Disney Confirms Streaming Decline Amid $650M Andor Budget Fight

Tony Gilroy, creator of the Star Wars series Andor, revealed that securing the budget for Season 2 was a significant challenge despite the show's critical success and a hefty combined cost of $650 million for both seasons. Gilroy disclosed that Disney executives told him "streaming is dead," reflecting the company's shifting priorities away from streaming content like Disney+ toward theatrical releases, causing budget constraints for streaming projects. Despite these hurdles, Gilroy fought hard to maintain creative freedom and the show's scope, which has been celebrated as the best live-action Star Wars project to date. Disney's reduction in streaming investment aligns with a broader slowdown in Marvel and Star Wars streaming content and a decline in Disney+ subscribers from about 170 million in 2022 to 125 million in early 2025, influenced by increased competition and loss of key broadcasting rights. Upcoming Star Wars projects include the theatrical release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, Ahsoka Season 2, and a Darth Maul series, indicating continued but more selective investment in the franchise's future. Gilroy emphasized the responsibilities tied to this freedom and highlighted the series' engagement with themes like fascism and genocide, underscoring the show's bold narrative approach despite corporate challenges.