There are far too many characters in the Star Wars universe. Even cutting out the Extended Universe, almost every minor face in the background or random soldier in an army has a bit of backstory to them. In stark contrast to the nobodies who occasionally get entire novels dedicated to their off-screen exploits, characters like Luthen Rael show up with enough flair to demand attention.
Andorcame out of nowhere and shocked the world. It’s a Star Wars project that finallylives up to the promisemade by the open universe. Its characters aren’t chosen heroes or lovable scoundrels. They’re desperate people struggling against an impossibly powerful foe. They’re people who have to suffer for the cause, but sacrificing their lives isn’t enough. As Luthen Rael demonstrates, the heroes ofAndormust sacrifice everything.
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Operating under the code-name Axis, Luthen Rael is one of the most important figures in the unified Rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Heowns and operates a gallerycalled Galactic Antiquities and Objects of Interest, which operates as a meeting place and money laundering operation for the Rebel Alliance. Owning that institution makes him a big player in the galaxy, but it’s his smallest contribution to the cause. Rael is the bridge between several disparate rebel factions. Mirroring the real-world propensity of underground groups to succumb to in-fighting, the various corners of the rebellion seem to despise each other. Rael is the man who pulls the strings, the voice in thedarkness who can unitethe militant anti-fascist warriors with the more docile political operatives. He’s instrumental in the operation, but his work requires some questionable choices.
Luthen Rael was imagined byAndorcreator Tony Gilroyas a sort of talent scout. He’s an early figure in the Rebellion, a man who can be trusted to pick out the best of the best. Rael’s dual identity, divided between his work in the gallery and his spycraft, poses an interesting challenge for the series. Gilroy identified the concept as feeling slightly cheesy, fearing something a bit too close to a schlocky superhero piece. Costume designer Michael Wilkinson and his team created two distinct wardrobes for Rael. Writer Beau Willimon was convinced that Stellan Skarsgård was the perfect choice for the role, and as soon as he put on the costume, Willimon was proven right.Skarsgård delivers one ofthe strongest performances in the franchise’s history and one ofAndor’s best monologues.
In the plot of the show, Luthen Rael is the mentor that brings Cassian Andor into the Rebellion. He’s brought into the titular hero’s life by chance, as Andor tries to sell everything he owns and flee the planet. Rael has evidently bought Empire tech from Bix Caleen in the past, so she summons him to buy Andor’s stolen gadget. Rael is partially enticed by the item for sale, but he’s mainly interested in the man who stole it. He offers a huge bonus to Andor in exchange for an explanation of how he made off with valuable Empire property.After his explanation, hehelps Andor leave the planet and offers him a gig with the Rebellion. From that moment on, Rael occupies a B-story in which he travels the galaxy and makes connections throughout the Rebellion. His schemes are central to the plot, but he’s largely removed from the moment-to-moment adventures of Cassian Andor. As the show comes to an end, Andor and Rael reconnect and decide to work together.
Luthen Rael is one of the most emotionally nuanced characters in the Star Wars franchise. He’s an inveterate liar who capably manipulates galactic events through conversation. While his methods are often questionable, his goals are sincere and good. He’s accepted his condemnation, completely at peace with his miserable life. While the average Star Wars hero follows their heroic destiny into success, Rael willingly bins everything good in his life. He cut out his heart and condemned himself to an early grave, not out of spite, but in genuine pursuit of something better. He knows that he can’t live a normal life under these conditions. He knows that someone has to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Every Rebellion soldieror X-Wing pilotis willing to give their life for the cause, but they’ll all go down as heroes for their sacrifice. Luthen Rael will give up his life and his legacy to free the galaxy.
Luthen Rael will be a huge part of theupcoming second season ofAndor, but he’s already established himself as one of the most textured characters in the franchise. He’s a brilliant tactician, a pragmatic courtier, and a dangerous rebel. Skarsgård’s performance is a highlight of the series, standing out among the excellent cast and remaining engaging throughout the story. Rael brings a powerful presence toAndor, demonstrating the ugly side of the good guys.
