Movies

Genevieve O’Reilly on Mon Mothma’s pivotal ‘Andor’ speech: ‘Her only weapon is her voice’

BBG News

This story contains spoilers for “Andor” Season 2, Episode 9.

Senator Mon Mothma is finally, openly, part of the rebellion.

In the ninth installment of “Andor” Season 2, I, as the senator hailing from Chandrila, boldly stood on my Imperial Senate podium and openly condemned the Empire in a powerful address.

In her challenge against the manipulated account of events, Mothma asserts that the eradication of truth marks the supreme triumph of wickedness. She expresses concern that once truth slips away from us, we expose ourselves to being swayed by… whatever beasts shout the most loudly.

Afterward, she openly proclaims that Emperor Palpatine is a beastly figure, thereby earning herself the title of the Empire’s most notorious public adversary.

Television

Tony Gilroy, the mastermind behind ‘Andor,’ leaned on his talented siblings – Dan, a skilled writer, and John, an experienced producer and editor – to bring the most recent season of the ‘Star Wars’ series to completion.

As a seasoned movie critic, I find myself standing on the precipice of an epic moment in the Star Wars universe – the very instant that sets the stage for the official formation of the Rebel Alliance. This pivotal point, as revealed by O’Reilly, is something that Mon Mothma has long been preparing for, making it a crucial turning point in galactic history.

According to O’Reilly, speaking from a Beverly Hills hotel bar last month, that central aspect is what defines Mothma as a person. The room, adorned with flower branches hanging from the ceiling and evoking memories of Chandrilan weddings in previous “Andor” episodes this season, seems to reflect her character. At heart, Mothma is a woman who was always prepared to ignite her life, step out of the shadows, risk everything for others, and stand tall, using her voice against oppression.

She notes that this individual is someone who never resorts to using a blaster. Instead, her weapon of choice is her powerful voice. It’s truly captivating to witness her utilize it effectively and make a significant difference.

According to O’Reilly, when she initially went through the script for the episode penned by Dan Gilroy, who also authored Episodes 7 and 8, it contained only snippets of Mothma’s speech. The series “Andor” revolves around everyday individuals navigating and resisting an increasingly tyrannical government, and the narrative often interweaves different storylines simultaneously. The intention was to seamlessly integrate Mothma’s speech with other scenes, so only crucial lines that would stand out were included in the script.

Tony Gilroy, the showrunner, anticipated O’Reilly’s desire for more, understanding her creative process well enough. Before she could express it herself, he inquired if she wanted the entire speech scripted. He delivered the completed speech to her just a day after she agreed, “Yes, please.

In his words, “That resonated deeply with me as the speech had a rhythm to it,” O’Reilly explains. “It begins by delving into her past, describing the sacred site where she was raised. It continues by sharing her perspective on the Senate. Finally, it culminates in her challenging him.

Voices

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When the episode’s director, Janus Metz (one of the few with access to the entire speech), inquired about filming it all, she readily agreed, saying “certainly.

According to O’Reilly, he revisited the project and fine-tuned it. He sculpted certain scenes and became an integral part of the rhythm of the production. When they eventually utilized it, that moment felt particularly meaningful.

For O’Reilly, the construction of “Andor” season 2 cleverly set up Mon Mothma’s significant speech moment. During the first three-episode sequence, viewers witness Mon Mothma, a wife and mother, dealing with deeply personal moments and strains in her relationships, specifically at her daughter Leida’s (Bronte Carmichael) traditional, grandiose, prolonged wedding ceremony in her home country.

Surprisingly intense, occasionally chaotic events are common at weddings, as illustrated by Mothma’s conversation with Leida prior to their ceremony regarding her mother,” she remarks. “It struck a very emotional chord… In that instant, Mothma bared her soul, and Leida seemed to twist the knife. So, she had to gather herself once more, metaphorically reapply her mask, and return to the public eye… There’s no deception involved. It’s all about relationships. It was truly a unique moment.

In the upcoming series of episodes, I find myself actively participating in the narrative as Senator Mothma takes center stage. Her mission during this arc is to construct an alliance aimed at countering troublesome policies, all while navigating the unexpected encounter with Krennic – a figure embodying everything she’s been fighting against.

According to O’Reilly, Mothma seemed determined beyond doubt to defeat him, as if it was her sole mission. However, she couldn’t act on this desire directly; instead, they had to engage in a small skirmish. In the end, she was forced to accept his terms because of his power, and any potential exposure would render all her efforts futile.

She clarifies that Mothma faces a significant risk due to the numerous disguises she needs to maintain while under the scrutiny of the public.

In Episode 9, O’Reilly points out that although she appears stuck, he believes the speech she delivered made everything worthwhile. He explains that throughout her ordeal, she was harboring something significant, and when she spoke, it seemed as if a burden was lifted from her, escaping her body.

Voices

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Monica O’Reilly has been intermittently playing the character Mothma across different “Star Wars” productions over the past two decades. Initially, she was chosen to portray the younger version of the Rebellion leader previously played by Caroline Blakiston in the 1983 film “Return of the Jedi.” O’Reilly entered the Star Wars universe for the first time with the prequel film “Revenge of the Sith” in 2005, although many of her scenes were ultimately cut. She reprised the role in the standalone film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” released in 2016, which follows immediately after the events depicted in “Andor.” Since then, she has portrayed Mothma in both “Ahsoka” and the animated series “Star Wars Rebels,” which is set during the same time period as “Andor.

20 years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself being where I am today, gracefully embodying and skillfully portraying this fully-developed character in such a nuanced and profound way,” says O’Reilly.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but express my admiration for the exceptional work done by Emma Scott, our hair and makeup designer, and Michael Wilkinson, costume designer extraordinaire, on “Andor.” Their contributions have been instrumental in breathing life into Mothma, particularly this season.

Mothma, being a character who meticulously chooses her wardrobe, Wilkinson has masterfully unveiled layers of her character through the armor she adorns daily. It’s a testament to their craft that they can speak volumes through clothing and appearance.

Although Blakiston’s Mothma appeared infrequently on screen, O’Reilly notes that she portrayed a character who possessed weight and gravitas, along with deep empathy. Furthermore, this character was a female leader of a rebellion in an 80s movie, which is significant. Moreover, it has long been perceived that Mothma possesses a strong sense of social consciousness. Whether her entry into the Galactic Senate was motivated by this social awareness or if her years of service to the people sparked it, remains unclear.

O’Reilly explains, “It’s unclear how it occurred, but I sense deeply that something triggered it within her. Her upbringing and the traditional culture she was raised in likely provide a key to understanding her motivation.

In “Andor,” both O’Reilly and viewers have had the opportunity to witness a more comprehensive portrayal of Mothma’s background, including her struggles that shaped her into the Rebel Alliance leader recognized by “Star Wars” enthusiasts.

O’Reilly expresses his joy about getting another chance to fully portray this character, making her feel real, complex, and human. He is delighted with the depth she exhibits, as this is a version of her he had always dreamt of.

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2025-05-07 05:31

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