Naman Shrestha
Created by Tony Gilroy, Disney+’s ‘Andor’ is a science-fiction drama series that serves as a prequel to the 2016 film ‘Rogue One.’ It chronicles the origins of the titular protagonist, a former thief who later becomes a rebel spy. Up against the Galactic Empire, Cassian Andor is instrumental to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. The second season of the action-adventure show, which is a part of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, picks up right where the debut season left off. As the war between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance intensifies, more blood is spilled. Diego Luna returns to lead the ensemble cast, alongside Genevieve O’Reilly, Adria Arjona, and Alan Tudyk. Alongside new developments in the story, there are fresh as well as familiar backdrops to keep the narrative flowing.
Andor Season 2 Filming Locations
‘Andor’ season 2 was filmed in England, Wales, and Spain, particularly in Iver Heath, London, Bristol, and the province of Valencia. Principal photography for the sophomore round reportedly got underway in November 2022. Following the pattern of season 1, there were plans to shoot some scenes in Winspit Quarry, near Worth Matravers in Dorset, but due to landslip concerns, the makers decided not to shoot there. In the summer of 2023, the production was halted due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Once the strikes concluded, the cast and crew members returned on set and resumed shooting in early January 2024. Finally, a month later, in February, the filming was officially wrapped. According to reports, they reunited around June 2024 for some reshoots.
Iver Heath, England
In order to make Cassian Andor’s journey an immersive experience for the audience, the creative team decided to shoot major chunks of ‘Andor’ season 2 in a production studio. Just like its inaugural installment, the iconic Pinewood Studios, situated at Pinewood Road in Iver,
Buckinghamshire provided its services to film the show. The crew decided not to rely heavily on CGI and actually constructed sets in the facility, which further fueled the realism in the overall world-building of the narrative. With a combination of about 30 studios, 3 backlots, half a dozen mixing theaters, 20 cutting rooms, as well as the assistance of skilled technicians and members, the studio has built a reputation as a world-renowned shooting destination, favored by filmmakers around the globe.
Since the studio officially opened its doors in September 1936, it has served as the shooting site for many movies and television shows, such as ‘Aliens,’ ‘Loki,’ ‘Black Widow,’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ ‘Eternals,’ ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ ‘Red Dwarf,’ ‘Doctor Strange,’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.’ In fact, Pinewood Studios has also aided in the production of other titles in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise — ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story,’ ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi,’ ‘Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,’ ‘Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker,’ as well as ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’ Therefore, it makes complete sense to utilize its facilities for the filming of the second season of ‘Andor.’
Greater London, England
The cast and crew of ‘Andor’ season 2 visited multiple spots across Greater London to shoot the season. A portion of the filming also took place near Lloyd’s building (named after Lloyd’s of London), AKA the Inside-Out Building, at 1 Lime Street in the City of London. Standing tall since the 1980s, the breathtaking contemporary architecture of the Grade I-listed towering structure has found a place in the background of many movies and shows. Lying not far from the City of London, Canary Wharf in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in London is another avenue the team chose as a spot to lens a few sequences. As per reports, scenes related to the Empire were lensed at the esteemed office complex, which is known for its vibrant pubs, shopping centers, and modern commercial establishments.
Bristol, England
A portion of the reshoots of the second season of ‘Andor’ was conducted in June 2024 in Bristol, England, in South West England. According to reports, the cast and crew were spotted filming in and around the Bank of England building located on Wine Street in Bristol. In the month, Pilgrim signs could be seen in the area alongside restrictions being placed on the entry to the basement of the buildings. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, Bristol is not new to doubling up as a filming and tourist spot, especially since it serves as a dynamic cultural hub with a rich art, food, and music scene as well as a lively nightlife. ‘Hellboy,’ ‘His Dark Materials,’ ‘War of the Worlds,’ ‘The Sparticle Mystery,’ and ‘Torchwood’ are among the wide array of titles that were shot here.
Wales, United Kingdom
For shooting purposes, the production team of ‘Andor’ season 2 also traveled to Wales, on the island of Great Britain. Since the country comprises the perfect blend of gigantic mountains, gorgeous beaches, and culturally significant castles, it serves as an ideal production location for different kinds of projects. Over the years, the vast and versatile locales have been featured in several notable movies and TV shows, including ‘The Gorge,’ ‘World War Z,’ ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,’ ‘War of the Worlds,’ and ‘Doctor Who.’
Valencia, Spain
Several pivotal sequences for ‘Andor’ season 2 were reportedly taped in the Province of Valencia. The filming unit set up camp in The City of Arts and Sciences, which is located at the end of Luis García Berlanga Street in the city of Valencia. The cultural and architectural complex consists of the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, which was particularly utilized by the production team to shoot multiple key scenes. You might even spot other buildings within the complex in the backdrop. Given the complex’s futuristic architecture and landscapes, it served as a key filming destination. In addition, the cast and crew members were also spotted in and around the Quatre Carreres neighbourhood of Valencia lensing important portions. As per reports, Castillo de Játiva in Xàtiva is also also featured in the second season of ‘Andor.’ Its medieval architecture provides a stark contrast to the overall futuristic setting of the show.
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