The Acolyte: A one-season wonder in the Star Wars universe
A surprising end to a promising series
In a move that has left many fans both shocked and unsurprised, Lucasfilm has decided not to renew The Acolyte for a second season. The series, which aired on Disney+, explored the rise of the Sith approximately 100 years before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Despite ending on a cliffhanger and teasing multiple plotlines for a potential second season, the show will not continue.
A tale of divided reception
The decision to cancel The Acolyte comes amidst a backdrop of mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some praised the show for its bold storytelling and fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe, others were less enthusiastic. The series struggled with viewership, which seemed to decline after its premiere in June.
A fresh take on the Star Wars saga
Leslye Headland, the creator of The Acolyte and a self-proclaimed Star Wars superfan, aimed to craft a story set outside the core timeline of the franchise. The show followed twins Osha and Mae, both portrayed by Amandla Stenberg, who were separated as children and led to believe the other had died. This narrative choice challenged the traditional perception of the Jedi as infallible and wholly virtuous, embodied by the emotionally complex character of Jedi Master Sol (played by Lee Jung-jae).
Controversial creative choices
However, not all fans were on board with these creative decisions. Some felt that the show’s portrayal of the Jedi and its expansion of the Force mythology were at odds with the classic good-vs-evil nature of Star Wars storytelling. The series also faced review-bombing, a digital protest often aimed at inclusive casts featuring actors of color and LGBTQ characters. This practice has been seen before in the Star Wars franchise, notably with the 2017 film Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Highlights and standout moments
Despite the controversies, The Acolyte garnered positive reactions for several key moments. One of the most talked-about scenes involved Manny Jacinto (known for his role in The Good Place), who played Qimir, Mae’s seemingly hapless sidekick. The reveal that Qimir was actually a masked Sith warrior commanding Mae to assassinate the Jedi responsible for her separation from Osha was a standout twist. A particularly memorable scene featured Jacinto disrobing along a rocky coastline in an attempt to seduce Osha to the Dark Side, which sparked a flurry of social media posts.
The cast also included notable names such as Carrie-Anne Moss, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Joonas Suotamo.
What’s next for Star Wars on Disney+?
With The Acolyte now concluded, fans can look forward to Lucasfilm’s next Star Wars series for Disney+, Skeleton Crew, which debuts on December 3. This series promises a different approach, featuring a cast primarily made up of children and described as reminiscent of the Amblin-style kidventure tales from the 1980s.
Additionally, the second and final season of Andor, the sprawling political drama starring Diego Luna, is set to follow in 2025. A second season of Ahsoka is also in development, ensuring that the Star Wars universe continues to expand and evolve.
For those who missed out on The Acolyte, you can still catch the trailer and more information here.
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s always fascinating to see how different creative visions can shape and reshape beloved franchises. The Acolyte may have been a one-season wonder, but it certainly left its mark on the Star Wars universe, challenging fans to see the galaxy far, far away in a new light. Whether you loved it or loathed it, there’s no denying that it sparked conversation and debate, which is a testament to its impact.