FX has just unveiled a new poster for its hit series What We Do in the Shadows that also serves as a hilarious parody of the new Disney Plus show Star Wars: Andor. Seeing a popular franchise reference another popular franchise is nothing new, but there's something special about this one.
Those who have been keeping up with news about the newly-premiered Andor in the months leading up to its release will likely remember a particularly striking promo image featuring Diego Luna's title character Cassian Andor perfecting a rather intense-looking stare (with an admittedly outdated release date). Granted, they kind of all look like that, but this one sported a memorably minimalist color scheme. Fans of both Star Wars and What We Do in the Shadows will also note how similar the names of 2 of the franchises' respective leads just so happen to be. FX noticed that too.
In honor of Andor's premiere, the FX Networks Twitter account used this knowledge to create a parody poster featuring Kayvan Novak's self-absorbed vampire Nandor from What We Do in the Shadows, and it's almost too perfect. Using the art style from the aforementioned Andor image, the normally very serious Luna is replaced with Novak's over-the-top fanged mug. "We had to," FX cheekily posted in the tweet.
As hilarious as the image is, the 2 series couldn't be more different. Andor is quickly proving itself as a slow-burning serious look into some of the more morally ambiguous elements of the Star Wars universe, focusing on the downtrodden people who don't necessarily have the luxury of taking the high road against the oppressive Galactic Empire. With one actress even taking inspiration from U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her performance as Senator Mon Mothma, it's clear that things are much less laid-back this time around.
Meanwhile, What We Do in the Shadows is the kind of show that will kill side characters just as throwaway gags. Featuring a household of vampires living in New York City's Staten Island, the show charms viewers with the stories of these immortal beings attempting to interact with the modern world. While most of the characters are genuinely powerful, their strength and abilities are used more for comedy than serious storytelling. Though that isn't to say there aren't any tender moments, as shown by the various escapades of Nandor's familiar, Guillermo (played by Harvey Guillén).
Star Wars: Andor is off to an impressive start, offering its unique perspective into a galaxy far, far away. But there's certainly still room for some supernatural hijinks by way of What We Do in the Shadows. Here's hoping both shows continue to draw in the crowds, though maybe they should keep their distance from Nandor.
Star Wars: Andor drops new episodes Wednesdays on Disney Plus. Meanwhile, seasons 1-4 of What We Do in the Shadows are available to stream on Hulu.
Source: FX Networks/Twitter