By Andor season 2 brings back numerous recognizable characters from the distant galaxy, including a significant legacy role and a lesser-known figure from Star Wars Rebels. One particularly awaited Rogue One character finally appears in episode 8, after being notably missing in season 1.
As the narrative continues to leap through time, tensions escalate on Ghorman, bringing events closer to the Rebel Alliance’s objective of obtaining the Imperial schematics for the Death Star in Rogue One, filling in numerous story gaps.
We’ve gathered all the crucial information about their return in the newest episodes (and the reason for their prior absence) below, but proceed with caution: there are spoilers for Andor season 2 episode 8 ahead, so turn back now if you’re not caught up with the series and wish to avoid spoilers.
How do Cassian and K-2SO meet in Andor season 2?
Episode 8 of Andor season 2 finally introduces the droid K-2SO, who encounters Cassian Andor on the planet Ghorman. K-2 and other droids are sent to the planet by Imperial forces, used as reinforcement during the crackdown on a protest in the plaza that turns violent due to the Empire’s meddling—a scene that will become known as the Ghorman Massacre.
Cassian fights through the pandemonium (after an altercation with Syril), but K-2 continues to chase him as he attempts to flee in his spacecraft. Just in time, Wilmon rescues Cassian by running into K-2 and pinning the droid against a wall. Cassian then brings K-2 back to Yavin 4.
“I always had hope,” K-2 actor Alan Tudyk stated at this year’s Star Wars Celebration when asked about his return to the role for the first time since Rogue One. “[K2 is] a crucial part of the show. I truly wished for this to happen; I once even hoped for a standalone, K2 Fast K2 Furious… Tony’s a superior writer, as it turns out. He created a fantastic show, and we finally see how our two characters meet, showcasing K-2SO’s origin this season—what a thrill!”
Of course, the aggressive droid we encounter in episode 8 isn’t the K-2 we ultimately know; after all, the character in Rogue One is a reprogrammed unit. He plays a vital role in the 2016 film, assisting Jyn, Cassian, and the other rebels in extracting the Death Star’s plans.
“I had no idea it would be such a blast,” Cassian actor Diego Luna remarked about working alongside Tudyk during the same Star Wars Celebration panel. “When reading the script, you’re engaging with a droid, right? But then Alan arrives, and it’s an entire character with depth—a character imbued with soul. He enriched this role and deserves the accolades he’s received for elevating it to new heights.”
Why wasn’t K-2SO in Andor season 1?
Andor showrunner and Rogue One screenwriter Tony Gilroy had valid reasons for postponing Cassian and K2’s encounter until season 2, even while acknowledging it wasn’t a favored choice. “The expectations are high. No, I was aware. I anticipated the backlash from delaying that connection,” Gilroy confessed in an interview with Collider.
“No one was pleased about it. I doubt Disney was happy; the fans certainly weren’t. But there was a legitimate reason behind it. However, it does mean that I certainly have to deliver on the dramatic reunion, so we’ll see how it unfolds. We’re content with what we’ve created.”
Andor season 2 is airing weekly on Disney Plus. Stay updated with our Andor season 2 release schedule, or catch up with our analysis in our Andor season 2 review.