Star Wars continues to expand its 'cabal of Latinos in space'

During the New York screening of “Andor” season two, Oscar Isaac welcomed Benjamin Bratt, who plays Bail Organa in the series, to what he called “the cabal of Latinos in space.” 

Previously, the role had been played by another Latino, Jimmy Smits, who was unable to play the character this time due to scheduling conflicts.

But no matter. Bratt was there to make sure the iconic Star Wars character was featured in the second and final season of the political thriller “Andor.” 

Bratt, who is of Peruvian descent, is not the only Latino in the show, and as Isaac pointed out, he’s not the only Latino in space and specifically in a Star Wars franchise. 

Isaac plays Poe Dameron in the most recent Star Wars film trilogy that began in 2016 with “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens,” continuing with “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Last Jedi” and ending in 2019 with “Star Wars Episode IX - The Rise of the Skywalker.” 

Just as space seems infinite, the cabal of Latinos in space is ever expanding, with Mexican actor Diego Luna at the helm of “Andor,” which many were surprised by its success given its lack of light sabers but plenty of character development. Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona also stars as Bix Caleen, Cassian Andor’s partner and perhaps mother of Poe Dameron. That’s probably just an internet rumor, but people love to wonder, especially considering that both characters are Latino. 

Then we can’t forget Pedro Pascal as “The Mandalorian,” one of the other successful Star Wars shows from Disney+. Maybe all they have to do to make sure a show is great is to cast Latinos? Well, “Ahsoka Tano” didn’t receive as much acclaim, but Rosario Dawson, who is of Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban descent, is one with the force as she wields not just one but two light sabers. 

Latinos have also been featured behind the scenes. For the second season of “Andor,” the episodes were released in four segments with three episodes each. The last three episodes were directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, who is a Mexican filmmaker. 

Both Luna and Ruizpalacios are from Mexico City. 

Many fans are calling the “Andor” season one and season two, along with the film “Rogue One,” Star Wars’ newest trilogy. Although they would not be considered part of the regular film trilogies, it may certainly be one of the trilogies with the most Latinos in space. 

“There are a lot of us apparently,” Bratt responded to Isaac. “A lot more than I realized in 1977.”