Andor fans are up in arms after a fan-favourite character from the Star Wars saga was unexpectedly recast.
In the latest episode of the Disney+ series’ second season, titled What a Festive Evening, viewers discovered that Princess Leia’s (played by Carrie Fisher) adoptive father, Bail Organa, previously played by Jimmy Smits, has been replaced.
Benjamin Bratt, known for his roles in Law and Order and Poker Face, has taken over the part, despite Smits having embodied the character across films and other media for over two decades.
Senator Organa, who first appeared in 2002’s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, has been an integral figure in the franchise, even making an appearance in the 2022 miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi starring Ewan McGregor.
The switch left audiences perplexed and irate, with one X (formerly Twitter) user expressing their outrage: “THAT recast has made me so unbelievably angry.”
Another fan expressed their frustration, saying: “Like it’s Jimmy Smits as Bail in AOTC, ROTS, Kenobi,and Rogue One!
“The fact it’s Smits in Kenobi and especially Rogue One makes the recast 100X more jarring and ridiculous.
“Andor Season 2 also had reshoots so they could’ve just done what they did for Cumberbatch in Infinity War.”
A different viewer raised the question: “Hey so while we’re all celebrating how great #Andor remains, can we talk about how pointless the Bail recast was?
“That brief blip was so pointless? Why even bother putting someone in Jimmy Smits’ shoes for…that?”
Star Wars enthusiasts on Reddit had a mixed response to a recent decision, with one user stating: “Can’t believe they recast Space Jimmy Smits.”
Another added: “I was like, that’s not Bail! Kind of disappointed about that too. I guess his schedule must’ve been too busy.”
A further fan chimed in with criticism: “And for what too? A 3 second cameo they could have easily cut or wrote off with a line of dialogue like ‘ahh you just missed Senator Organa’.
“I know this s*** doesnt matter at all and shouldnt bother me but like come on lol.”
Despite the controversy, some fans were overjoyed to see the character return to the Star Wars universe, commending Bratt’s performance.
One enthusiastic supporter shared an image of the new actor in character, exclaiming: “I love Jimmy Smits as Bail but this IS Bail. He was just drawn by a different comic artist. Great recast.”
For clarity on why the change was made, Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy spoke to Entertainment Weekly, saying: “We couldn’t work it out.
“The scheduling didn’t work out. We really tried hard, but he wasn’t available and couldn’t make it.”
Andor season 2 continues Wednesdays on Disney+.