Lucasfilm has masterfully expanded the Star Wars universe through series like Star Wars: Andor and Star Wars Rebels, showcasing the diverse heroes and planets that were instrumental in the rebellion against the Empire. While fans are familiar with iconic locations like Yavin-IV, Hoth, and Endor from the films, lesser-known worlds like Lothal and Ferrix have also been brought to the forefront. Now, with the first three episodes of Andor Season 2, a new planet has captured the attention of the Star Wars community: Ghorman.
More: The Andor Cast Reacts to 5 Major Moments From the Season 2 Premiere
What exactly is Ghorman, and why does it hold such significance in the Galactic Civil War? Why does the situation on Ghorman become a turning point for the Rebel Alliance? Here's an in-depth look at this crucial yet underappreciated planet within the Star Wars galaxy.
Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor
Star Wars: Andor first introduced Ghorman in the Season 1 episode "Narkina 5." In a strategic discussion between Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera and Stellan Skarsgård's Luthen Rael, Saw references the ill-fated Ghorman Front, using it as a cautionary example of how not to resist the Empire.
In Season 2, Ghorman takes center stage from the premiere episode. Ben Mendelsohn's Director Krennic addresses a group of ISB agents, presenting a documentary that highlights Ghorman's thriving textile industry, specifically its unique silk derived from a special breed of spider. However, Krennic reveals a more pressing interest in Ghorman's vast calcite reserves, a resource critical for the Empire's energy research—or so he claims. Given Krennic's role in Rogue One, it's plausible that he's deceiving his audience; the calcite is likely vital for completing the Death Star, similar to the role of Kyber crystals.
The extraction of calcite in the quantities needed by the Empire would devastate Ghorman, turning it into an uninhabitable wasteland. This poses a dilemma for the Empire, as Emperor Palpatine cannot yet destroy an entire world without repercussions. This is why the Death Star is so crucial to his plans—it would allow the Empire to act without challenge.
Krennic's strategy involves manipulating public opinion to justify the Empire's takeover of Ghorman and the displacement of its inhabitants. The planet has a history of anti-Imperial sentiment, complicating the Empire's plans. While some believe this can be managed through propaganda, Denise Gough's Dedra Meero recognizes the need for more direct action. The Empire plans to infiltrate Ghorman with its own radicals to portray the planet as a dangerous, lawless place, thereby justifying their intervention to "restore order" and secure the calcite.
This storyline sets the stage for further developments in Season 2, with characters like Diego Luna's Cassian Andor and Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma likely to become involved as the situation escalates. Ghorman is poised to become a critical battleground in the Galactic Civil War, promising both tragedy and a pivotal moment for the Rebel Alliance.
What Is the Ghorman Massacre?
Season 2 of Andor is building up to an event known as the Ghorman Massacre. While previously only alluded to in Disney-era Star Wars content, this incident is pivotal in the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
In the Star Wars Legends universe, the Ghorman Massacre occurred in 18 BBY, when Grand Moff Tarkin, portrayed by Peter Cushing, brutally suppressed a peaceful protest against Imperial taxation by landing his ship on the protesters, resulting in numerous casualties. This act of cruelty galvanized public opinion against the Empire and spurred Senators like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa to actively support the burgeoning rebel movement, directly contributing to the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
In the current Disney canon, the details of the Ghorman Massacre are being reimagined, but the essence remains the same: it's a moment where the Empire's overreach galvanizes the rebellion, pushing more individuals to join the fight against tyranny.
Warning: the remainder of this article contains possible spoilers for upcoming episodes of Andor Season 2!
