- The third episode of “Andor” season two includes an attempted sexual assault.
- It has sparked backlash from some “Star Wars” fans, who think it’s out of place in the franchise.
- Adria Arjona told Business Insider it was important to deal with her story in a genuine way.
Warning: Major spoilers for “Andor” season two.
“Andor” season two sparked backlash among fans by including the first reference to sexual assault in “Star Wars.” Actor Adria Arjona said she had in-depth conversations to get her story right.
The series takes place five years before the events of the 2016 movie, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which is a prequel to 1977’s “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope.”
Arjona plays Bix Caleen, a rebel fighter who was tortured by the Empire in “Andor” season one and is experiencing PTSD. In the third episode of season two, Imperial Lieutenant Krole (Alex Waldmann) attempts to force himself on her while she’s hiding on a farming planet.
In the scene, he references the fact that she is an “illegal” and offers to stay quiet as long as she sleeps with him. When Caleen refuses, Krole attacks her, and she kills him with a wrench.
“Andor” doesn’t shy away from the attempted sexual assault, as Caleen angrily says, “He tried to rape me.”
It’s the first time that “Star Wars” has directly used the word.
The scene was met with backlash from a portion of fans after the first arc of the season aired on Tuesday.
Some viewers said they felt rape and sexual assault should not be included in a franchise that was originally intended for children. Others said the episode should have a trigger warning.
On the “Andor” red carpet in London on April 10, Arjona discussed how she molded Caleen’s PTSD and sexual assault storyline with showrunner Tony Gilroy this season.
“I had a lot of in-depth conversations, not only with Tony but also with professionals. There’s a little bit of me in there, you know? I’ve really struggled with anxiety, and I’ve really struggled with panic attacks,” Arjona told Business Insider.
“To me, it was really important that the way she dealt with this torture and assault was honest and genuine,” she added.
While most “Star Wars” movies and TV shows are suitable for younger audiences, “Andor” is a more mature take on the galaxy far, far away. The show has garnered positive reviews, in large part due to its gritty portrayal of an anti-fascism movement.
The series examines the way the Empire commits war crimes and oppresses its people to achieve power.
“We’re telling a story that’s been told over, and over, and over again,” Faye Marsay, who plays Vel Sartha, told BI. “That will resonate with people in the world today.”
Read the original article on Business Insider
