Mon Mothma’s Defining Moment: Genevieve O’Reilly and Tony Gilroy on Her Bold Rebellion in ‘Andor’

This week’s episode of ‘Andor’ delivered a pivotal moment for fans, a scene that further cemented Mon Mothma’s role as a cornerstone of the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire. The episode features Mon Mothma taking to the Senate floor following the devastating events on Ghorman, delivering a powerful indictment of Emperor Palpatine’s increasingly tyrannical rule. This moment marks a significant escalation in Mon Mothma’s public commitment to the Rebellion, serving as a powerful prelude to her future actions and echoing her iconic speech en route to Yavin with Gold Squadron.

Actress Genevieve O’Reilly, who portrays Mon Mothma, and ‘Andor’ showrunner Tony Gilroy, spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the importance of this scene and its impact on Mon Mothma’s character arc. The scene highlights the character’s growing desperation and unwavering commitment to fighting for freedom in a galaxy consumed by fear and oppression.

"The monster who will come for us all soon enough is Emperor Palpatine," Mon Mothma declares in her impassioned speech. Her words are not merely political rhetoric but a stark warning, a call to action aimed directly at Palpatine and those who enable his reign through fear and self-preservation.

O’Reilly elaborated on the significance of this moment for Mon Mothma. "She knows that now is the time to use her one weapon, which is her voice, and she must use it and be as impactful as possible," she explained. "She is ruthless in that moment, in the name of the Rebellion."

The actress emphasized that this was a scene she had long hoped to portray, recognizing its crucial role in defining Mon Mothma’s character. "It was everything I was hoping for," O’Reilly revealed. "That’s like the best gift you can get as an actor. She speaks to how important the Senate is to her. You can see that it’s like her church. She reveals so much and then she calls out some really brutal truths."

O’Reilly further highlighted the emotional weight and personal significance of delivering the speech. "I knew that that would be important to fans. I knew it was also really important to me for her. That’s the fulcrum of who Mon Mothma is right there. And so I got to stand up for her in that moment. That was really important to me, and I hope it means something to people because it felt really great to be able to give her that voice."

The scene’s impact extends beyond the immediate narrative of ‘Andor.’ It offers a deeper understanding of Mon Mothma’s motivations and sacrifices, enriching her portrayal in previous ‘Star Wars’ installments. It underscores her commitment to democratic ideals and her willingness to risk everything in the fight against tyranny.

One notable aspect of ‘Andor’ is its approach to existing ‘Star Wars’ canon, particularly material from the animated series ‘Star Wars Rebels.’ While ‘Andor’ aims to tell its own story, it also seeks to maintain consistency with established lore. Gilroy addressed this balance, stating, "In a really sneaky way, we’re minimizing what they did in Star Wars Rebels, but we’re keeping it consistent. We’re just saying you don’t really know the whole story of what happened."

This approach allows ‘Andor’ to explore the complexities and nuances of the Rebellion’s formation, providing new perspectives on familiar characters and events. It acknowledges the existing canon while also creating space for fresh narratives and character development.

O’Reilly played a key role in shaping the scene, advocating for a more complete and impactful portrayal of Mon Mothma’s speech. She recalled asking Gilroy to expand on the scene, which was initially fragmented and interspersed with other moments in the episode.

"Within a day or two, he came with that whole speech," she explained. "He gave it to me, the idea being that I would learn it and then they would just do those moments. Then, I went to the director, and the director was like, ‘Yeah, let’s film the whole speech.’ It was such a huge thing to me to give that whole speech. It feels really special."

The decision to film the entire speech allowed O’Reilly to fully embody Mon Mothma’s conviction and vulnerability, creating a powerful and emotionally resonant scene. It also demonstrated the collaborative nature of the ‘Andor’ production, where actors and creatives work together to bring the characters and story to life.

The full speech, as delivered by O’Reilly, provides a comprehensive and nuanced view of Mon Mothma’s perspective. It reveals her deep understanding of Palpatine’s manipulation and the growing threat to the Republic. It also underscores her unwavering belief in the importance of the Senate, even as it becomes increasingly corrupted and ineffective.

The scene is not only a defining moment for Mon Mothma but also a turning point in the larger narrative of ‘Andor.’ It marks a shift from clandestine activities to open defiance, signaling the growing momentum of the Rebellion. It sets the stage for future conflicts and sacrifices, solidifying Mon Mothma’s role as a leader and symbol of hope in a dark and oppressive galaxy.

Fans of ‘Star Wars’ have long admired Mon Mothma’s unwavering commitment to justice and freedom. ‘Andor’ provides a deeper understanding of her journey, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices she faces in her fight against the Empire. This recent episode, with its powerful speech and compelling performance by Genevieve O’Reilly, is a testament to the character’s enduring legacy and the importance of her role in the ‘Star Wars’ saga.

The weekly release of ‘Andor’ episodes on Disney+ continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of the darker aspects of the ‘Star Wars’ universe. Mon Mothma’s defining moment in this week’s episode is just one example of the show’s ability to enrich and expand upon existing lore, providing new perspectives on familiar characters and events.