“Star Wars” enthusiasts were treated to some exciting developments during Tuesday night’s episode of “Andor” Season 2. The episode featured Senator Bail Organa, a character familiar to fans as the adoptive father of Leia Organa, portrayed this time by Benjamin Bratt instead of the previous actor, Jimmy Smits.
Jimmy Smits has played Bail Organa since his introduction in 2002’s “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” reprising the role in several subsequent projects, including “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and the series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” This latest appearance in “Andor,” titled “What a Festive Evening,” marks a notable shift as it’s the first time the character has been played by a different actor in live-action.
Tony Gilroy, the creator of “Andor,” explained that scheduling conflicts were the reason for the change. Smits was unable to return due to commitments to the CBS show “East New York,” making it difficult for him to participate in the latest season. Despite Smits’ absence, Bratt’s brief appearance, which involved a greeting exchange with Mon Mothma and her husband at a Coruscant party, hints at the character’s continued involvement in the series.
Fans can look forward to Bratt reprising the role in future episodes of “Andor” Season 2. Given that the upcoming episodes are anticipated to delve deeper into the Rebel Alliance’s history, it appears that viewers will have ample opportunity to see Bail Organa in action, even with the change in actors.
New episodes of “Andor” Season 2 continue to release every Tuesday on Disney+, keeping the excitement alive for “Star Wars” fans. This change may also present a unique opportunity for the character’s development, as the series explores deeper narratives within the beloved franchise.