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Riz Ahmed on Bodhi Rook’s Absence from Andor and Star Wars Storytelling

Riz Ahmed, known for his compelling portrayal of Bodhi Rook in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” addresses fans’ curiosity about his absence from the new prequel series, “Andor.” Despite the shared universe, creator Tony Gilroy made a deliberate choice not to include Bodhi, focusing on narrative integrity and avoiding timeline disruptions. Ahmed supports this decision with light-hearted acceptance, even likening his character’s selflessness to his willingness to step aside for the greater storytelling cause. He jokingly entertains the idea of a Bodhi Rook solo adventure but maintains no regrets, expressing enduring enthusiasm for the Star Wars saga. While Bodhi may not be part of “Andor,” Ahmed’s affection and openness to revisiting the Star Wars universe keep fans optimistic about his future return. #RizAhmed #StarWars #Andor #BodhiRook #TonyGilroy #RogueOne

Quick Takeaways:

  • Riz Ahmed confirmed Bodhi Rook won't appear in Andor.
  • Series creator Tony Gilroy chose to keep the character out to maintain timeline consistency.
  • Ahmed supports the decision and remains positive about future Star Wars involvement.

Why Bodhi Rook Is Missing from Andor

Riz Ahmed’s quiet, compelling performance as Bodhi Rook—the defector pilot from Jedha—in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story quickly established the character as a fan favorite. With the release of Andor, a prequel that directly connects to Rogue One’s events, some fans speculated whether familiar characters like Bodhi might reappear. But Rook’s absence raised questions, especially since the events in both stories are closely linked.

Tony Gilroy Prioritized the Story’s Structure

While promoting his new project, Relay, Ahmed spoke candidly about the decision. According to the actor, Andor creator Tony Gilroy did consider including Bodhi in the new series but ultimately decided against it. “Gilroy has got such an intricate way of plotting things, and he felt that bringing my character in would mess with timelines and the way he’d plotted lots of stuff through,” Ahmed explained.

Though Bodhi was left out of Andor, Ahmed had no objections. In fact, he praised the show’s quality and logic, saying, “As a fan, I think Andor is kind of perfect, so I wouldn’t mess with it or have it any other way.” He even quipped, “Much like Bodhi Rook, I’m willing to sacrifice myself for the greater cause here: the story making sense.”

Still Open to Returning

Despite Bodhi’s absence in Andor, Ahmed hasn’t ruled out stepping back into the Star Wars galaxy. While he joked about a solo film for the character, he was clear that he holds no regrets about the current direction. His fondness for the universe and its storytelling remains strong, and he’s said to be open to returning if the right opportunity ever comes along.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Riz Ahmed joke about a standalone Bodhi Rook movie?

Riz Ahmed joked with Tony Gilroy about getting a standalone movie for his Rogue One character, Bodhi Rook, after realizing the character was not included in the Andor series. It was said in good spirit, highlighting his affection for the role and fan interest in Bodhi.

Was Bodhi Rook supposed to be in the Andor series?

No, Bodhi Rook was not included in the Andor series, as the story is set before his character joins the Rebel Alliance in Rogue One. The series focuses on Cassian Andor’s journey before the events of that film.

Who is Bodhi Rook in Star Wars?

Bodhi Rook is an Imperial pilot who defects to the Rebel Alliance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He plays a crucial role in helping deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebels.

Could there be a Bodhi Rook spin-off in the future?

While there’s no official confirmation of a Bodhi Rook spin-off, Riz Ahmed’s joke reflects fan interest in the character. Star Wars has explored many characters in spinoffs, so it’s not out of the question in the future.

What was Tony Gilroy’s response to Riz Ahmed’s joke?

Tony Gilroy reportedly took Riz Ahmed’s joke about a Bodhi Rook standalone movie in stride, but there hasn’t been any official development. The moment highlighted the camaraderie between Star Wars actors and creators.

Which actors returned from Rogue One for the Andor series?

Diego Luna reprised his role as Cassian Andor in the Andor series. Other characters from Rogue One may appear, but Bodhi Rook, played by Riz Ahmed, was not featured in the series.

What is Riz Ahmed known for besides Star Wars?

Riz Ahmed is a British actor and rapper known for films like Sound of Metal, Venom, and Nightcrawler. He won an Emmy and was nominated for an Oscar, gaining acclaim for both his acting and music career.


Filipino Translation:

Si Riz Ahmed, ang nag-portray kay Bodhi Rook—yung dating Imperial pilot na nag-defect galing Jedha—binigyan niya ng tahimik pero intense na presence yung character niya sa Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Tapos ngayong lumabas na yung Andor, na prequel at super konektado sa events ng Rogue One, maraming fans ang nag-expect na baka makita ulit si Bodhi or at least may callback man lang. Pero ayun, wala siya sa series, kaya natural, naging curious yung mga tao—like, “Bakit nga ba?”

In-address naman 'to ni Ahmed sa mga interviews habang pinopromote niya yung new movie niya, "Relay." Sabi niya, si Tony Gilroy, yung creator ng Andor, pinag-isipan talaga nang mabuti kung isasama si Bodhi, pero in the end, hindi niya tinuloy para hindi masira yung flow ng story. “Gilroy has got such an intricate way of plotting things, and he felt that bringing my character in would mess with timelines and the way he’d plotted lots of stuff through,” Ahmed explained. “But as a fan, I think Andor is kind of perfect, so I wouldn’t mess with it or have it any other way.” Tanggap naman ni Ahmed yung naging decision, at in fairness, na-joke pa niya with a smile: “Much like Bodhi Rook, I’m willing to sacrifice myself for the greater cause here: the story making sense.”

Tsaka kahit pabirong nabanggit yung idea ng sarili niyang Bodhi Rook solo film, klaro naman na walang regrets si Ahmed. Sobrang into pa rin siya sa Star Wars universe, at kung sakaling magkaroon ng chance, open pa rin siyang bumalik sa role. Obvious din na mahal na mahal pa rin niya ‘yung franchise at yung storytelling nito.

Ayos diba?


Riz Ahmed Joked To Tony Gilroy About Getting A Standalone Movie After Bodhi Rook Missed Out On ‘Andor’ Series was first published here.