Kyle Soller and Denise Gough on Playing Villains in 'Andor' | Entertainment Weekly

[@OldishGoalie]

Denise Gough has brought it, period. Her facial muscle control in so many scenes adds so much unspoken emotion. It's incredible, she's incredible, the show is incredible. And then there's Andy Serkis. I already know I'm going to feel anger that season 2 isn't streaming yet, when the last episode of season 1 comes!!

[@Daneelro]

And when you think no one can top Andy Serkis, along comes Stellan Skarsgård...

[@anydaynow01]

@@Daneelro So true, just when I thought Skarsgård couldn't top his scifi presence with his Baron Harkonnen role he does this, just makes me wish Dune was a high budget series!

[@curtisbme]

You'd think Gollum would have known how to swim.. So sad..

[@darthgroot9130]

lol that’s what I said

[@juanfranciscocosta5387]

Also noted that and she is great in Thai role.

[@dorobooya4721]

I've never heard actors from Star Wars EVER talk about their roles like this. Astounding.

[@damiendehorn6350]

That's because nothing in Star Wars has ever been written like this, it's like the writers actually thought of their audience being intelligent. The writing and acting are on a different level, hence why they got this cast, just looking at the credits says it all.

[@anthonygordon9483]

Ming-Na Wen the girl that plays Fennec Shand was in a star wars book club. I think she is the biggest fan who is in the universe right now.

[@milesharbord9339]

Can you imagine Harrison Ford being this passionate about this? This is great...

[@curtisbme]

@@milesharbord9339 Can you imagine Harrison being passionate about anything? Don't recall any interview with him ever where he doesn't seem he wants to be somewhere else.

[@Pwn3dbyth3n00b]

That's what happens when you make a Star Wars project with people passionate about Star Wars and story telling over pushing some agenda. This show got a strong villian who is also a strong woman that's still human and dealing with her own office politics and you still want to her to suceed. Even this show has an agenda about freedoms, fascism and authoritarianism yet they're able to pull it off because they actually have something to say and a story to tell.

[@iWork3d]

Denise Gough is a standout star in this series; absolutely incredible things are coming her way.

[@TheRumblewagon]

I hope she gets something in Season 2 of HotD. She's staggeringly talented and deserves some big projects.

[@alcor4670]

Absolutely. But it's not just her. I rewatched all of the episodes released so far, and I tried really, *_really_* hard to find a crappy performance. And not just from the mains or secondaries, but also the _extras._ Everyone *really* brought it. The entire production outfit really did an excellent job, elevating a franchise that's borderline campy into something incredibly sophisticated.

[@EICKonaHIKE]

@@alcor4670 I rewatched every episode as well. It rewards multiple viewings. So so good.

[@concernedearthling3353]

Both are exceptional characters and actors! Thanks for bringing the universe to life.

[@Austinbuff]

Definitely the best in the show, no contest

[@Bearedd]

She’s one of my favorite characters on andor. Everytime she comes on screen, she commands a presence.

[@chrisorr3919]

The female characters in Andor have been outstanding. Great acting and writing!

[@Bearedd]

@@chrisorr3919 agreed!

[@joeracer302]

Yennefer ❤️

[@markus_blend16]

@@chrisorr3919 yes indeed!

[@magmapixel8627]

@@chrisorr3919 It’s because they’re characters first, and female second. This series has its priorities straight and it shows.

[@arctic_haze]

When you look at them both in real life, you realize how good actors they are.

[@EICKonaHIKE]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@joeracer302]

She’s also an amazing voice actor, she is Yennefer in TW3!

[@tomasalarconchible9729]

@@joeracer302 noo waaaay didnt know that. fucking amazing

[@anomanomom239]

Oh, trust me, there are a lot of amazing actors in many theatres that deserve recognition. It is just that most studios would rather cut on an expensive casting/headhunting stage and hire a known face, and most directors prefer to work with people they know.

[@arctic_haze]

@@anomanomom239 I am sure you are right but still I did not expect those two actors being that much different from the characters they play.

[@notenoughtreble]

I cannot express how AMAZING it is that Tony Gilroy trusted ACTUAL stage actors to do an amazing job on Film. So many Stage actors have incredible experience and the talent- you have to preform live, 8-10 shows a week, day in and day out. They’re often looked at as “less than” or “too over the top” to be on film by so many casting directors. Thank you Tony. And thank you to these two for loving SW and LOVING their work and loving the process- you’ve created something so special.

[@valeskacanas9187]

This!👏🏽 no wonder this show is amazing the approach Gilroy took and the calibre of actors who are actors in profession not just celebrity/ pop star names.

[@weediestbroom]

Gandalf and Picard were both stage actors before hitting the screen.

[@BigMikeMcBastard]

In Britain it's very, very common for actors to start on stage and move to TV/film. If you hire British actors you're likely getting ones with stage experience.

[@Barlofontain]

Much like Guiness and Cushing from the original film

[@gudspellar3605]

@@BigMikeMcBastard You can see the difference in an American vs British actor. In America you are attractive and try to leverage that into being a star. In England you study as an actor and it is your profession. Daniel Radcliff was a star as a child... rather than leveraging that, he worked at the craft of acting over the next decade. It seems to help ground the British actors.

[@leemzgoogle917]

Andor is a show that is LONG overdue. It is Star Wars FOR ADULTS!!!! It's not "cute". It's dark. It's gritty. It's violent. It's depressing. And it's beautifully written, directed and acted. This is the best thing that's EVER happened to the Star Wars universe. And, yet, even if it WASN'T related to Star Wars this would hold up perfectly on its own as terrific sci-fi.

[@fedos]

No characters added simply for merchandising.

[@BradSimsCPT]

All. The. Yes!!

[@ttrestle]

Outstanding comment

[@pdwyer1100]

This is what I keep telling people, I want so much more of this type of Star Wars content.

[@pythonxz]

To me, it doesn't matter if it's dark and gritty. That's all fine and well, but what really makes it good is that it knows what it's going for and really digs into it. Characters can be related to, and world feels lived in. The set and costume design are also top-notch.

[@HiddenWen]

Really like both of them, amazing actors. Didn't realize Denise was the voice of Yennifer from one of my favorite games of all time, The Witcher 3.

[@captainexcalibur5051]

WOW! That's why she sounds familiar! One of my Favorite Video Games of ALL TIME too! And THIS SHOW is one of my Favorite Shows of ALL TIME now. Phenomenal Writing! Thanks for the info!

[@shaderunner8220]

OMG How did I not know this??? SHE VOICES YEN? I love this.

[@shayannasiri007]

I just got chills, omg

[@PetersonZF]

She was also in Divinity: Dragon Commander - loved that game.

[@GuiiBrazil]

HOLY SHIT

[@CantankerousDave]

Her comment about revising her posture and gestures after looking at the playback explains a lot. I saw a comment about her "sentient eyebrows" and "subtle sneers" during her interrogation of Bix, so now we know that she put a lot of thought into it. I think of Syril as the Empire's Arnold J. Rimmer. You know he's designed a fancier salute.

[@dominictemple]

Oh god, you're right. He's Rimmer if he grew up under fascism.

[@warmgreytenpercent]

That's amazing, Syril is the kind of officer Rimmer would secretly obsess over even with his struggles 😂 Seriously though these are two great actors in Andor

[@lukasky03]

Kudos to Tony Gilroy and the casting director. This cast is fantastic and Kyle and Denise are excellent. Screw the sexist trolls in the comments.

[@pat7917]

Can you point out one of those comments here? Or are you just saying that?

[@lukasky03]

@@pat7917 I came across them when I initally posted 3 weeks ago.

[@diemes5463]

Don’t feed the trolls

[@pat7917]

@@diemes5463 NOM NOM NOM!! 🤣

[@TheTurbanator123]

Andor just shows that wokeness doesn't ruin content... lazy writing and bad management ruins content. I heard someone say this show is woke because its main character is a person of color and thats why it should be avoided 💀

[@MisterGames]

I love Denise's potrayal of Dedra and Kyle absolutely owns the nagged to death son who feels back stabbed when he was trying to do the right thing. Fantastic. Each time they are both on the screen i am hooked. I totally believe it.

[@EricHunt]

The actress playing the mother is one of the most famous stage actresses in the UK. She pioneered playing leading male Shakespearean roles as a woman.

[@ODUBlue]

She clearly felt really valued by Gilroy's approach to her, and I feel like that translated into her performance. She *did* feel confident and meant to be there, as much as her character. That's a great environment for creativity.

[@jimlang4160]

Actual actors allowed to act with intelligent direction and scripts writen by people who understand the genre... ah, how I have missed you for so long. Well done to all those involved in Andor and especially to these two for bringing their characters to life, thank you!

[@joshw6562]

Denise's performance as Dedra was an absolute masterclass in subtlety. She absolutely terrified with her presence. Dedra was the Lawful Evil equivalent of The Joker's Chaotic Evil.

[@johnshoemaker9665]

I've never heard someone put it quite that well so succinctly!

[@ogion539]

Not only are they in Star Wars, but they're in GOOD star wars lol

[@glennbailey8454]

Which is a big deal! Especially to the fans.

[@CoDStickz]

And they are good in good star wars

[@blaycetherapper]

Every casting and dialogue decision so far has been perfect. The show doesn't have a single weak character and the acting is phenomenal, even from the most minor characters

[@aquila4228]

This lady did an INCREDIBLE job, she is terrific and terrifying on screen

[@kanalkucker14]

Administrator Meera has just read your comment and will know send a Star Destroyer to your location!

[@mikerosado5828]

This show is special. Thanks to Tony and the entire crew and cast for their care. Star Wars needed this show.

[@10CentHead]

Perfect casting... She's perfectly icy in her role

[@clememp]

Kyle Soller really nailed the pensive energy of his character and Denise Gough was incredible.

[@Mangeosaurus]

It's a phenomenal drama series. I hope it gets showered with the awards it so rightly deserves in all aspects of the show.

[@cs3473]

I laughed out loud at the "chewing a wasp" comment - that is so true! The two of them have been really awesome in this series.

[@jeffb255]

When they cut to Cassian saying "they're so proud of themselves, so fat and satisfied" in the middle of their interview 😆😆😆

[@XoXo475]

Andor NEEDS to be the template for all Star Wars tv shows going forward. The acting and story-writing is superb.

[@diegowushu]

I'm in awe of this show. Every actor is on point. The writing is fantastic. It feels like it slipped through some cracks and instead of more fanservice they took the universe seriously and portrayed how crushing is to live under tyranny.

[@jesselobo3213]

Kyle's role as Syril Karn in "Andor" gives me chills. I thought his mother lived in the Bates motel when he had to move home. Denise Gough is so good as Dedra Meero that I instantly hated her, lol. All in all, Andor is a terrific show.

[@javiercortes5232]

Syril's mother is scarier than Palpatine and Vader combined

[@vicalzip]

The way she holds her mouth, like a fish. Just that alone informs you about Dedra Meero.

[@MozTS]

Syril is proof italians are evil

[@678cassandra4]

Amazing how hard she manages to appear in Andor: every little detail of her character counts. The makeup hardens her, the costume hardens her, her facial muscles harden her! she is hands down my favourite villain! Love her!

[@ic9310]

They were cast off a theater stage. That makes sense. Great actors, brilliant performance. Amazing writing. I love this show.

[@kytexgd1463]

Denise smiles and she is an entirely different person. No wonder Dedra has a constant frown. Such an amazing actress

[@jaein7779]

The performances that both of these actors have given us, the audience, have been superb. I mean really, everyone on the show has been great. I love watching this show. Its like a sci-fi version of "The Wire".

[@anydaynow01]

You know what, seeing all the different levels of society it reveals like a peeled onion, this is very true!

[@PsychoMic]

Glad you mentioned the Wire

[@kristianTV1974]

Knowing she's Irish born and bred, her upper class English accent is AMAZINGLY well done.

[@zeddeka]

What a fantastic actress Denise Gough is. Absolutely nothing like her character in real life - the sign of a very talented performer.

[@drnobody418]

There's two have such funny chemistry on screen. I laughed all the way through 😂

[@johnsim3722]

Both actors bring these characters to life so well that you can't picture anybody else by them in those roles. And they're absolutely believable. Every character is in Andor. Such a good series that I went back to watch Rogue One afterwards and appreciated even more than before. The world building, story telling, and action is something that I think Lucas would be proud of. And I thought Kenobi would be the high point!

[@fritzophrenia3146]

I remember watching the scene where Syril confronts Dedra after stalking her at her work, and I was so tense during the entire scene cause I was like "Dude! This woman is terrifying, you don't want to be on the same PLANET as her, much less grabbing her arm! She will black bag the fuck out of you!"

[@manchiwong3097]

Denise is so eloquent, awesome actress!

[@ShadowProject01]

You two aren’t just in Star Wars, you’re in one of the best installments in the franchise! Bravo 👏🏿 👏🏿👏🏿

[@MrMezmerized]

They've done such a great job. You really feel like Syril isn't out to do evil, but is simply overly driven for the wrong side, and he's just weird. And you kinda want Dedre to succeed, even though you don't. And in the final episode you kinda want them to make out, but it's creepy at the same time.

[@mudman619]

they both have nailed their performances - Denise especially has been fantastic as Dedra

[@apagoogootwo7552]

i'm watching the entire series again, and taking my wife along for the ride this time. we're just at the point where buddy moves back in with his mom. the breakfast cereal scenes are some of the most nuanced, uncomfortable scenes in star wars. we feel for these villains; everyone has been hectored by their mother. everyone has at some point had their ambition stifled. it's great television.

[@00Mindi00]

Denise Gough is bad absolutely BAD ASS. I LOVE her performance, she's been surgically STONE COLD. Also of note - she's a trained soprano!

[@bigyeticane]

These two wonderful actors bring so much talent to their roles. I love both the Syril and Diedre characters; they are such good, well-rounded villains.

[@kithu1231]

She is literally terrifying as Dedra Meero..the subtle nuances , emotions , character growth..she nailed it...amazing actress.

[@ramspencer5492]

Such a good show... So great to have compelling, fully flushed out antagonists. It's a fascinating watch. Like it more each week. Dedra is downright scary...

[@supervike1]

Outside the original movies, this by far has been my favorite thing in the Star Wars universe. This show gives a sense of scale and realism that is not seen in any of the other Disney Series.

[@StopReadingMyNameOrElse]

Will forever be my Yennefer. She absolutely killed it this series.

[@rds.86]

I hope disney can recognize the AUTHENTIC PASSION that this creation represents for both those involved in making it, and those of us who are watching it.

[@jazzx251]

Why did Disney make this?

[@nodythova8543]

I love Andor. What a fantastic show. It’s a fantastic display of how good Star Wars can be when the right people are involved. The writers and actors have knocked it out of the park. Delivered on the promise that showed through in Rogue One

[@seejennings]

Denise is incredible in Andor so far.

[@pbamma]

You guys are both great on this show. Keep up the great acting. That "stalking" scene... just wow. Very difficult to pull off on both sides. Such great nuance.

[@Migzter05]

The two show psychos! Love these two!

[@xenophonBC]

two great actors..this series is not usual star wars..it is for adults.

[@danapeck5382]

I think Gough is killing it, great addition, not surprised to hear her background is theater

[@telosmonos_gustavo]

Kyle and Denise bring it all through the series. They both excel in giving us that seemingly paradoxical state of heightened emotional restraint that simultaneously masks a slow, simmering burn inside themselves - that slow burn could be rage, frustration, insecurity, even fear. That they committed to this Star Wars project is testament to Tony Gilroy's talent and ultra-high level of expectation and talent. ANDOR is simply the best Star Wars series ever made thus far (I say this as a huge Mandalorian fan). "Dark and gritty" could easily have been just the production design aspect of the series, but Tony Gilroy understands that true darkness and grit originate in the actions and decisions of ordinary people. The fate and destiny force-wielding part of that narrative galaxy is what we've come to love about it, but away from there, in the dark recesses and corners, in the mud and rain, in the polished corridors of power where fake smiles and corruption reign, where ordinary people struggle to do extraordinary things for good or ill, THAT'S where ANDOR is so compelling. I hope Tony Gilroy returns for the second (and presumably final) season, because he's raised the bar of what a Star Wars show can be. It's not for everyone of course, it's a bit more complex and mature. But it amply demonstrates what Star Wars can become in the hands of a talented and disciplined show runner like Tony Gilroy. I hope more people tune into it!

[@rarted]

Not only are they in Star Wars, it's easily one of the absolute best of the on screen stories.

[@punchgod1017]

So grateful for these two and Tony they really crushed it so excited for season 2

[@rohnnyjotten3985]

2 really, really good actors, i'm delighted they are in Star Wars, they are knocking it out the park.

[@user295295]

Relieved to see that Denise's face is capable of smiling. I wasn't ever sure if Deedra could smile.

[@ryebread921]

Their scene at the very end was so incredible

[@stevenhaff3332]

I was initially very lukewarm about turning on Andor. What a pleasant surprise to be so blown over with the quality and entertainment value of the show. I can honestly say it is the best Star Wars spin off so far. Such excellent work!

[@freelickthefrenetic8828]

I really love both of their performances. Andor is a great series.

[@michaeltucker7129]

They're both insanely talented in this. Their facial expressions make you want to just punch them in the face, they don't even look like the same people here vs in the show. Incredible acting.

[@blueseasbluesky]

EVERYTHING about ANDOR is AMAZING!!!!!! It makes you think and entertains ! It shows the worst and best of a being , and life ... those who are weak, unhappy, full of a hateful wrong purpose, cowardly, and evil yet somehow in power and those who are strong, full of integrity, courage, strong good purpose, true love, sensibility, care for others, high responsibility, and genuine love for life. So much relates to our planet as we are now yet takes us to a different universe!

[@frappes_]

Denise is terrifying as Dedra! And Syril is a great foil to Cassian! No weak links in this show!

[@gerit4357]

The acting and writing in this series is phenomenal. These two actors certainly stand out but the whole cast performs brilliantly.

[@rockerctereo2851]

No wonder Andor is so amazing with the calibre of just these 2 wonderful actors and yet the cast is brimming with wonderful talent

[@axeman3d]

I have not been so impressed by writing and acting in a long time, and I never expected it from a Star Wars franchise. The sets, costumes, writing and actors were all top notch. It reminded me of cold war dramas and WW2 spy movies as the small people fight the uncaring oppressors.

[@GuiiBrazil]

This show is so well written and executed, treat the viewers with respect, the world building is incredible, the acting, everything. I WANT more of this universe now. Well done. Can't wait for season 2.

[@ste-fa-no]

I loved both their performances in Andor, and it shows how they and everyone who've worked on it cared so much! I wish we could have 5 seasons of Andor. I can wait, just keep the writing quality and these amazing performances! 🤩

[@timomahony1727]

I like Denise, she's great in the Show and Under the Banner of Heaven. New to Kyle

[@mat3714]

Without a doubt, the best sw project under Disney. I know the bar was low and was cleared by mandalorian but andor is just on another level.

[@andrewgarner734]

These guys play far more interesting characters than any of the sequal trilogy characters and thier acting is outstanding

[@bryanmclarty5140]

The two of them are such great characters. Im REALLY impressed with Denise!

[@pilotdawn1661]

These two are FABULOUS in that show. Great great interview. Thanks

[@davidvisser4446]

One of the best shows of recent and these 2 actors did a great job.

[@TT-pr9bx]

It's funny to see them as themselves. They're such wonderful character actors in the show and they're so damn good at transforming into their roles - complete with subtle mannerisms. They almost don't even look like the same people.

[@neil17z]

dear EW, I absolutely adore your SW interviews! They bring so much depth to an already deep universe. I’m like a kid in a candy store 😍 Please more of these whenever you guys can 🙏🏻🫶🏻

[@chewiewins]

Great show and love both's performances. Amazing show.

[@TOTHETOMBANDBACKGAMING]

They are awesome together. They bring a sweet reality to both the characters that they play.

[@crome2194]

I love these guys. I don't care what field you're in, what craft, what job. When I see excellence, I just love it and appreciate it. It's inspiring. I have to give a huge thanks to all the people involved. The 9-year-old me who was blown away by Star Wars in 1977 and the 54-year-old me of today are both thoroughly entertained.

[@juhall]

Disney's SW productions have generally been lacklustre to date....With the exception of Rogue One and now, Andor. Andor is absolutely phenomenal, it has rescued the franchise. And I say that as someone who has spent a lot of time viewing and being very critical of Disney SW series/movies over the last decade.

[@ImranChaudhry]

Well done to the cast & crew of Andor. I am enjoying this series so much. Thank you both, great performances all round.

[@emileraikin9442]

Denise is a Golden age of Hollywood level actress. She reminds me of Natalia Paley and Marlene Dietrich

[@wscottcrawford]

They are both brilliant characters, expertly acted. Dedra has so much control and presence you can't help but both love and fear her in equal measures. If anyone is familiar with the Cosplayer who does "Delores - the Imperial HR Officer" - I would love to see a sketch/skit with her and Dedra - I think I'd die laughing!

[@dredgenfaith]

If I had heard actors talking this way about a Star Wars project before seeing it, I wouldn't have believed them. But Andor is IT. It's the real fucking deal.

[@anthonybrown4726]

probably a big part of why this show is so good, tony went out and handpicked actors he wanted for specific roles. amazing

[@thestarseeker8196]

Just imagine if Gilroy, Filoni, Chow etc were helming the sequels………………..😬😔 LOVE Andor and this entire cast 🔥

[@mikeyxgee]

Everything these wonderful actors have said all proves that good writers creating passionate projects will amount to an infinite abundance of loving reception from cast and crew and fans. The world recognizes passion in good writing. The multiple conflicts and character arcs going on simultaneously are all done so wonderfully well and are all happening at a consistent pace just shows Tony Gilroy put everything he had into this season, hence why it feels so complete. It’s not just arguably the best Star Wars project ever made (from a writing quality standpoint), but it’s also one of the best shows of the year, period. The result of passionate writers/creators that the studio trusted! Tony is telling the story he wants to tell, the way he wanted to tell it, and boy, is it beautifully done. A character is only as good as it’s writer, and that’s why these two villains are so well receipted. This show deserves ALL Emmy nominations - all fronts of this show have been done at an elite level

[@DugTheDog]

So happy for them! Fantastic actors both of them. Andor and Rogue One are genuinely the only good Star Wars Disney has made and both are truly brilliant.

[@grimchef]

These guys have given epic performances.

[@weediestbroom]

Well done to these two. The quality of the acting in Andor is just excellent. From all the cast. The writing is of such a standard also, that it gives good actors something to really work with and allow their talents to shine.

[@Thehansello]

Andor is fantastic and these guys are part of the reason. Ten episodes as of writing this and will make a superb binge for a new viewer. Treat yourself :-)

[@berbudy]

7:44 this part lol, this is also why andor is unique that we get to see vilain lives like ordinary people

[@yeeticus7206]

Both so far (acting wise) doing excellent jobs on the show. Not sure what’s going on with their characters relationship or how I feel about it however I’m interested with what’s going to happen. It’s a nice change from other recent live action Star Wars projects

[@jackdubz4247]

Lovely woman. And a fine addition to the pantheon of Star Wars actors.

[@serkan117]

They are both very good actors. Great performance.

[@geoffreynenninger]

Andor is absolutely the best thing to happen to Star Wars recently. It should be no surprise as I felt the same way when Rogue One came out. I literally can't believe Andor exists in the same universe as some of the other series released recently. It is so much more refined, so much more plausible, and has great character development. Really looking forward to the future and wishing that the team responsible for Andor get a chance to be involved in other future series!

[@YossGold]

You know someone's created a great villain when you have a hard time getting used to how nice they are in real life. As with every single character on this show, their characters have been fantastically written and fantastically delivered by their respective actors. Both Denise Gough and Kyle Soller are SO good. Seeing what they brought to their characters, it doesn't surprise me they're both supporting a theatre background.

[@rexharrison1937]

Best series since the original trilogy. Well done everyone from the writers to the post production. More like this please and stop with the nonsensical trash that was Kenobi.

[@glennbailey8454]

I agree 100%

[@G-Blockster]

This is what I had hoped Kenobi would have been.

[@claudiaalvarez7129]

They are both amazing! Their acting its incredible!

[@cyberdan42]

Amazing show and the performances of everyone are transcendent. Denise Gough has helped craft a villain terrifying and memorable enough to stand beside Vader, stupendous.