Ben Mendelsohn’s return as Director Krennic in Andor season 2 has been confirmed by one of the directors. Season 2’s storyline will focus on the looming Death Star and will likely show the pivotal role of Director Krennic in its construction. Bringing Krennic back in Andor season 2 is not only the right choice but also sets up an exciting connection to Rogue One.
Ben Mendelsohn’s Director Orson Krennic was a highlight of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and now, the actor will at last reprise the role in live-action in Andor season 2. Krennic was the main antagonist of Rogue One, despite the fact he was also joined by Grand Moff Tarkin and even Darth Vader – which meant that his return was anticipated from the very moment Andor came into existence. While Mendelsohn did briefly reprise his role in animation for Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2, he didn’t appear in Andor season 1. Season 2, however, will change this.
It was revealed by The Playlist that, in a conversation with Andor director Alonso Ruizpalacios, Mendelsohn’s name was mentioned with other actors, including Stellan Skarsgård (Luthen Rael) and Forest Whitaker (Saw Gerrera). Ruizpalacios recited this list when recounting how lovely it was to direct all these incredible actors, and The Playlist makes it clear that Ruizpalacios likely didn’t realize he was giving away a spoiler by saying Mendelsohn’s name. Following Diego Luna’s tease about familiar characters returning in season 2 at a recent Comic-Con, however, the director’s slip-up is simply further confirmation of Mendelsohn’s return.
Andor Season 2 is Overshadowed by the Death Star
The ending of Andor season 1 made it clear that the Death Star would be looming over most of Andor season 2. There was the actual image of the Death Star that closed out the season, but with it came the heavy implications of how it was being constructed, much of which seems to have been done by prisoners like Cassian, Kino Loy, and Ruescott Melshi. There’s no doubt that this superweapon will thus be at the heart of Andor season 2’s story.
Season 2’s Story Necessitates Mendelsohn’s Director Krennic
With season 2 set to end exactly where Rogue One picks up, Krennic’s role in the story will only unite the two Star Wars projects even more. With this being the case, it’s even more relieving that Mendelsohn will be returning as Director Krennic. His fate is tied to the Imperial superweapon in more ways than just one, which makes him absolutely imperative to the story of the Death Star as a whole. Bringing Krennic into the fold in Andor season 2 is not only the right choice, but it’s also the smart one, as any new developments in his character’s story will only make Rogue One even better in hindsight.
All around, Mendelsohn’s return in Andor is nothing but extremely promising and exciting. With season 2 set to end exactly where Rogue One picks up, Krennic’s role in the story will only unite the two Star Wars projects even more. While Mendelsohn did have a brief cameo in The Bad Batch, his character did little except sit with other Imperials and utter a quick line, and fans are sorely missing what Mendelsohn first brought to Krennic. Now, Andor season 2 will finally bring him back to the franchise in the way everyone’s been wanting.
Wrapping Up
Ben Mendelsohn’s return as Director Krennic in Andor season 2 is a strategic move that will undoubtedly enhance the show’s narrative and bridge the gap between Andor and Rogue One. As fans eagerly await the next season, the inclusion of Krennic promises to deliver the same intensity and depth that Mendelsohn brought to the character in Rogue One, making the anticipation for Andor season 2 even more palpable.
