ANDOR: Best Actor Performances, Ranked

In *Andor*, Star Wars reaches new heights in acting dynamism, with Diego Luna anchoring the series through his evolution as Cassian Andor—a man transformed by personal loss into a pivotal Rebellion figure. Screen Rant acclaims the ensemble performances, especially Stellan Skarsgård’s electrifying portrayal of the enigmatic Luthen Rael, whose dual lives crackle with intense intrigue. Andy Serkis delivers one of the franchise’s most stirring moments as Kino Loy, a prison foreman whose unforgettable leadership speech reverberates through the galaxy. Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma adds gravitas to political machinations, while Adria Arjona and Denise Gough shine as Bix Caleen and Dedra Meero, respectively, embodying resilient women with gripping complexity. Discover how *Andor* redefines Star Wars television through nuanced character revelations that promise to leave you astounded and yearning for more.

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Quick Takeaways:

Andor’s performances stand out as some of the strongest in Star Wars television.
Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Andy Serkis, and others bring new intensity to their roles.
Characters are portrayed with rare emotional complexity for the franchise.

Standout Performances in Andor

Diego Luna as Cassian Andor
Luna returns to the role he first played in Rogue One, this time exploring Cassian’s past and inner struggle with identity and purpose. His performance captures the disillusionment, resentment, and eventual resolve of someone shaped by loss and injustice. Luna’s grounded approach makes Cassian’s transformation both credible and gripping.

Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael
Skarsgård brings gravitas and mystery to Luthen, a figure central to the early foundations of the Rebellion. His scenes blend quiet calculation with bursts of passion, especially in key monologues that reveal the weight of his sacrifices. Luthen’s dual life—publicly a collector, secretly a leader—adds rich complexity to the role.

Andy Serkis as Kino Loy
Serkis joins the Star Wars universe in a role unlike anything he’s done before. As the factory floor manager Kino Loy, he delivers a compelling performance filled with frustration, fear, and eventually, courage. His speech in episode 10, urging fellow prisoners to rise up, stands as one of the show’s most emotional moments.

Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma
O’Reilly offers a restrained, detailed interpretation of a woman trying to push reform from within a corrupt Senate. Her portrayal carefully balances outward poise with inward tension, as her character navigates difficult choices in both politics and family. This version of Mon Mothma reveals more than fans have ever seen before.

Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen & Denise Gough as Dedra Meero
Both Arjona and Gough add compelling layers to their characters. Arjona’s Bix remains defiant under extreme pressure, showing strength without fanfare. Gough’s Dedra, a methodical Imperial officer, commands attention with her cold precision—making her one of the most intriguing antagonists in the series.

A New Benchmark for Star Wars Performances
Screen Rant’s rankings reflect a broader response: Andor’s cast has reshaped expectations for acting in the Star Wars galaxy. Rather than leaning on spectacle alone, the show finds momentum in character-driven stories and emotionally charged moments that linger long after the credits roll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who gave the best performance in Star Wars: Andor?

Diego Luna delivered the standout performance as Cassian Andor, portraying the character’s transformation with depth and intensity. His nuanced acting anchored the entire series emotionally and thematically.

Why is Stellan Skarsgård’s role in Andor so highly praised?

Stellan Skarsgård’s portrayal of Luthen Rael is praised for its complexity and gravitas, especially in his powerful monologue about sacrifice. His performance added rich layers to one of the most enigmatic characters in the series.

Which Andor character had the most emotional impact?

Fiona Shaw’s portrayal of Maarva Andor had a lasting emotional impact, especially through her posthumous speech that sparked rebellion. Her heartfelt performance resonated with many fans and became a defining moment of the show.

Is Andy Serkis good in Star Wars: Andor?

Yes, Andy Serkis delivers a powerful and memorable performance as Kino Loy. His rousing speech and emotional arc turned a supporting role into one of the highlights of the series.

How does Denise Gough stand out as Dedra Meero in Andor?

Denise Gough brings chilling intensity to the role of Dedra Meero, an ambitious ISB officer. Her commanding performance gives a human face to the Empire’s bureaucracy, making her a compelling antagonist.

What makes Kyle Soller’s portrayal of Syril Karn unique in Andor?

Kyle Soller presents Syril Karn as a deeply conflicted and obsessive character, capturing his descent into authoritarian zeal with subtlety. His performance adds psychological depth to a seemingly minor character.

Filipino Translation:

Andor sobrang taas ng binigay na standard pagdating sa acting sa buong Star Wars franchise. Yung buong cast, grabe, ang gagaling—parang ito na ata yung best na performances na nakita sa saga. Eto yung ilan sa pinaka-hinangaan na acting moments, base sa ranking ng Screen Rant:

- Diego Luna as Cassian Andor: Siyempre, standout si Luna bilang Cassian Andor. Sobrang galing niya i-portray yung character na dumadaan sa personal na pain, tapos unti-unting nagiging importanteng bahagi ng Rebellion.

- Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael: Ang lalim ng acting ni Skarsgård as Luthen. Lalo na sa mga intense na scenes, kita mo talaga yung struggle niya balancing kung sino siya in public vs. yung secret identity niya. Isa 'to sa mga strongest points ng show.

- Andy Serkis as Kino Loy: Sobrang powerful ng performance ni Serkis bilang si Kino sa Narkina 5 arc. Yung speech niya sa episode 10? Grabe, goosebumps. Isa yun sa pinaka-memorable moments ng buong franchise. Kaya naging favorite agad siya ng mga fans.

- Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma: Si O'Reilly, ang subtle ng acting pero ramdam mo yung bigat sa bawat eksena. Ang galing niya magdala nung political angle ng Andor, kaya sobrang impactful ng role niya.

- Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen at Denise Gough as Dedra Meero: Pareho silang solid—ang intense ng portrayal nila ng mga babaeng strong and complex na nasa ilalim ng matinding pressure. Hindi mo mapapalampas yung presence nila sa show.

Sa totoo lang, saludo yung Screen Rant sa buong cast kasi hindi lang basta performance yung binigay nila—nilift up talaga nila yung buong series. Yung acting sa Andor pinakita kung gaano kataas ang level na kayang abutin ng Star Wars sa TV.

Star Wars: Andor’s 10 Best Performances, Ranked was first published here.