"Welcome to the House of Rylanz."
Cassian Andor, disguised as fashion designer Varian Skye, is off to meet some rebels on the planet Ghorman. But eagle-eyed Londoners will note that he's not in a galaxy far, far away, but right in the heart of the Square Mile.
These important scenes, from the second season episode 'I Have Friends Everywhere', were shot at Guildhall, just off Gresham Street. We're in the corridor along the north of Guildhall Yard, with Guildhall Art Gallery visible through the windows.
Here's my own shot of that corridor, from a similar location:
The corridor has been greatly dressed up for the show, with drapes hanging from the ceiling and a merchant from the House of Rylanz peddling some spider silks, but it's still recognisably the Guildhall.
The ancient home of governance in the City of London, Guildhall's history and stonework go back to medieval times. Curiously, though, it's the 20th century additions of Richard Gilbert Scott upon which the film-makers tarry.
The location is even more obvious from the establishing shots. Look-see:
In the foreground is the distinctive council chamber, underneath which Andor walks a second or two after this screenshot. The tiling pattern on the floor matches reality. We can even see the circular pattern (to the right) which indicates the footprint of the old amphitheatre. Imagine that: evidence for the Roman empire on the planet Ghorman.
The main Guildhall building, a medieval structure, has been edited out. Instead we see some steps up to a higher street level, a couple of towers and a mountainous skyline. It won't have escaped your notice that the latter does not exist in the Square Mile.
It's not the first time London has appeared in the Star Wars universe. Andor itself has made heavy use of the Barbican for scenes on the planet Coruscant. Meanwhile, Canary Wharf tube station made an unexpected cameo in Andor sequel/prequel Rogue One.
And, of course, there are many bits of London that look a bit Star Wars.
Andor Season 2 is available now on Disney Plus.
