How Much Do Star Wars: Andor Actors Get Paid?
Disney+'s Star Wars: Andor has emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the franchise, lauded for its mature storytelling and stellar performances.
With a reported production budget of $645 million across its two seasons, it's evident that significant resources were allocated not just to production values but also to talent compensation . This guide delves into the earnings of Andor's principal cast members, providing insights into their per-episode salaries and the factors influencing their pay.
Artwork for Disney’s Star Wars: Andor Season 2.
From leading man Diego Luna to acclaimed supporting stars like Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O'Reilly, and Fiona Shaw, Andor features a blend of Hollywood veterans and rising British talent. But how much are these actors really earning?
This guide breaks down the estimated salaries of Andor's principal cast.
Estimated Salaries of Andor's Leading and Supporting Actors
| Actor | Character | Estimated Salary per Episode | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Luna | Cassian Andor | $70,000 – $90,000 | Returning *Rogue One* lead, executive producer |
| Stellan Skarsgård | Luthen Rael | $80,000 – $120,000 | Oscar-nominated actor, major film star |
| Genevieve O'Reilly | Mon Mothma | $40,000 – $60,000 | Reprising role from Rogue One and Revenge of the Sith |
| Adria Arjona | Bix Caleen | $30,000 – $50,000 | Star of Morbius and 6 Underground |
| Kyle Soller | Syril Karn | $25,000 – $40,000 | Award-winning UK theatre actor |
| Denise Gough | Dedra Meero | $30,000 – $50,000 | Two-time Olivier Award winner |
| Fiona Shaw | Maarva Andor | $50,000 – $70,000 | Known for Killing Eve, Harry Potter |
| Faye Marsay | Vel Sartha | $20,000 – $35,000 | Game of Thrones, Black Mirror |
| Varada Sethu | Cinta Kaz | $15,000 – $25,000 | Doctor Who Star |
| Elizabeth Dulau | Kleya Marki | $15,000 – $25,000 | Emerging British television talent |
| Ben Mendelsohn | Director Krennic (Season 2) | $100,000 – $150,000 | Rogue One, Bloodline |
Key Insights About Actor Salaries in Andor
Diego Luna earns the highest per-episode salary, partly due to his dual role as both lead actor and executive producer.
Stellan Skarsgård commands a premium due to his international stardom and extensive filmography (Mamma Mia!, Chernobyl, Dune).
Ben Mendelsohn's salary is among the highest in Season 2, reflecting his major villain role from Rogue One and global profile.
UK theatre-trained actors like Kyle Soller and Denise Gough earn solid but comparatively lower fees, typical for stage-to-screen transitions.
Newcomers such as Varada Sethu and Elizabeth Dulau are paid industry-competitive rates, with opportunities for increased pay in future projects.
How Salaries Reflect the Show’s Huge Budget
With Andor’s estimated production costs at $645 million, actor salaries represent a significant but justified investment:
Disney reportedly spent over $72 million on wages across two seasons.
The show's complex, character-driven scripts required top-tier performers capable of carrying emotionally dense scenes.
Unlike some special effects-heavy Star Wars series, Andor is performance-led, making cast salaries a central part of its budget.
Comparison with Other Star Wars Disney+ Series
When compared with other major Star Wars shows:
| Series | Top Actor Salary Estimate | Lead Actor |
|---|---|---|
| The Mandalorian | $400,000+ per season (Pedro Pascal combined voice + face) | Pedro Pascal |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | ~$1 million per episode (Ewan McGregor, rumoured) | Ewan McGregor |
| Andor | $70,000 – $150,000 per episode | Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn |
While Andor's salaries may seem modest compared to Obi-Wan Kenobi, the show's ensemble nature and focus on layered character work mean a broader, well-compensated cast.
Conclusion: Star Power Meets Substance in Andor
Star Wars: Andor showcases how serious storytelling, high production values, and world-class acting combine to redefine what’s possible in franchise television.
Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, and Ben Mendelsohn lead the pack in terms of salary.
British stage actors and rising stars bring credibility and depth to the supporting cast.
The show's massive investment in talent matches its ambition, helping Andor stand out as one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars projects to date.
As streaming competition intensifies in 2025, Andor’s approach — prioritising acting talent over spectacle — could set a new benchmark for blockbuster TV drama.
