Ewan McGregor Praises Andor’s Use of Real Locations Over Green Screens
Ewan McGregor, renowned for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise, has commended the groundbreaking approach taken by the Disney Plus series Andor, particularly its use of actual filming locations instead of relying heavily on green screens. McGregor believes this choice imbued the series with a distinctive atmosphere, setting it apart from other Lucasfilm projects.
From Green Screens to Real Locations: A New Direction
Historically, the Star Wars prequel trilogy extensively utilized green screen technology to create its iconic galactic environments. More recently, the Obi-Wan Kenobi series employed an innovative virtual production technique called StageCraft, utilizing a sophisticated LED video wall known as ‘the Volume’ developed by Industrial Light and Magic. This technology offers immersive digital backdrops that integrate live-action performances with CGI environments in real time.
However, Andor diverged from this trend by opting to film on real-world locations. McGregor, speaking at Fan Expo Chicago, revealed, “With Andor, they decided not to use it. They used real locations. And I think that gave Andor something special.” This decision emphasized tangible settings, contributing to the show’s immersive and grounded narrative style.
The Impact of Real Locations on Star Wars Productions
The choice to utilize genuine locations in Andor offers several advantages over virtual sets:
- Authentic Atmosphere: Actual environments provide natural lighting, textures, and depth that can be difficult to replicate digitally.
- Enhanced Actor Performance: Being on location often helps actors interact more genuinely with their surroundings, boosting performance quality.
- Audience Engagement: Viewers may experience a heightened sense of realism and immersion, crucial for storytelling in a sprawling universe like Star Wars.
This approach aligns with industry trends where productions like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad have benefited from real-world locations to enrich narrative realism and audience connection.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Andor, which aired two seasons from 2022 to 2025, has received widespread acclaim, solidifying its place as the most critically lauded live-action Star Wars project on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 2 notably includes the highest-rated live-action episodes in the franchise’s history, underscoring the success of its stylistic choices.
McGregor also paid homage to George Lucas’s pioneering work in digital filmmaking, noting, “George was pioneering what we all only shoot on. You’ve got to fight hard to shoot on film these days. He pioneered that. He was at the cutting edge of that.” Lucas’s early adoption of digital cameras for the prequels was revolutionary for blockbuster filmmaking and set the foundation for modern visual effects innovations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Star Wars Productions
Following Andor, the franchise continues to expand with projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu, scheduled for theatrical release in May 2026. This upcoming film further explores beloved characters while introducing new talent such as Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, continuing to evolve the Star Wars narrative in innovative ways.
The success of Andor and its distinctive production choices highlight a refreshing trend in the Star Wars universe: blending cutting-edge technology with traditional filmmaking techniques to craft immersive stories that resonate with audiences globally.
Summary: Why Andor’s Real Locations Matter
- Unique Authenticity: Real locations provide a tangible and immersive backdrop contrasted with green screen environments.
- Critical Success: The series stands as the highest-rated live-action Star Wars project, demonstrating the impact of its production choices.
- Industry Influence: Reflects a broader movement in filmmaking favoring mixing virtual and real sets to enhance storytelling.
- Legacy of Innovation: Continues the tradition of George Lucas’s visionary approach to filmmaking technology.
In sum, Ewan McGregor’s insights on the use of real locations in Andor underscore an evolving era of Star Wars productions that combine authenticity and innovation to redefine the sci-fi genre.
