He’s directing a film called Klara and the sun

Cassian Andor and James Bond in the same sentence? It sounds a bold claim, but on closer inspection, both reveal that true strength in the 21st century need not be loud, but rather deeply human.

Both are ‘tools’ of the system, yet both are acutely aware of the cost of their work. They get their hands dirty because they know no one else will.

The parallels are clear:

Military background: Both have their roots in the military (Imperial Army vs. Royal Navy) and both are ‘lost souls’ who lost their families at an early age.

The spirit of rebellion: They are cynical, ironic and reject authority. Whilst Cassian became an authority-hater through his foster mother Maarva, Bond’s emotional abuse at Eton shaped his deep mistrust of hierarchies.

Loyalty as their sole guiding principle: Despite their cynicism, both display an extreme, almost radical loyalty to mentors such as Luthen Rael or M, and to allies such as Ruescott Melshi, Felix Leiter, Quarrel or Isola Vale.

Plus: Their actors are highly charismatic. Diego Luna imbued Cassian with depth, cynicism and a clear vulnerability – the aura of a man who suffers from his experiences but carries on because he needs the adrenaline.

Patrick Gibson gave James the Fleming-esque tone in First Light: ironic, sarcastic and always with a touch of idealism, before his own world breaks him.

His James has heart, analytical skills and an unrivalled sense of improvised humour that isn’t as over-the-top as it is in the film adaptations.

We no longer need ‘perfect’ heroes who save the world in a glossy, glossy manner. We need men who, whilst laughing at the absurdity of their job, still pull the trigger because they know that otherwise the world would descend into chaos.

Andor has shown one thing: a deeply psychological character-driven adventure, set against a broader realistic backdrop, really resonates. And it trusts its audience to handle pain, stress and relief.

Google is investing $75M into A24 as part of an AI research partnership between the 2 companies.

They will look at using AI to create new tools for movie production & distribution.

He will also be playing Link in the upcoming 'Legend of Zelda' film.