Almost five months after the series was unceremoniously cancelled, the cast ofThe Acolytereunited to support showrunner Leslye Headland on her ongoing Broadway play. Released in 2024, the Disney+Star Warsseries takes place in the dying days ofthe High Republicand follows a former Jedi padawan, who becomes the suspect in a string of Jedi murders that leads to the unraveling of a hidden tragedy.The Acolytefeatured an all-star cast led by Amandla Stenberg, Lee-Jung Jae, Manny Jacinto, Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, and Jodie Turner-Smith.
Though the story may have ended early, the cast and crew ofThe Acolytehave remained supportive of one another. Following a recent performance of Headland’sCult of Love,Henderson, who plays Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh, shared a photo on Instagramalongside her wife, showrunner, Barnett, Keen, and Margarita Levieva outside the Hayes Theatre. Barnett and Keen, who played Jedi hopefuls Yord Fandar and Jecki Lonn, and Levieva, who played Brendok Witch figurehead Mother Koril, were tagged in the photo that saw the group pose for a photo.
What The Acolyte’s Cast & Crew Reunion Means For Star Wars
The Cast & Crew’s Spirits Haven’t Been Dampened By An Incredibly Difficult Experience
The Acolytestands out as one of the most notable releases of the currentStar Warsera, less for the show itself, unfortunately, and more for the discourse surrounding it. Even upon the announcement of the core cast members, reactionary conservative content creators capitalized onpotential culture war narratives due to its diverse cast, as they have with projects includingThe Marvels. This discourse escalated throughout the show’s development and release, asThe Acolytecastmembers such as Stenberg took a stand against toxic elements of fandom.
Theunsustainable budget and unsatisfactory viewership were the primary reasonsfor the show’s cancellation. However, this was also paired with the already volatile discussions. This created an unpleasant atmosphere, in which the show’s fate was viewed as a potential submission to toxic fandom that shook confidence in the viability ofStar Wars’future from those who supported the series.
The Acolyte: 12 Biggest Controversies About Star Wars' New Show
Ever since it was announced, it seems that The Acolyte has seen controversy after controversy with a new one coming every week. Here are all of them.
Despite this, Henderson’s story does show that, despite the atmosphere of reactionary voices, the cast and crew still treasure their experiences. While Headland, Henderson, and Barnett were well-acquainted beforeThe Acolyte,the creatives behind the show have been incredibly supportive of one another, from the cast’s support of Stenberg’s stance to Jae’s recent retrospective. Though discussion surrounding it may have been poisoned by bigotry and the cancellation may have left a bitter taste, it is heartwarming to see that it could not erase the bonds the cast share.
Is There Still Hope For The Acolyte’s Cancelation To Be Reversed?
Star Wars' Future May Not Be In Television, ButThe Acolyte’s Place Can Never Be Erased
While Henderson, Headland, Barnett, Keen, and Leviera’s reunion will leave those who hold the show in high regard pleased,it is unlikely that it could sway the show’s current fate. Even when removed from the toxic fandom backlash,Star Warsunder returning CEO Bob Iger is reportedly pivoting away from its television output back to a theatrical future, with only a handful of Disney+ projects in development compared to the streaming service’s early slate. As such, despite concepts being set out for multiple seasons and cast members such as Jacinto eager to return,The Acolyteseason 2 revival is unlikely.
New Star Wars Movies: Every Upcoming Movie & Release Date
Here’s every upcoming Star Wars movie in development - including Rey’s New Jedi Order, the Dawn of the Jedi, and The Mandalorian & Grogu!
Nevertheless, not only will the show remain a pivotal chapter that laid the foundations of theSkywalker Saga, but its characters will be revisited in multiple comics and novels set for release in 2025. Much likeSolo: A Star Wars Story’s Crimson Dawn adventures wrapped elsewhere, there is always hope the dangling threads ofThe Acolytecould still find a resolution, even if it isn’t put on screen.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
