Rob Turner, a 40-year-old resident of Abingdon and devoted sci-fi enthusiast, has become a focal point in recent discussions regarding filming in Oxfordshire for the popular Disney+ series Andor. Turner, who is well-known in his community for co-hosting Abbey Con, a local comic convention, with his partner Michelle Barrett, also enjoys dressing up as a Stormtrooper and often walks around town accompanied by a friend in a Wookie costume.
In July 2023, while on a delivery near Cuxham, close to Watlington, Turner stumbled upon a filming set that ignited his curiosity. Observing the scene from a distance, he suspected it resembled a setting from the Star Wars universe, a franchise he has long admired. Turner remarked, "I was out delivering for work and took a few pictures as I went by. At the time I thought it definitely looked like a Star Wars set and I am a big Star Wars fan myself so I was excited."
After two years of speculation regarding whether it was indeed connected to Star Wars, his suspicions were confirmed with the release of the second season of Andor. This series sheds light on the early experiences of Cassian Andor, a key figure within the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Turner expressed his initial disappointment upon not seeing the farm field he had photographed in the series, leading him to wonder if it had been related to another project. However, after watching the new episodes last week, he felt a surge of excitement upon recognising the location from his photos. He noted, "I cheered when I spotted it causing me to scroll back through the photos and put them out there to the world."
The character Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna, is joined by a distinguished ensemble cast including Andy Serkis and Stellan Skarsgård. The filming of Andor in Oxfordshire contributed to the region's growing reputation as a backdrop for notable cinematic projects. The Oxford Times reports that fans and locals have shown considerable interest in the production, highlighting its significance to both the area and the broader Star Wars fanbase.
As the excitement around the series continues to unfold, the convergence of local culture and global entertainment enriches the narrative surrounding Oxfordshire’s involvement in major film projects.
Source: Noah Wire Services