Lucasfilm has masterfully expanded the Star Wars universe with shows like *Star Wars: Andor* and *Star Wars Rebels*, showcasing a diverse array of heroes and worlds that were instrumental in the fight against the Empire. While fans are familiar with iconic locations like Yavin-IV, Hoth, and Endor from the movies, series like these have introduced us to lesser-known but equally significant planets like Lothal and Ferrix. Now, with the premiere of the first three episodes of *Andor* Season 2, another world has entered the Star Wars zeitgeist—Ghorman.
More: The Andor Cast Reacts to 5 Major Moments From the Season 2 Premiere
What is Ghorman, and why is it so crucial to the Galactic Civil War? How does the situation on Ghorman become a turning point for the Rebel Alliance? Here's everything you need to know about this vital yet often overlooked part of the Star Wars universe.
Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor
*Star Wars: Andor* first mentioned the planet Ghorman in the Season 1 episode "Narkina 5." During a meeting between Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera and Stellan Skarsgård's Luthen Rael, Saw references the Ghorman Front, an anti-Imperial group that met a tragic end. For Saw, the Ghorman Front serves as a cautionary tale in strategizing against the Empire.
In Season 2, Ghorman takes center stage. The premiere episode features Ben Mendelsohn's Director Krennic addressing a group of ISB agents about a pressing issue involving the planet. Krennic presents a documentary reel praising Ghorman's thriving textile industry, particularly its silk derived from a unique spider species, which is the planet's primary galactic export.
However, the real issue, as Krennic reveals, is the Empire's interest in Ghorman's abundant calcite reserves. Krennic claims this calcite is essential for the Empire's research into renewable energy. Yet, considering Krennic's character from *Rogue One*, it's likely he's not telling the whole truth. More plausibly, he needs calcite to finish the Death Star. Like Kyber crystal, calcite is crucial for Project: Stardust, explaining the delays in the Death Star's construction.
The extraction of calcite in the quantities required by the Empire would render Ghorman a desolate wasteland, raising ethical questions about the fate of the native Ghor population. Emperor Palpatine, despite his tight grip on the galaxy, cannot simply devastate an entire world without repercussions. This is precisely why he seeks the Death Star—to enforce his rule without challenge, regardless of the atrocities committed.
Krennic's strategy involves manipulating public opinion against Ghorman, justifying the Empire's takeover and displacement of its people. Given Ghorman's history of anti-Imperial sentiment, Krennic's propaganda team believes they can achieve this through social manipulation. However, Denise Gough's Dedra Meero recognizes that installing a controlled group of radical rebels is necessary to portray Ghorman as a dangerous, lawless area, thus justifying the Empire's intervention to "restore" order.
This storyline is set to unfold throughout Season 2, likely drawing characters like Diego Luna's Cassian Andor and Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma into the fray as Ghorman becomes a key battleground in the Galactic Civil War. The developments on Ghorman are poised to culminate in both tragedy and a pivotal moment for the Rebel Alliance.
### What Is the Ghorman Massacre?*Andor* Season 2 is building up to an event known as the Ghorman Massacre. Though previously only hinted at in Disney-era Star Wars content, this event is crucial to the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
In the Star Wars Legends universe, the Ghorman Massacre occurred in 18 BBY when Peter Cushing's Grand Moff Tarkin landed his ship on peaceful protesters opposing illegal Imperial taxes, resulting in numerous casualties. This act of brutality not only sparked public outrage but also galvanized Senators like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa to support the burgeoning rebel movement, directly contributing to the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
In the current Disney canon, the specifics of the Ghorman Massacre are being reimagined, but its essence remains unchanged. It's an instance where the Empire's overreach incites a significant rebel response, setting the stage for a unified resistance against Imperial oppression.
Warning: the remainder of this article contains possible spoilers for upcoming episodes of Andor Season 2!
