The new Star Wars: Andor episode, titled “Announcement,” filmed in Cleveleys, premiered on Disney Plus. This highly anticipated episode, which was shot on Cleveleys Beach in May 2021, brings the charming coastal town into the Star Wars universe in a spectacular way. The episode features notable scenes filmed at Café Cove, a popular local café, which was transformed into a Star Wars-themed location for the show. Additionally, the episode showcases the iconic Mary’s Shell, a stunning sculpture located on the beach, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere created by the series. In the episode, Cleveleys Beach is digitally transformed using CGI to represent Niamos, a space resort in the galaxy far, far away. The seamless blend of real-world locations with cutting-edge special effects marks an exciting milestone in how the series brings its intergalactic settings to life. The production team went all out to ensure that the location felt as immersive as possible, and it seems to have paid off, with fans and critics alike praising the vibrant, detailed depiction of Niamos. Star Wars: Andor, starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, is set five years before the events of the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and explores the origins of the character. Cassian, known for his rebellious spirit, is thrust into the larger narrative of the Rebellion against the Empire. The series takes a more grounded, espionage-driven approach to the Star Wars universe, focusing on the gritty underworld of the galaxy.
When news broke that Cleveleys Beach was one of the filming locations for Andor, there was a huge wave of excitement across the local community. The quaint, picturesque beach town became a temporary backdrop for an episode of one of the world’s most beloved franchises, and it wasn’t just the residents who were thrilled. Fans of the Star Wars franchise eagerly awaited the release, wondering how the location would be incorporated into the larger narrative. The film crew’s efforts to transform Café Cove into a Star Wars-themed hub was a particularly exciting detail. The café, often a relaxing spot for locals, took on a new, futuristic vibe, inviting curious onlookers and Star Wars enthusiasts alike to witness the making of the iconic series. It’s a testament to the magic of film production that a humble café could be transformed into a focal point for an intergalactic adventure.
With the episode now available on Disney Plus in the UK, viewers can experience this exciting crossover of real-world charm and Star Wars spectacle, and for Cleveleys, it marks a moment of cinematic history. The series has already made its mark on the Star Wars fandom, and the connection to this small coastal community has added a unique chapter to the legacy of the Star Wars universe.
