In a recent conversation with The Playlist, Denise Gough, who plays Imperial officer Dedra Meero in the acclaimed Disney+ series Andor, shared insights into her character and the making of the show. It all has me even more excited for season 2!
Gough talked about the deliberate thought that costume designer Michael Wilkinson put into creating her uniform. “I mean, I had mine tailored because when I first put it on, it’s like [those uniforms had] always been made for men,” she said. “And I was like, ‘Oh, it’s a little baggy.’ And he said, ‘Oh, don’t worry about it, darling. I’m going to tailor the hell out of this’.”
Maintaining Dedra’s powerful posture while wearing the uniform proved a bit uncomfortable, but Gough made it work. “‘Just put your hands behind your back.’ Putting them in front of her, weakened her. So she just became this rock solid hands behind her back. It also meant that I was just in agony here all of the time. But yeah, my whole performance was built around the fact that she does not show anything except these tiny things in her face. I learned a lot about acting on this job, and what you can do with very little. I really enjoyed it.”
Supervisor Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) in Lucasfilm’s ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Fans “won’t be disappointed” with Star Wars: Andor season 2
So what’s coming for Dedra in season 2, which will be the final season of the show? Gough remains tight-lipped. “Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, maybe a bit,” she said. “Yeah, they’re all things that I’m finding out piece by piece myself.”
The second season is currently in production. Gough can only tease that it will be “epic” and a treat for loyal viewers.
There are some changes coming behind the camera, such as Benjamin Caron not returning after directing three episodes of season 1. “They all have this really different energy and [showrunner Tony Gilroy] has found people that suit the block of work that they’re getting to do. Janus Metz is doing this huge central block. And then you’ve got, oh, Alonso Ruizpalacios, it’s amazing. You won’t be disappointed. And Ben is off to do other things. So yeah, you won’t be disappointed with the direction. You really won’t.”
Gough ended the conversation by expressing gratitude for the critical recognition the show has received, which includes a Peabody nomination. If season 2 keeps up the momentum of season 1, this could easily be the best Star Wars show yet.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels
