Amandla Stenberg reflects on the end of ‘The Acolyte’ and the challenges faced
A journey through the galaxy cut short
Amandla Stenberg, the lead actor in the Star Wars series The Acolyte, recently shared her thoughts on the show’s unexpected conclusion on Disney+. In a heartfelt Instagram story, Stenberg opened up about the intense backlash and bigotry she faced since the series was first announced.
“I’m going to be transparent and say it’s not a huge shock for me,” Stenberg began. “There has been a rampage of vitriol that we have faced since the show was even announced, when it was still just a concept and no one had even seen it.”
The dark side of fandom
Despite receiving praise from critics, The Acolyte was subjected to review-bombing, a practice where groups of fans post negative reviews en masse. This phenomenon often targets productions featuring actors of color and LGBTQ characters. The 2017 film The Last Jedi also faced similar backlash from online fans upon its release.
Stenberg shared how this experience affected her deeply:
“This really affected me when I first got the job. Because it’s just not something — even though I anticipated it happening — it’s not something you can fully understand what it feels like until it’s happening to you.”
Standing strong in the face of adversity
Stenberg emphasized the importance of being vocal about the challenges she faced, even while working for a major company like Disney.
“However, I feel like I’ve kind of moved through those feelings in various ways, including being vocal about it myself. … It just became inarguable for me, at a certain point, that in order to continue to be myself, I would have to honor my value system by being vocal even in the context of working for Disney.”
A bittersweet farewell
Reflecting on her time in the Star Wars universe, Stenberg expressed both sadness and gratitude:
“It has been an incredible honor and dream for me to be in this universe. Of course, I’m very sad about the show being canceled. … I just want to let those people know out there who supported us in that way, and supported us vocally — despite and in the face of all of the vitriol that we received and the kind of the targeted attack, I would say, we received by the alt-right — just that you were deeply loved and appreciated. And it made this job all the worthwhile for me.”
The rise and fall of ‘The Acolyte’
The Acolyte aired its season finale in July, and it was reported in August that Lucasfilm decided not to continue with more episodes. The series, set roughly 100 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, followed the rise of the Sith. Stenberg played separated twins Osha and Mae, and the season finale concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving many plotlines unresolved.
Despite the divided reception among fans and declining viewership numbers, the show’s cancellation still came as a disappointment to many. For those who wish to revisit the series or explore it for the first time, you can find more information and watch the trailer here.
Personal reflections for fans
As a fan of cinema and TV series, it’s disheartening to see a promising show like The Acolyte come to an end, especially when it had the potential to explore new narratives within the Star Wars universe. The challenges faced by Stenberg and the cast highlight the ongoing issues of representation and acceptance in the entertainment industry.
For those who appreciate in-depth storytelling and complex characters, The Acolyte offered a unique perspective on the Star Wars lore. It’s a reminder of the importance of supporting diverse voices and stories in media, even when they face unwarranted criticism.
In the broader context of the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte was a bold attempt to delve into the darker aspects of the galaxy far, far away. While its journey was cut short, the series will be remembered for its ambition and the conversations it sparked about inclusivity and representation.
For more insights and to stay updated on future projects from Amandla Stenberg, keep an eye on her social media channels and official announcements. The end of The Acolyte may be a setback, but it also marks the beginning of new opportunities and stories yet to be told.