Andor is a direct prequel to Rogue One, showing Cassian Andor's transformation from petty thief to dedicated Rebel spy. The series covers the five years before the events of the 2016 film, ending right where Rogue One begins.
When we meet Cassian in Rogue One, he's already a hardened operative willing to do morally questionable things for the Rebellion. Andor shows us exactly how he became that person.
The Five-Year Timeline
Season 1 (Year 5 BBY): Cassian is a small-time thief on Ferrix who accidentally kills two corporate security officers. This forces him into contact with Luthen Rael and the nascent Rebellion.
- The Rebel cells unifying into the Alliance
- Cassian becoming a true believer
- The lead-up to stealing the Death Star plans
Rogue One (Year 0 BBY): The series ends right before Cassian receives orders to find Jyn Erso and extract her father's message.
Cassian's Transformation
Start of Andor: Cassian is selfish, traumatized, and motivated primarily by survival and money. He has no political convictions.
By Rogue One: He's a committed Rebel willing to sacrifice everything—including his moral principles—for the cause. He's done terrible things and carries that weight.
- The Aldhani heist shows him what organized resistance looks like
- His imprisonment at Narkina 5 radicalizes him completely
- Watching oppression firsthand transforms abstract politics into personal conviction
Characters Who Appear in Both
Cassian Andor: Diego Luna plays him in both Mon Mothma: Genevieve O'Reilly reprises her role from Rogue One Saw Gerrera: Forest Whitaker appears in both stories
K-2SO: Expected to appear in Season 2, showing how Cassian acquires and reprograms the Imperial droid
The Others: Most Andor characters (Luthen, Bix, Syril) are new to the series and won't appear in Rogue One—their fates remain unknown.