Star Wars' next TV show, Andor season 2, is promising major connections to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and I couldn't be more excited. Rogue One is largely considered one of Star Wars' best movies, which is particularly impressive given it is one of very few Star Wars movies not included in the Skywalker Saga. Star Wars movies and TV shows have always faced an uphill battle when they don't pertain directly to the Skywalker family tree (and sometimes even when they do), so this was truly no easy feat.

Andor as a Rogue One spin-off has proven to be a continuation of that movie in the most brilliant way, not only by following one of the best characters from Rogue One, Cassian Andor, but also by honoring the themes of Rogue One regarding boots-on-the-ground efforts, rebellion, revolution, and perseverance. Andor season 2, which releases on Disney+ on April 22nd, 2025, will be no different based on the Andor season 2 trailer, and, if anything, Star Wars has only emphasized the show's connection to Rogue One all the more for Andor season 2.

The connection between Andor and Rogue One has, of course, always been clear, given Cassian has only appeared in Rogue One outside Andor. However, in the lead up to Andor season 2, Star Wars has really begun emphasizing just how critical this connection is. One of the most obvious ways this has been done is through the title of the show. For season 1, Andor was solely called Andor, without any subtitle, but this upcoming second season is suddenly being referred to as Andor: A Star Wars Story.

Andor now sharing a subtitle with Rogue One reinforces that these two stories are directly linked. This makes particular sense given Andor season 2's place in the Star Wars timeline, which will run right up until the beginning of Rogue One. This was a brilliant way for Andor to bridge Andor season 1 and Rogue One, and it has me especially excited about all the Rogue One connections we are bound to see in the new season. In addition to the title, there have been several other marketing strategies overtly linking Rogue One and Andor.

Although much subtler than a brand-new subtitle, additional nods towards Rogue One in marketing for Andor season 2 include little hints on social media and details in the new Andor season 2 trailer. On X, the font being used for the Andor season 2 countdown is identical to that used for the Rogue One countdown. For the trailer, the prominence of the klaxons, a type of alarm seen on many starships, is highly reminiscent of Rogue One as well.

Rogue One is considered one of Star Wars' best movies, and it's certainly the best Star Wars movie that isn't part of the Skywalker Saga. Rogue One broke completely new ground for Star Wars. When Lucasfilm declared that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker would be the end of the Skywalker Saga, the franchise's future seemed incredibly uncertain. However, while it's debatable how much Star Wars has really stepped away from the Skywalkers, Rogue One has proven that Star Wars can be successful beyond its most popular family.

Andor, likewise, has proven to be one of Star Wars' best TV shows, and that's true for similar reasons. Rather than focusing on the Skywalkers, the Jedi, or even the Force, Andor is primarily about the everyday people who fought back against the Empire and gave their all to see freedom for the galaxy finally realized. This is especially emotional, as viewers already know that Cassian Andor's story ends in heroism but also in tragedy.

It's true that Star Wars has faced a significant (and frankly shocking) amount of backlash in recent years. This kicked off, really, with the sequel trilogy, which faced legitimate criticism but also was on the receiving end of some viewers' outrage about Disney buying Star Wars. TV shows have particularly struggled, though, which became most clear with The Acolyte's cancelation and the absolute vitriol that was lobbed at the show, its creators, and its actors.

Even so, Andor season 2 isn't one for Star Wars audiences to miss, no matter how they've felt about Star Wars' more recent movies and shows. This season of the show will feature several fan-favorite characters, uphold the original messaging George Lucas intended for Star Wars, and connect to one of Star Wars' most brilliant movies. As the marketing has made clear, Andor season 2 is perfectly primed to link directly to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and that can only mean wonderful things for the show's second and final season.

Andor season 2 will premiere on Disney+ on April 22nd, 2025.