Andor Fans Are Psyched Over Episode 7's Surprise A New Hope Cameo
The first season of "Andor" is officially over halfway done with today's release of Episode 7. After an intense, action-packed Episode 6, the show dialed it back a bit, showing the repercussions of the Aldhani heist.
"Star Wars" fans get a good look at how different people throughout the universe reacted to the Rebellion's first major attack on the Empire. The Imperial Security Bureau is scrambling after the attack, and their drastic response threatens the entire galaxy with severe taxation if caught aiding anyone associated with the Rebellion. During this time, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) confronts Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) over his, and therefore her, involvement in the Aldhani heist, an incredible scene capped off by nuanced performances as both characters play the meeting off as a simple antique deal. We see Cassian (Diego Luna) return home, surprised to learn that many citizens of Ferrix, including his adoptive mother Maarva (Fiona Shaw), have been inspired by the events on Aldhani. Cassian wants nothing to do with the growing Rebellion and decides to flee to a resort-like planet.
Episode 7 of "Andor" is a worthy follow-up to Episode 6, taking its time to set up the new stakes that plague its main characters. While its pace is much slower, it didn't come without its fair share of surprises.
While critics and fans have praised "Andor" for not relying on connections to other "Star Wars" projects to tell a compelling story, Episode 7 cracked that door open with two subtle yet exciting cameos. Not only were "Andor" fans treated with an appearance of a KX enforcer droid, but Episode 7 also included a major "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "A New Hope" character.
Yularen makes a brief jump back to live-action in Andor
"Star Wars" first introduced Wullf Yularen in "A New Hope" as a high-ranking Imperial officer aboard the Death Star, though he never said a word. It wasn't until "The Clone Wars," which featured him more prominently, that fans got a better understanding of the character.
Yularen is an interesting character because he's one of the few that served both the Republic and the Empire, quickly swearing allegiance to Emperor Palpatine after his takeover. During the Clone Wars, Yularen served alongside General Anakin Skywalker, assisting him in the hunt for General Grievous and other battles. Yularen has a close relationship with notable characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn and Emperor Palpatine. "Andor" hints at that with the character sharing he discussed the Aldhani attack with the Sith Lord.
"Star Wars" fans quickly flooded Twitter with posts relating to Yularen's surprise cameo in "Andor." Many users, like GenericDanielle, were initially confused if actor Malcolm Sinclair was indeed playing Yularen, but the episode's credits later confirmed it. Fans couldn't get enough of the "Clone Wars" and "Rebels" character's quick cameo. MaceAhWindu said, "It makes sense that Yularen comes across as extremely cold and intimidating. You don't get to be the director of the Imperial Security Bureau by being a nice old man. Empire corrupts everyone, even the ones that may not seem evil. They're still contributing to its rule."
Other "Andor" fans wondered what his inclusion could mean for the future of live-action "Star Wars." Extro_introvert said, "The mere presence of Yularen in 'Andor' insinuates a Thrawn tease." Sams_takeover echoed this sentiment, saying that the character's inclusion in "Andor" brings "Star Wars" one step closer to a live-action Thrawn and suggests a possible Krennic cameo in the future.