Star Wars has ventured into new territory with its Disney+ series. Among these, Andor stands out for its staggering $645 million production cost, making it the most expensive Star Wars project ever.
Disney has spent a total of $645 million on Andor’s two seasons, with $290.9 million for the upcoming second season. This exceeds previous Star Wars films like The Last Jedi ($280.7 million) and The Force Awakens ($243.8 million). With 24 episodes, the average cost per episode is $26.9 million. Compared to The Mandalorian’s $120 million per season, Andor’s budget is over five times higher.
Despite critical acclaim for its mature storytelling, Andor’s initial viewership lagged behind The Mandalorian. However, word-of-mouth praise has boosted its audience over time. Season 2, premiering April 22, 2025, will bridge the gap between Andor and Rogue One, cementing its importance in the Star Wars saga.
Andor’s budget overshadows other projects like the canceled The Acolyte, which had a $230.1 million budget. Lucasfilm’s shift toward theatrical releases raises questions about future streaming investments. Andor’s approval came before this pivot, making similar budgets unlikely for future shows.
The success of Andor’s second season will determine if the investment pays off. Its critical acclaim and connection to the Star Wars universe position it as a potential milestone for streaming television.