Tony Gilroy, the creator of the critically acclaimed Andor series, has a rather surprising—and quite amusing—reason for disliking Disney’s 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. It’s not because of any artistic rivalry or creative differences, but a matter of pure logistics that left him a bit exasperated.
The Hilarious Anecdote Behind Tony Gilroy’s “Hatred” for The Little Mermaid
In a recent interview, Tony Gilroy shared a hilarious story from the production of Andor. While working in his office at Pinewood Studios, his window overlooked the set where The Little Mermaid live-action remake was being filmed. The proximity of the two sets was apparently a constant source of distraction for Gilroy, with The Little Mermaid set becoming what he described as a “ghost” that haunted him throughout his day.
He recounted, “When we started season 1, pre-COVID, I had an office at Pinewood, and my window faced the set. We were trying to build Ferrix, which needed six hectares of space, and through my window, all I could see was the set for The Little Mermaid.” It’s easy to imagine how this constant presence of the film’s set, especially in the middle of his own hectic production schedule, could get on anyone’s nerves. It’s a reminder of how even the most high-profile projects can be disrupted by something as seemingly trivial as a neighboring film set.
#Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy explaining his beef with 'The Little Mermaid' live-action film 😂 pic.twitter.com/o2c8EfpiLJ
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) May 24, 2025
Andor: A Fresh Take on the Star Wars Universe
Andor, a prequel to the 2016 film Rogue One, has carved out its own identity within the vast Star Wars universe. The show dives deep into the five pivotal years before the events of Rogue One, focusing on Cassian Andor’s evolution from a petty thief to a key figure in the Rebellion. But unlike other Star Wars series that use flashy virtual sets, Andor took a grounded, realistic approach to its production. The series turned to real, expansive sets built at Pinewood Studios and filmed on location across England and Scotland, giving the show a tactile, gritty feel that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
This shift away from the StageCraft technology used in other Star Wars shows, like The Mandalorian, allowed Andor to stand apart with a more authentic and mature tone. Rather than relying on virtual backgrounds, the show brought the reality of its world to life with detailed, physical sets—immersing viewers in the gritty, political drama that unfolded in the shadow of the Empire.
Andor‘s Critical Success
The reception for Andor has been overwhelmingly positive. The first season holds an impressive 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the second season exceeding even that, sitting at 97%. The show’s mature, complex storytelling and the depth of its characters set it apart from other Star Wars content produced for Disney+. Critics have praised its grounded, almost documentary-like quality, and Andor’s distinct tone has earned it accolades, with some calling it “the best Star Wars project ever made.”
Vulture’s Nicholas Quah went so far as to call it “a miracle” and “the best Star Wars ever created.” Diego Luna’s portrayal of Cassian Andor was particularly highlighted for its emotional weight, providing fans with a deeply human perspective on the Rebellion’s rise.
Tony Gilroy’s Vision for Andor and His Impact on Star Wars
Much of Andor‘s success can be attributed to Tony Gilroy’s unique approach to the Star Wars universe. His vision was far from conventional, preferring to forge a path that focused on the realities of life under Imperial rule rather than the fantastical elements often associated with the franchise.
Gilroy has shown that even in a galaxy far, far away, there’s room for grounded, realistic stories that explore corruption, power, and sacrifice. His unconventional take brought a fresh perspective to the franchise, breathing new life into familiar themes and characters. But who knew that part of that “fresh take” came from a deep-seated frustration with a mermaid?
In the end, Gilroy’s unique sense of humor and perspective made Andor a standout success in the Star Wars canon. And while the Little Mermaid may have haunted his workday, it certainly didn’t overshadow the brilliance of Andor, which continues to shine as one of the most mature and innovative Star Wars projects to date.
