Bix Caleen experiences a horrifying ordeal early in Andor Season 2, and actress Adria Arjona has called shooting the scene in question “liberating.”
The first three episodes of Andor Season 2 are now streaming on Disney+, prompting our pieces on the chilling Nazi summit that inspired Episode 1, and the truth about Tay Kolma’s fate at the end of Episode 3.
During Episodes 1-3, Andor himself becomes trapped on Yavin 4, while Bix Caleen endures even more shocking treatment, following her torture at the hands of the Empire in Season 1.
Adria Arjona has been talking about playing those scenes, so as well as a SPOILER WARNING, this is a TRIGGER WARNING for the discussion of attempted sexual assault below.
Bix Caleen actress calls rape storyline “liberating”
The scene in question sees an Imperial officer approach Bix when she’s alone, threaten the character over her undocumented status, then attempt to rape her.
“I remember reading that, and within the truth of that moment of the abuse of power, being really scared to go into that scene,” Arjona tells Variety. “But there was also something – I’m going to curse – really f**king powerful about the fact that I get to showcase this in a galaxy far, far away.
“The fact that [showrunner] Tony [Gilroy] gave it to Bix was a big honor – and it was right. She’s in the most vulnerable state she can possibly be in, and someone tries to take advantage of her. We’ve heard that story many times.”
Arjona adds that she’s proud of the way her character defends herself, saying: “There was something about backslapping somebody that is exactly what I wish my reaction would be if I were ever in that moment.
“It just felt really liberating to be able to do that. I had a lot of women in my heart at that time. For any woman, for anyone, when you have a stranger, a male stranger, in your own space, everything becomes survival.”
While she also appreciated that her character calls the attack what it is – rape – later in the episode. “The fact that I get to speak it out [loud] – I felt so much power in that,” says Arjona. “I felt it throughout the day. I felt it when I finished filming, and I went home.”
Andor Episodes 4-6 of Season 2 drop on April 29, 2025, while for more on the series, find out when Andor takes place in the Star Wars timeline, as well as the Rotten Tomatoes record that Andor just set. You can also check out what’s happening The Mandalorian and Grogu, Starfighter, and every other upcoming Star Wars project.
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