Disney wastes $290 million on Star Wars show Andor

In the United Kingdom, Disney disclosed that the production costs for Season 1 and Season 2 of the Star Wars series Andor have reached an astonishing $645 million. This staggering budget includes $290.9 million spent on filming the second season, which is expected to premiere in April 2025. This unprecedented expense eclipses the costs of previous Star Wars theatrical releases, indicating a significant shift in budget allocation towards high-profile streaming productions. Despite the high production values and critical acclaim, Andor struggled to maintain strong viewership numbers, marking it as one of the least-watched entries in Disney's Star Wars lineup. While many have praised the series for its grounded storytelling, the cost does not seem to correlate with audience engagement. Reports suggest that Andor’s first season alone cost approximately $230 million and failed to rank highly in streaming popularity compared to other Star Wars franchises. As reported, Disney has appeared to lose its foothold in the Star Wars franchise, leading to excessive spending with little return in viewership. After the underperformance of theatrical entries like Solo, the company pivoted towards streaming content, yet only the series The Mandalorian has been recognized as a significant success. Other recent projects, unlike Ahsoka, have not seen renewal for subsequent seasons, and the overwhelming budgetary issues raise concerns about the future direction of Star Wars content. The financial disclosures reveal not only the substantial costs associated with producing Andor but also how the series fits into Disney's broader strategy amidst increasing competition in the streaming landscape. As streaming continues to dominate the entertainment market, Disney's need to allocate massive budgets to attract viewers illustrates a potential unsustainable trajectory for its Star Wars offerings, prompting speculation on possible returns to theatrical releases in the future.