Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Andor season 2.Andorseason 2 just introduced a fascinating change to one ofStar Wars’most gruesome stories: the Ghorman Massacre. GivenAndorseason 2’s place in theStar Warstimeline, which runs from 4 BBY to just beforeRogue One: A Star Wars Story, many anticipated that this second and final season of the show would include this brutal massacre that took place during the Dark Times. So far,Star Warsmovies and TV showshave not depicted this event on screen.
In fact, up until now, the Ghorman Massacre was primarily explored in Legends; it remained to be seen how exactly this event would play out inStar Warscanon. Yet, several hints have been dropped that this event is about to be depicted inAndorseason 2, which has only increasingly proven true given the focus on Ghorman inAndorseason 2’s first six episodes. It may not be exactly what audiences are expecting, though, asAndorseason 2 has evidently made a massive change to the Ghorman Massacre inStar Wars.
The Ghorman Massacre Was A Crucial Star Wars Legends Story
This Was A Defining Moment In The Empire’s History
In Legends, the Ghorman Massacre actually took place considerably earlier on in theStar Warstimeline than it evidently will inAndor. WhereasAndorseason 2 begins in 4 BBY (and then moves forward in time by one year between each 3-episode arc),in Legends, the Ghorman Massacre took place in 18 BBY, meaning it occurred not long afterStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithand the formation of the Empire. At this time in Legends, various protests were taking place, pushing back against the Empire’s newfound power.
One such protest took place on the planet Ghorman, and, when Wilhuff Tarkin was sent in to deal with the demonstrators, tragedy struck. With little regard for the lives on Ghorman, Tarkin landed his ship right on top of the protesters, who had been blocking the landing pad, refusing to move. This led to a staggering number of deaths, and very few who were participating in the protest made it out alive.
With little regard for the lives on Ghorman, Tarkin landed his ship right on top of the protesters.
It was following this event that the Delegation of 2000 (which has only really been shown on screen inRevenge of the Sith’sdeleted scenes) initiated rebel activity that would eventually turn into the Rebel Alliance. Based on this alone, it was evident thatAndorwas not going to be able to keep this story beat for beat, as it would be taking place much further along in the Dark Times. Yet, it seemsAndorseason 2 is about to make changes to more than just the timing of this tragedy.
Star Wars Rebels Suggested Some Major Changes Were Coming
Although it’s true that the Ghorman Massacre hasn’t yet been depicted on screen inStar Warscanon, this event has been mentioned.InStar Wars Rebels, it was confirmed that an event on Ghorman led Mon Mothma to defect from the Imperial Senate in 2 BBY. As mentioned, this already meant a significant change to the Legends version of the Massacre, based on the timing alone.
This also meant some major changes to the story, though, given in Legends, the Ghorman Massacre was a catalyzing event for the Rebellion in many ways. Based on what was revealed inRebels, the canon Ghorman Massacre instead takes place not long before the originalStar Warstrilogy and thus towards the Empire’s end. This raises additional questions about Tarkin’s involvement in this event in canon—andAndorseason 2 has a shocking answer.
This raises additional questions about Tarkin’s involvement in this event in canon—andAndorseason 2 has a shocking answer.
Andor Season 2 Just Made Legends' Ghorman Massacre Canon
Legends' Ghorman Massacre Is Still Canon… In A Way
Although it’s clear the Ghorman Massacre won’t look the same in canon as it does in Legends,Andorseason 2 has revealed that the massacre from Legends is canon; it just doesn’t have the same name. Specifically,Andorseason 2 episode 4 made reference to “the Tarkin Massacre,” suggesting that the Legends version of the Ghorman Massacre did happen, but it’s distinct from the Ghorman Massacre about to unfold inAndor. In addition to this being a major change inStar Wars, it also raises massive questions in terms of the story of the Empire.
Andorseason 2 episode 4 made reference to “the Tarkin Massacre,” suggesting that the Legends version of the Ghorman Massacre did happen.
Presumably, based on the name alone, Tarkin carried out an attack on protesters similar to the Legends story. At present, it’s unclear what that means for Tarkin’s involvement in this impending massacre and, if not Tarkin, who may be at the helm of the Ghorman Massacre inAndor. This also has interesting implications for the history of the Rebellion, given this was such a key event in Legends and initiated rebel activities. It remains to be seen what exactly the Ghorman Massacre will entail inAndorseason 2, but it’s clear thatStar Warsis changing this event’s history.
New episodes ofAndorseason 2 release weekly on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
Andorseason 2, episodes 1-3
Andorseason 2, episodes 4-6
Andorseason 2, episodes 7-9
Andorseason 2, episodes 10-12
