Mon Mothma Takes Centre Stage: Genevieve O’Reilly on Her Character’s Evolution in Andor
In a recent interview with Vulture, Genevieve O’Reilly discussed her character Mon Mothma’s development in the Disney+ series Andor. Mon Mothma, the leader of the Rebel Alliance, has undergone significant changes since her initial appearance in the Star Wars universe.
When Mon Mothma first appeared in Return of the Jedi, she was primarily used as a plot device to provide exposition. However, in Andor, creator Tony Gilroy has given her a central storyline that explores rebellion, fascism, and the complexities of fighting for a greater cause. According to O’Reilly, "Tony has allowed for Mon’s character in a way that we haven’t seen before, because she’s not just a senator. She’s a mother. She’s a wife. She’s a leader. She’s a cousin. She has a history. She has ancestral lands and ancestral culture."
O’Reilly’s portrayal of Mon Mothma has evolved significantly over the years. Initially cast in Revenge of the Sith, her scenes were ultimately cut from the film. However, her character has since become one of the most fully realised and complex figures in the franchise. In Andor, Mon Mothma’s multiple roles converge as she hosts her daughter’s wedding on her complicated home planet, while navigating her personal and Rebel life.
The series explores the intricacies of Mon Mothma’s relationships, particularly with her daughter Leida and cousin Vel Sartha. As O’Reilly notes, "That’s really the crux of what we’re getting to witness in these episodes. We learn in season one that Mon’s daughter is interested in an orthodoxy Mon has spent her life trying to move away from. It gives you a window into the orthodoxy her childhood was steeped in."
One of the most significant aspects of Mon Mothma’s character development is her relationship with her husband. O’Reilly describes him as "a real hedonist, and he is advocating that life is there to be taken, to be enjoyed — don’t worry about the rest." This contrast between Mon Mothma’s drive and her husband’s carefree nature highlights the complexities of their marriage.
The series also delves into Mon Mothma’s interactions with other characters, including Luthen and Tay Kolma. When Tay Kolma approaches Mon Mothma at the wedding and essentially blackmails her, O’Reilly believes that Mon Mothma is "floored by it… I think you’re right. There are layers in those three episodes. It’s in the first episode when we meet him and he says something, and maybe she clocks that something might not be right."
As Vulture notes, Mon Mothma’s arc is about the limitations of keeping public lives separate from private lives, as well as the limitations of politics and fighting within the system. O’Reilly agrees, stating, "It’s everything. The Rebellion is her primary passion in life, it seems, and she is only effective to the Rebellion if she maintains her role as a senator."
The series also touches on the theme of rebellion and its personal costs. O’Reilly reflects on Mon Mothma’s emotional state, saying, "There’s sadness; there’s pain; there’s guilt; there’s a deep, complex, painful tapestry that she’s wrestling with — and I don’t think she has a lot of experience in that."
The dance scene in the third episode, where Mon Mothma lets loose and has fun, is a highlight of the series. O’Reilly describes it as "an extraordinary gift for me to be able to wrestle Mon out of that physical pillar we’ve always seen her as. I got the opportunity to explore her psychological state through movement, through a dance, through a wedding."
Filming that scene was a memorable experience for O’Reilly, who recalls it as "one of my favorite days on set, ever, in my whole life." The scene was filmed to a galactic techno remix of "Niamos!" and O’Reilly was drinking a Scottish soft drink called Irn-Bru, which she jokingly refers to as "radioactive."
As the series continues to explore Mon Mothma’s character, fans can expect to see more of her complexities and nuances. With Vulture providing exclusive insights into the making of Andor, it’s clear that Genevieve O’Reilly’s portrayal of Mon Mothma is a highlight of the series.
