Why Tony Gilroy Said No to a Jyn Erso Cameo in ANDOR’s Finale: “It Would’ve Been Disrespectful”

As Andor wrapped up its second season, fans might’ve expected one more big connection to Rogue One with a surprise appearance from Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso. But that never happened, and according to showrunner Tony Gilroy, it was never really on the table.

When asked by Entertainment Weekly if he ever considered bringing in Jyn for a cameo, Gilroy gave a firm and thoughtful “No.” He added:

“I was asked that several times. I tried to sketch some versions along the way of what we would do. Episode 12 is very unique. It's its own energy and we are not trying to hype anything in 12. We always knew it was going to be not a low energy, but a different kind of episode.”

The finale, which steers directly into the events of Rogue One, does give nods to the film with Galen Erso being mentioned, and several familiar faces from the Rebellion make appearances. But Gilroy wasn’t interested in cramming in cameos just for fan service.

He even debated whether to bring back Danny Mays as Tivik, the Rebel contact Cassian kills at the beginning of Rogue One. That didn’t happen either. And for a very specific reason:

“In the end, I realized if people didn't absolutely have to be there, they shouldn't. And it would've been lame to bring Jyn back as a cameo. That would've been really disrespectful in a way. I'd rather honor Rogue and keep it straight.”

It’s a rare moment of restraint in a franchise known for connecting every dot, but Andor has always played by different rules.

With Andor now concluded, Star Wars is headed back to the big screen next May with The Mandalorian & Grogu. Whether that one leans more into spectacle or story remains to be seen. I’m sure it will be a good mix of both.