Star Wars fans are buzzing after the latest episode of Andor, and it’s all thanks to Mon Mothma’s powerful Senate speech — a scene that not only thrilled viewers but also took a bold step away from established Star Wars canon. In an exclusive breakdown, actress Genevieve O’Reilly and series creator Tony Gilroy have finally shared what went on behind the scenes of this epic moment.
O’Reilly, who has played Mon Mothma since Revenge of the Sith and brought new depth to Andor, called the Senate speech “the turning point” for her character. “This is the moment where Mon truly risks everything,” O’Reilly said. “She’s no longer hiding in the shadows. She stands in front of the galaxy and says: Enough is enough.”
What makes this speech so groundbreaking? According to Gilroy, the show intentionally chose to shift away from the Mon Mothma narrative that fans know from Return of the Jedi and expanded universe stories. “In previous versions, Mon’s rebellion was always quiet, strategic. But we wanted to show her making a public, defiant stand — something that could inspire the people but also put her directly in danger,” Gilroy explained.
The Senate chamber scene was shot over several days, and O’Reilly admitted that delivering such an emotional performance in front of a green screen was one of her biggest acting challenges yet. “But I kept thinking about what’s at stake for Mon — her family, her people, her very soul,” she said.
Fans have taken to social media to praise the speech as one of the best political moments in Star Wars history, even if it bends some of the old canon. “This is what the prequels should have done with Mon Mothma!” one user posted.
Gilroy teased that this is just the beginning of Mon Mothma’s arc in Andor. “We’re reshaping her story. By the end of this, you’ll see how this speech sets up everything, from the Rebel Alliance to her personal sacrifices. It’s going to surprise a lot of people.”
With Andor continuing to push boundaries, this bold reimagining of Mon Mothma is exactly the kind of fresh twist that’s keeping fans hooked — and rewriting Star Wars history one speech at a time.