Having been born and raised in Mexico, Luna became a prominent actor in his home country through telenovelas such as “El abuelo y yo” and “El premio mayor.” However, his first taste of international acclaim came through in 2001 with “Y Tu Mamá También,” which he starred in alongside Maribel Verdú and longtime friend Gael García Bernal. While he has since mostly taken roles in English-language productions, his work as a producer on “Andor” allowed it to reflect how the struggles he and other immigrants have faced can be alleviated through the power of community and heritage.
“I think about the relation between Latin America and the States and that huge border that separates Mexico from the States,” he explained. “That energy is going to be represented in Cassian’s journey. The strength of community — that’s what this story is about!”
That story is one that has been noted among “Star Wars” fans, especially those of similar backgrounds and experiences. Luna told the blog that he was grateful to play Cassian for this very reason, as he states that faithful representation matters, especially in a galaxy far, far away.
“This character represents a lot,” he said. “It’s important that we see ourselves on the screen, that we feel represented, that the stories we tell reflect the world that’s out there.”
“Andor” is currently streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released every Wednesday.