Andor Season 2, streaming on Disney+, has captivated Star Wars fans with its gritty exploration of the Rebellion’s early days, and creator Tony Gilroy has revealed how a family moment inspired the origin story of one of the franchise’s most iconic lines: “Rebellions are built on hope.” First spoken by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the phrase has resonated deeply with fans, becoming a beacon of inspiration. In Andor Season 2, Gilroy weaves its genesis into the narrative, sparked by a playful taunt from his son, enriching the line’s legacy and amplifying its emotional impact.
Gilroy shared with Entertainment Weekly that he initially overlooked the line’s significance, assuming it stemmed from elsewhere in Star Wars lore. “My son is a big Star Wars fan, and he often comes to the house and busts my balls at the computer about how little I know,” he said. During a script review, his son pointed out the absence of the Rogue One line, saying, “One day he’s there at the house and he’s goofballing on me, and he’s like, ‘Well, who’s going to introduce “rebellions are built on hope”?’”
He continued, “In Rogue One, Diego says it. And Jyn repeats it. You better figure that out.” This nudge led Gilroy to craft a poignant origin in Andor Season 2, Episode 8, set during the Ghorman Massacre, a pivotal event that shapes Cassian’s journey and galvanizes the Rebellion.
Andor Season 2 delves into the Rebellion’s formative years, spanning 12 episodes across four time jumps, each covering a year of Cassian’s life leading to Rogue One. The season explores his transformation from a disillusioned operative to a committed rebel, set against a galaxy under the Empire’s tightening grip. The Ghorman Massacre, a brutal suppression of a peaceful protest, serves as a turning point. Here, Thela (Stefan Crepon), a humble hotel bellhop and Ghorman Front member, delivers the line “Rebellions are built on hope” to Cassian amidst the chaos. This moment, born of tragedy, plants the seed for the phrase Cassian later uses in Rogue One to inspire Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), who echoes it to rally the Rebel council.
The line’s origin in Andor Season 2 elevates its significance for Star Wars fans, transforming it into a symbol of collective sacrifice. The phrase has inspired fans since Rogue One, appearing on fan art, tattoos, and convention banners. Its roots in Thela’s quiet courage—a minor character embodying the Rebellion’s grassroots spirit—resonate with fans who see hope as the spark that unites ordinary people against oppression. Diego Luna told EW, “Watching Rogue One after Season 2, it’s going to be so powerful. Everything is going to be fully charged.” The faces of Thela and Ghorman’s fallen linger, making the line a haunting reminder of the cost of rebellion.
Gilroy’s choice to give the line to Thela underscores Andor’s focus on the unsung heroes of the Rebellion. Unlike the rage-driven rebels in Luthen Rael’s network, Thela represents the hope that fuels the movement’s heart, inspiring Cassian’s evolution into the leader of Rogue One. This narrative thread has struck a chord with fans, who share stories online of how “Rebellions are built on hope” motivates them to face personal and societal challenges, echoing the Rebellion’s defiance. The season’s intricate plot, weaving Cassian’s missions with the rise of figures like Mon Mothma and Saw Gerrera, amplifies this theme, showing hope as a fragile but unbreakable force.
As Andor Season 2 concludes, the line’s origin story bridges Andor and Rogue One, making the latter “a different film,” as Luna put it. Gilroy’s son’s playful critique turned a potential oversight into a narrative cornerstone, deepening the Star Wars saga’s emotional core and inspiring fans to carry the Rebellion’s hope forward.
Andor Season 3 Release Date for Final Episodes
The final three episodes of Andor Season 2, Episodes 10–12, are set to premiere on Disney+ on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET, marking the conclusion of the series and leading directly into the events of Rogue One. This final batch, covering the last days before the film, will drop simultaneously worldwide, with UK viewers able to stream at 2 a.m. BST on Wednesday, May 14, wrapping up Cassian’s journey and the Rebellion’s rise.
