In the latest episode of Andor’s second season, Mon Mothma, played by Genevieve O’Reilly, and her husband Perrin, portrayed by Alastair Mackenzie, encounter a familiar face at a party—Senator Bail Organa. However, fans of the Star Wars franchise will notice a significant change: the character, originally brought to life by Jimmy Smits, is now played by Benjamin Bratt.
Senator Bail Organa is a beloved figure in the Star Wars universe, first referenced in 1977’s A New Hope, where he met a tragic fate alongside Alderaan when the Death Star destroyed the planet. Smits embodied the senator in various films, including Attack of the Clones and Rogue One, as well as in the recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series. His absence in Andor came down to scheduling conflicts, as series creator Tony Gilroy explained, “We couldn’t work it out. The scheduling didn’t work out. We really tried hard, but he wasn’t available.”
The recasting decision has raised eyebrows, especially among long-time fans. Gilroy noted the complexities that come with bringing back established characters, including the logistical challenges and financial aspects involved. When Smits was unavailable, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy proposed Benjamin Bratt for the role, a choice Gilroy endorsed, describing Bratt as “a wonderful human being” who was enthusiastic about the project.
To alleviate any concerns regarding the transition, Gilroy creatively introduced Bratt’s Organa in a brief scene to spark discussion among viewers before his character’s more significant developments in upcoming episodes. “Let’s get him in here now so people can discuss it for a week and get it out of their system,” he remarked.
Bratt’s portrayal of Bail Organa is anticipated to delve deeper into the character’s complexities, adding an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative. This change offers a fresh perspective on a character that has been pivotal in the lore of the Star Wars saga, demonstrating the franchise’s ability to evolve while maintaining ties to its rich history.
Fans can look forward to seeing how Bratt’s unique interpretation shapes the future of the character as the series progresses.