Star Wars The Acolyte is an upcoming Star Wars television series set to premiere on Disney+. Created by Leslye Headland, The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into the final days of the High Republic era, roughly a century before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
When and Where The Acolyte Takes Place
The Acolyte is set during the end period of the High Republic, a golden age for the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic. However, this is also a time when the seeds of the dark side are being planted. The series promises to explore some of the emerging dark side forces that will eventually lead to the fall of the Jedi and the Republic.
The Acolyte’s Genre and Style
Unlike previous Star Wars shows, The Acolyte is being billed as a mystery-thriller. Showrunner Leslye Headland has said she plans to utilize elements from martial arts films as well as political thrillers. Fans can likely expect less space battles and lightsaber duels, and more of a grounded, dark mystery story set against a Star Wars backdrop.
Potential Storylines
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, it’s expected that The Acolyte will follow some of the early dark side users that begin to secretly infiltrate and manipulate the Jedi and the Republic. Some rumors indicate the show may follow a young female Padawan who discovers a growing dark side threat, leading her to team up with her Jedi Master to investigate. Other speculation points to a possible focus on many of the female dark side characters from Star Wars history.
Characters and Casting
So far Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, and Jodie Turner-Smith are the only confirmed cast members. They will likely play Jedi — potentially a Padawan, Master, and Council member respectively. Several reports indicate that The Acolyte plans to bring several fan-favorite female Star Wars villains to live-action for the first time, including key Sith Lords like Darth Zannah. Darth Plagueis — the Sith Master of Darth Sidious before Darth Maul — has also been rumored.
Connecting The Acolyte to Other Star Wars Titles
The High Republic publishing initiative first introduced fans to this unexplored era of Star Wars history. Several of those stories have dealt with the early emergence of the dark side. The Acolyte promises to further expand on some of those story threads. The show will also connect with the prequel era as it inches closer to the events of The Phantom Menace and the return of the Sith.
Why Fans Are Excited
The prospect of a mystery-thriller Star Wars series focused on the Sith and dark side forces has many fans fascinated. Showrunner Leslye Headland’s unique vision as well as the rumored female-centric antagonist roles also have viewers highly anticipative. The Acolyte should provide an intense, fresh take on Star Wars that explores pivotal uncharted history.
