Tony Gilroy had one of the coolest Star Wars ideas ever written sitting in the script pile, ready to roll cameras. But instead of greenlighting what fans are calling a missed masterpiece, Disney pulled the budget—and the episode vanished into the void.
We’re talking about a standalone Andor horror episode that featured K2 in full terrifying glory. And yeah, people aren’t taking it well.
A Droid Horror Story That Never Was
The revelation came straight from the horse’s mouth. Tony Gilroy, the creative force behind Andor, sat down with Entertainment Weekly and casually dropped a bomb.
Apparently, his brother Dan Gilroy had penned an “amazing” episode for Season 2, set to be Episode 209. It was fully written, plotted out, and—according to Tony—ready to shake things up.
“It was the K2 story,” he said. “A massive, grotesque tanker ship docks at Yavin. Inside? A rogue KX security droid gone berserk. Picture it: locked corridors, a monster on the loose, panic, survival. You know, horror. But Star Wars.”
But Disney said no. Not because it lacked quality. Not because it didn’t fit. Just… too expensive. They axed it.
“We couldn’t afford to do it,” Tony added with what can only be described as resigned irritation. “It was out of the range.”
So, yeah. They scrapped it. Just like that.
Fans Aren’t Holding Back
If there’s one corner of the internet where you can count on passionate feedback, it’s the Star Wars subreddit. And the reaction? Let’s just say it wasn’t mild.
“I would have loved to see that!” wrote SoulxxBondz. Another chimed in: “Like an Alien-esque type thing, except it is a robot!”
People were imagining something gritty, atmospheric, maybe even R-rated in tone. Imagine the cold, methodical menace of K-2SO—but twisted. A droid that hunts. Doesn’t sleep. Doesn’t talk. Just stalks.
One fan had a cheeky suggestion: “Whatever he wrote, recycle for an HK-47 movie.”
Hey, Disney. Fans are out here writing pitches in comment threads. Maybe take notes?
Budget Priorities Are Getting Roasted
Here’s where it gets awkward. Because it’s not like Disney doesn’t have the money. This is the same studio that’s dropped hundreds of millions into shows that barely made it past the concept stage.
Meanwhile, Andor—arguably one of the most critically praised Star Wars stories ever put to screen—gets nickel-and-dimed?
That’s the real kicker.
Let’s talk numbers for a second.
| Project | Reported Budget | Reception |
|---|---|---|
| The Acolyte (in production) | $180M+ | TBD |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | $150M | Mixed to negative |
| Andor (Season 1) | ~$120M | Critically acclaimed |
| Star Wars: Starfighter | ??? | Already triggering fan outrage |
The Bigger Picture: What’s Going On at Lucasfilm?
Some insiders have suggested that budget cuts are part of a broader belt-tightening strategy at Disney. Following Bob Iger’s return and restructuring across divisions, Lucasfilm hasn’t been immune.
Projects have been cancelled mid-development. Shows delayed. Entire storylines shelved.
Andor’s second season, originally expected to bridge directly into Rogue One, is now being compressed. Some stories have been cut. The horror episode is only one of several casualties.
There’s a feeling in the fandom that Lucasfilm isn’t exactly steering the ship with confidence lately.
Gilroy, for his part, didn’t name names or throw punches. But the subtext was loud enough: he had gold in his hands, and the studio just shrugged.
Why This One Hurts More Than Usual
This wasn’t just another side mission or flashback arc. This was K2’s introduction—a character fans already love. And giving that moment its own suspense-filled, horror-tinged episode could have been unforgettable.
Especially considering how dry and formulaic parts of the franchise have felt lately. This was different. It had flavor.
Fans were already drawing comparisons to Alien, Event Horizon, even Dead Space. A dark corridor. A metal-on-metal thud. And a KX unit that doesn’t malfunction—it hunts.
One-sentence paragraph: It could’ve been iconic.
Instead, we’re left with what-ifs and Reddit threads.
What Happens Next?
So where does that leave Andor?
Still alive. Still airing. But fans are watching it with a mix of awe and frustration. Gilroy’s vision is strong—but you can feel the constraints creeping in.
Some are hoping this lost episode script finds a second life, maybe even as an animated short. Others are just bitter it didn’t happen when it should’ve.
The timing stings, too. With Andor Season 2 set to be the final chapter, this was one of the last chances to really do something bold. And instead of swinging for the stars, Disney folded their hand.
