance into a formidable challenge against the Empire. Essentially, Cassian’s heroic actions at the Battle of Yavin were instrumental in setting off the Galactic Civil War as depicted in the original trilogy – an outcome that would have been unattainable without him and his band of Rebels.

Despite hailing from distinct realms within the galaxy of Star Wars, Anakin and Cassian shared traits as rule-breaking individuals who prioritized doing what was right over adhering to regulations. Both characters grappled with complex relationships while carrying prophesied destinies in the Star Wars narrative. Interestingly enough, it’s quite intriguing to notice the similarities that make Cassian Andor an apt substitute for Anakin Skywalker within the Rebellion (from a certain perspective).

All episodes of Andor seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Disney+.

Upcoming Star Wars Movies Release Date
The Mandalorian & Grogu May 22, 2026
Star Wars: Starfighter May 28, 2027

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2025-05-18 02:00

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