Andor Season 2 Explores Key Unknown Star Wars Conflict

Lucasfilm has masterfully expanded the Star Wars universe with shows like *Star Wars: Andor* and *Star Wars Rebels*, showcasing the diverse heroes and worlds pivotal to the fight against the Empire. While iconic locations like Yavin-IV, Hoth, and Endor are well-known from the films, lesser-known planets such as Lothal and Ferrix have also become significant. Now, with the first three episodes of *Andor* Season 2, another planet has captured the Star Wars community's attention: Ghorman.

More: The Andor Cast Reacts to 5 Major Moments From the Season 2 Premiere

What exactly is Ghorman, and why is it crucial to the Galactic Civil War? How does the situation on Ghorman become a turning point for the Rebel Alliance? Let's delve into this relatively obscure yet vital aspect of the Star Wars universe.

Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor

The planet Ghorman was first mentioned in *Star Wars: Andor* during the Season 1 episode "Narkina 5." In a strategic discussion, Forest Whitaker's character, Saw Gerrera, references the Ghorman Front, an anti-Imperial group, to Stellan Skarsgård's Luthen Rael, using it as a cautionary tale in their resistance strategies.

In Season 2, Ghorman takes center stage. In the premiere episode, Ben Mendelsohn's Director Krennic addresses a group of ISB agents about a pressing issue on Ghorman. He presents a documentary highlighting the planet's thriving textile industry, particularly the silk produced from a unique spider species, which is Ghorman's primary export.

However, the real focus is on another of Ghorman's resources: calcite. Krennic asserts that the Empire needs this calcite for research into sustainable, unlimited energy. Yet, given Krennic's history from *Rogue One*, it's likely he's misleading his audience. The true purpose of the calcite is probably to expedite the construction of the Death Star, as calcite, like Kyber crystals, is a critical component in Project: Stardust, hindering its completion.

The extraction of calcite in the quantities demanded by the Empire threatens to render Ghorman a desolate wasteland, raising ethical concerns about the fate of the native Ghor population. Emperor Palpatine, while not yet able to devastate worlds without repercussions, aims to justify such actions with the Death Star's completion.

Krennic's strategy involves manipulating public opinion against Ghorman, leveraging the planet's history of anti-Imperial sentiment to justify Empire intervention. While his propaganda team believes in managing this through social manipulation, Denise Gough's Dedra Meero understands the necessity of creating a controlled rebel faction to paint Ghorman as a chaotic, ungovernable territory. This would enable the Empire to seize the calcite under the pretense of restoring order.

This narrative setup promises a significant storyline in Season 2, likely drawing characters like Diego Luna's Cassian Andor and Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma to Ghorman as it becomes a key battleground in the Galactic Civil War. Given Ghorman's established context, the planet is poised to be the setting for both tragedy and a crucial moment for the Rebel Alliance.

What Is the Ghorman Massacre?

*Andor* Season 2 is set to explore the Ghorman Massacre, an event pivotal to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. Although only hinted at in Disney-era Star Wars media, the Ghorman Massacre has a rich history in the Star Wars Legends universe.

In the Legends timeline, set in 18 BBY, the massacre occurred when Peter Cushing's Grand Moff Tarkin brutally landed his ship on peaceful protesters opposing illegal Imperial taxes, resulting in numerous casualties. This act of cruelty not only incited public outrage but also galvanized Senators like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa to support the burgeoning rebel movement, directly contributing to the Rebel Alliance's formation.

In the Disney era, Lucasfilm is reinterpreting the Ghorman Massacre, adjusting its timeline and context. However, the core message remains: the Empire's overreach at Ghorman sparks a significant rebel response, further fueling the Galactic Civil War.

Warning: the remainder of this article contains possible spoilers for upcoming episodes of Andor Season 2!