Andor's Adria Arjona explains how Star Wars can be overwhelming to film

Every new Star Wars series has a huge legacy to live up to, and it turns out it's pretty difficult, even for the actors, to ignore.

In a new exclusive chat with Digital Spy, Andor star Adria Arjona has opened up about the sheer excitement and anxiety she felt on joining the franchise as Bix Caleen – and how it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The first few episodes of Andor introduce viewers to the mechanic and black-market dealer, but Arjona explained she spent a lot of time nailing her character's backstory to figure out how she fits into the Star Wars franchise.

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"I think at the beginning, you're sort of understanding exactly where Bix lies historically," she explained.

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"And it doesn't really quite matter, because, really, you don’t have to have watched any of the movies to watch the show. But to me, that was really important, to sort of make it well-rounded."

Arjona, who recently starred in Good Omens and Morbius, added of her preparation for the role: "Then I was watching welding videos to sort of get this physicality. I went into a really deep, deep black hole there."

Arjona also explained that the biggest challenge is staying focused on her character, as opposed to being daunted by the much bigger universe you're a part of.

"There were definitely challenges, like there are playing just about any role," she continued.

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"But there's an element of Star Wars that comes to the table, which sometimes can become the main character of a scene, and you sort of have to forget about it quite quickly.

"Everything around you is so Star Wars-y. You sort of get overwhelmed by it, and get nervous by it. But you sort of have to be like, 'No, I’m telling a story that just happens to take place in a galaxy far away.' You need to focus yourself."

Alongside the anxiety, Arjona revealed she also had to keep her excitement at being part of the Star Wars universe in check on set.

"That was challenging, also, because you get so excited between takes," she added, "You see a creature act, and you're like, 'Oh my God, this is the coolest thing,' and you want to take selfies with him. And you're like, 'No, Adria. Focus! You're playing Bix.'"

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Arjona also hoped that viewers would keep an open mind about the new characters, as Andor takes them on a "wild ride" as it explores new dynamics and personalities.

When asked what she hopes fans take from the show, Arjona added: "It's a hard one. I think it's such a complex show. There's so many different ingrained messages throughout the entire show.

"But I think, essentially, what I want people to take away is the introduction of all these incredible characters. They're going to really get to know Cassian, and really understand why he becomes who he ends up becoming, and why he does the things that he does.”

"So that's what I really want people to take away, to sort of go in there with an open heart, and go along for the ride. Because it's a hell of a ride."

Andor streams on Disney+, with new episodes every Wednesday.

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Jess Bacon

Jess is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for over-analysing everyone’s favourite movies and TV shows. As an English graduate from the University of York with an MA in Creative Writing, Jess worked as a magazine editor before turning freelance. Since then, Jess has written for outlets such as GQ, The Guardian, Inverse, Huff Post, Stylist, and Insider. She specialises in the representation of mental health, grief, and women in film. She’s also a major Marvel nerd and is writing a YA fantasy novel. LinkedIn

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After teaching in England and South Korea, David turned to writing in Germany, where he covered everything from superhero movies to the Berlin Film Festival.

In 2019, David moved to London to join Digital Spy, where he could indulge his love of comics, horror and LGBTQ+ storytelling as Deputy TV Editor, and later, as Acting TV Editor.

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