Andor Season 2 Is Fleshing Out the Most Important Star Wars Conflict You Don't Know

Lucasfilm has brilliantly expanded the Star Wars universe through series like *Star Wars: Andor* and *Star Wars Rebels*, showcasing diverse heroes and worlds integral to the fight against the Empire. While fans are familiar with Yavin-IV, Hoth, and Endor from the films, lesser-known planets like Lothal and Ferrix have also been brought to the forefront. Now, with the first three episodes of *Andor* Season 2, another planet has entered the Star Wars spotlight: Ghorman.

More: The Andor Cast Reacts to 5 Major Moments From the Season 2 Premiere

But what exactly is Ghorman, and why is it crucial to the Galactic Civil War? The unfolding events on Ghorman mark a turning point for the Rebel Alliance. Let's delve into this significant yet often overlooked corner of the Star Wars galaxy.

Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor

The planet Ghorman was first mentioned in *Star Wars: Andor* during the Season 1 episode "Narkina 5," where Saw Gerrera, played by Forest Whitaker, discusses the Ghorman Front with Luthen Rael, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård. The Ghorman Front serves as a cautionary tale of resistance against the Empire.

In Season 2, Ghorman takes center stage. In the premiere episode, Director Krennic, played by Ben Mendelsohn, addresses ISB agents about a pressing issue on the planet. He presents a documentary highlighting Ghorman's thriving textile industry, renowned for silk derived from a unique spider species, the planet's primary galactic export.

However, the Empire's true interest lies in Ghorman's vast calcite reserves. Krennic claims this calcite is essential for research into renewable energy, but given his role in *Rogue One*, it's likely he's misleading his audience. Calcite, similar to Kyber crystal, is crucial for the Death Star's construction, explaining the delays in Project: Stardust.

Extracting the necessary quantities of calcite would devastate Ghorman, leaving it a barren wasteland and posing a dilemma regarding the native Ghor population. Emperor Palpatine, wary of openly destroying a world and its people, seeks to justify the Empire's actions through manipulation.

Krennic's strategy involves turning public opinion against Ghorman, portraying it as a hub of anti-Imperial sentiment. While his propaganda team believes this can be achieved through social manipulation, Dedra Meero, played by Denise Gough, knows better. The Empire plans to install a group of radical rebels to further the narrative that Ghorman is dangerous and lawless, allowing the Empire to seize control under the pretext of restoring order.

This storyline promises to unfold throughout Season 2, drawing characters like Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) into the fray as Ghorman becomes a pivotal battleground in the Galactic Civil War. The planet's fate is poised to culminate in tragedy and a significant moment for the Rebel Alliance.

What Is the Ghorman Massacre?

*Andor* Season 2 is set to explore the Ghorman Massacre, a pivotal event leading to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. Though previously mentioned in Disney-era Star Wars media, its significance stems from the Star Wars Legends universe.

In Legends, the Ghorman Massacre occurred in 18 BBY when Grand Moff Tarkin, portrayed by Peter Cushing, brutally landed his ship on peaceful protesters opposing illegal Imperial taxes, resulting in numerous casualties. This act of cruelty galvanized public outcry and spurred Senators like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa to support the burgeoning rebel movement, directly contributing to the Rebel Alliance's formation.

In the Disney era, Lucasfilm is reimagining the Ghorman Massacre, adapting it to fit the current timeline. However, the core concept remains: the Empire's overreach incites a powerful rebel response.

Warning: the remainder of this article contains possible spoilers for upcoming episodes of Andor Season 2!