Andor has quickly become one of the most discussed Star Wars series. Besides being the most recent show, it has compelling characters, interesting simultaneous plots, and a story that pushes the franchise in new directions.
Yet, audiences have noticed that in some of the episodes when an unfamiliar language is spoken, there are no subtitles.
Why does Disney+’s Andor have no subtitles? The main reason is that this creative choice adds to the appeal of the show.
Contents
Why Are There No Subtitles in Andor?
For the scenes on Kenari, Andor does not use subtitles. During the first three episodes of the show, the audience gets flashbacks to depict Cassian’s boyhood life. On Kenari, a native language is used, not English, and we are left wondering what they are saying.
The main explanation for the lack of subtitles when characters are speaking the Kenari language is that it’s an intentional choice because viewers are not supposed to understand the language.
This creative choice is meant to provide a sense of the cultural gap between places like Ferrix and Kenari.
Although audiences can figure out some of the meaning based on body language and gestures, it reserves this communication mainly for people from Kenari.
This explanation coincides well with the intentions of the series. Andor was meant to be about mystery, intrigue, and deception. Allowing room for interpretation furthers this goal.
In particular, the lack of subtitles contributes to the mystery of the Kenari people. This indigenous group inhabits a mysterious planet that was not on the radar in other Star Wars films and shows.
An unknown, unspoken-elsewhere language adds to the mystique of these people and the origins of Cassian.
Although Cassian claims to be from the planet Fest, we discover that he was once called Kassa and lived on the lush jungle planet Kenari.
He and his sister Kerri lived with a group of young indigenous people until he was found on the ship of Maarva and Clem Andor, who adopted him at age 9.
Other commentaries about this topic have stressed the purposeful focus on body language. Without subtitles, audiences are forced to focus on the character’s body language.
This approach prompts a different kind of viewing in which audiences need to pay attention more closely. Yet, it’s not that difficult to figure out what is happening.
This approach also helps with such scenes as when Cassian is found by Maarva and Clem. They cannot understand each other, and the scene is more gripping that way.
No Subtitles and Cassian’s Past
Related to the above explanation is the point that the lack of subtitles serves to keep audiences at a distance from Cassian’s past.
Although in season 1 of Andor we find out more about Cassian and see him progress toward becoming a rebel leader, we still do not know much about his time on Kenari.
A more pressing past mystery is Cassian’s sister. This storyline was presented at the outset of the show and hinted at a few more times, but never resolved. The unknowns about Kenari may lead to a larger reveal about his sister in season 2.
Perhaps in season 2, Cassian will have more flashbacks to Kenari. And, quite possibly, his sister will have a major role in the unfolding rebellion.
For now, the lack of subtitles serves as one of the mechanisms to strengthen a key aspect of the series–its ambiguity.
No Subtitles and Ambiguity
Andor is a show based on character ambiguity. Cassian is conflicted about the role he should play throughout much of season 1. He is not alone.
Syril Karn is another character that does not know where he is going. He was deputy inspector of the law enforcement body Preox-Morlana before being dismissed.
Then he languished in self-doubt at the Imperial Bureau of Standards before rescuing Imperial officer Dedra Meero in the last episode of the season.
Where he goes from here is not known, much like the language of Kenari.
The actor Kyle Soller, who plays Syril, commented on how this ambiguity about the role is what made it and the show so appealing.
Not knowing where people stand is a central part of the show, and we can see how adding details like no subtitles enhance that very appeal.
Following Lucas’s Lead
The flashback scene where Cassian and the other Kenarians find the crashed Republic cruiser is also enhanced by not having subtitles. It adds an effect in a way that George Lucas has previously done.
Lucas had first drawn on this technique with Chewbacca’s language to make the viewer identify with him more.
As one fan has pointed out, viewers do not need subtitles to understand Chewbacca. Similar to Andor, we can figure it out based on his body movements and facial expressions, as well as how Han and Leia respond to him.
The lack of subtitles is slightly different here, though, since we get to know the character more without them. Audiences like the primarily bear-like noises that Chewbacca makes.
With Andor, we get drawn more into the mystery of the characters and show.
We do have subtitles for characters like Jabba the Hutt. Allowing us to clearly understand his words may serve to deepen his ganger-evil nature. After all, he is a gangster crime lord who is not ambivalent by any means.
The character of Jabba was also originally meant to be played by an actor who spoke English. Jabba’s language was also based on a native one spoken in South America.
So, unlike Andor, there was a different type of creative design in his language.
No Subtitles in Andor
Andor is an appealing show for many reasons, including its characters and story. The intentional lack of subtitles adds another layer to this appeal.
Without subtitles, the Kenari people are more genuine and mysterious. A lack of subtitles enhances the mystery of Cassian Andor’s background and ongoing questions like who his sister is.
Not using subtitles follows some of the creative decisions that George Lucas made. The show thus draws on past references as it carves a new path.
Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan who has expanded into writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has written about recent shows such as The Mandalorian and Andor and classic topics like Darth Vader, the Jedi, and Boba Fett. His recent articles include the MCU’s Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. Todd is the author of a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.