Lucasfilm has masterfully expanded the Star Wars universe through series like *Star Wars: Andor* and *Star Wars Rebels*, showcasing the diverse heroes and worlds pivotal to the fight against the Empire. While fans are familiar with Yavin-IV, Hoth, and Endor from the films, lesser-known planets like Lothal and Ferrix have also been brought to the forefront. Now, with the first three episodes of *Andor* Season 2, another world has captured the attention of the Star Wars community: Ghorman.
More: The Andor Cast Reacts to 5 Major Moments From the Season 2 Premiere
Ghorman is a crucial setting in the Galactic Civil War, and its significance is set to unfold as a turning point for the Rebel Alliance. Here's a deep dive into this intriguing and vital part of the Star Wars universe.
Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor
The planet Ghorman was first mentioned in *Star Wars: Andor* during the Season 1 episode "Narkina 5." In a strategic meeting, Saw Gerrera, portrayed by Forest Whitaker, references the Ghorman Front, an anti-Imperial group that met a tragic end. This serves as a cautionary tale for how to effectively combat the Empire.
In Season 2, Ghorman takes center stage. The premiere episode features Director Krennic, played by Ben Mendelsohn, addressing ISB agents about a pressing issue on the planet. He presents a documentary highlighting Ghorman's thriving textile industry, particularly its silk derived from a unique spider species, which is the planet's primary export.
However, the Empire's true interest lies in Ghorman's abundant calcite reserves. Krennic claims this resource is essential for the Empire's research into renewable energy, but given his history from *Rogue One*, it's likely a cover for the calcite's real use in the Death Star's construction. Calcite, like Kyber crystal, is a critical component slowing down Project: Stardust.
The extraction of calcite in the quantities needed by the Empire would devastate Ghorman, turning it into a barren wasteland. This poses a dilemma regarding the native Ghor population. Emperor Palpatine, aware of the political risks of such actions, seeks to justify the Empire's control over Ghorman by manipulating public opinion against the planet, known for its anti-Imperial sentiments.
Krennic's plan involves turning public sentiment against Ghorman, suggesting that the Empire needs to install a group of radical rebels to portray the planet as a dangerous, lawless place. This would allow the Empire to seize control under the pretext of restoring order. Denise Gough's character, Dedra Meero, understands the necessity of this strategy.
As the season progresses, characters like Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) are likely to become involved as Ghorman becomes a focal point in the Galactic Civil War, leading to both tragedy and a pivotal moment for the Rebel Alliance.
### What Is the Ghorman Massacre?*Andor* Season 2 is set to explore the Ghorman Massacre, a significant event that galvanizes the Rebel Alliance. While previously mentioned in Disney-era Star Wars media, the Ghorman Massacre has deep roots in the Star Wars Legends universe, occurring in 18 BBY when Grand Moff Tarkin, in a ruthless move, landed his ship on peaceful protesters, causing numerous casualties.
This act of Imperial brutality sparked widespread outrage and played a crucial role in rallying support for the burgeoning rebel movement, directly influencing the formation of the Rebel Alliance. Senators like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa were spurred into action by this event.
In the current Disney canon, the Ghorman Massacre is being reimagined, but its essence as a catalyst for rebellion remains intact. As *Andor* Season 2 unfolds, the revised timeline and details of this event will become clearer, highlighting the Empire's overreach and the subsequent surge in rebel activity.
Warning: the remainder of this article contains possible spoilers for upcoming episodes of Andor Season 2!
