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This article contains spoilers for Andor Season 2 Episodes 4 through 6.
Star Wars enthusiasts were taken aback upon discovering that the character of Bail Organa had been recast in the latest episodes of Andor Season 2. First introduced in the original Star Wars film in 1977 as Leia Organa’s adoptive father, Bail Organa was portrayed by Jimmy Smits in 2002’s Attack of the Clones. Smits reprised his role for a central part in 2005’s Revenge of the Sith, assisting prominent figures like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda during their exile. Given that Andor directly leads into Rogue One, where Smits also appeared, many expected him to return for the series. Surprisingly, actor Benjamin Bratt has taken on the role of Bail Organa.
While Smits did not voice Bail Organa in animated series such as Star Wars Rebels or Tales of the Jedi, he has featured in live-action installments, including Rogue One and the more recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Fans may have been more sensitive to this change, as Smits was seen reprising his role in Revenge of the Sith during its recent re-release, which grossed a notable $25.2 million. This raises questions about the decision to not have Smits return for Season 2 of Andor, igniting discussions about the broader implications of recasting within the Star Wars franchise.
Why Did ‘Andor’ Recast Bail Organa in the First Place?
At present, the specific reasons behind Smits’ recasting remain unconfirmed. Although Benjamin Bratt was announced as part of the Andor Season 2 cast in 2023, Lucasfilm did not disclose that he would be portraying Bail Organa. Reports and reviews hinting at the recasting surfaced during the airing of the initial episodes, contributing to the unexpectedness of the reveal. Had this information been shared earlier, it may not have been as shocking to fans.
The main speculation surrounding Smits’ absence points to a possible scheduling conflict, as hinted by Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Gilroy remarked, “Legacy characters are really tricky to bring back. They’re very, very expensive. A lot of times, their schedules don’t work out. There are probably a couple people that we wanted to have in Yavin at the end, who are in the beginning of Rogue, but we just couldn’t get them because they were busy.”
During the filming of Andor Season 2, which spanned from November 2022 to July 2023, Smits was involved in the short-lived series East New York. Although that show concluded shortly before Andor resumed production in January 2024, it suggests that logistical challenges impacted the decision to recast.
While some characters, like Vanessa Fisk in Daredevil: Born Again, have been replaced by the original actors through reshoots, it appears that Gilroy intends to maintain Bratt’s contributions to Andor. Moreover, it seems Bratt’s involvement may be further developed as the series progresses toward the events of Rogue One.
‘Star Wars’ Complicated History With Recasting Iconic Roles
This issue highlights a significant challenge within the Star Wars universe: the complications surrounding recasting. Historically, recasting iconic roles was commonplace without much backlash, evidenced by multiple portrayals of characters like James Bond and Batman. However, as audiences have become more attuned to continuity and interconnected narratives across films and television, they often struggle to accept a new actor in a beloved role.
Star Wars has navigated a complex relationship with recasting, notably with Ewan McGregor, who stars as a younger Obi-Wan Kenobi, following Alec Guinness’s legendary portrayal. The popularity of McGregor’s performance even led to a dedicated Disney+ series. While Disney and Lucasfilm seem open to recasting for younger characters, they display noticeable hesitation when it comes to figures set within the same timeline as previous stories.
The use of digital deep fakes for actor de-aging presents yet another layer of controversy. The digital recreations of Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett have faced criticism for their lack of realism. This technique, often perceived as distracting, prompts a reevaluation of whether recasting might be a more viable option than resorting to digital effects.
Tony Gilroy and Lucasfilm’s willingness to recast Bail Organa may unsettle some fans, but it reflects a practical aspect of working with real-life actors. The shift may even enhance the comedic timing of Smits’s return as Bail Organa in Rogue One. Ultimately, the absence of Smits does not detract from the quality of Andor. In fact, the inclusion of a capable actor like Benjamin Bratt enriches the franchise.
Stream Andor on Disney+.
Source
movieweb.com