STAR WARS’ Series THE ACOLYTE to Premiere on Disney+ This Summer
By Movieguide® Contributor
THE ACOLYTE, a new series that is the latest installment in the STAR WARS universe, is slated to premiere on Disney+ on June 4.
The show, which has been in the works since 2020, follows “an investigation into a shocking crime spree [that] pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee [Jung-jae]) against a dangerous warrior from his past ([Amandla] Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems.”
Creator Leslyle Headland explained why THE ACOLYTE differs from other STAR WARS projects.
“One thing to know about the show is that we’ve been talking about it as a mystery-thriller. It is a serialized story, so each episode gives you more information about the story,” she explained. “We were obviously influenced by samurai films and wuxia films, but also films like RASHOMON, where you see one story and then you see it done a different way. So, what separates [STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE] from some of the other Star Wars series is that it’s told in that particular way.”
“You definitely get the point of view of the Jedi, especially in terms of Amandla’s character and trying to stop her and hunt her down. But you also get enough of Amandla’s character’s perspective that you can also see how both of them exist simultaneously,” Headland added.
Chronologically, the series takes place one century before STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENANCE, near the end of the High Republic era.
When asked what the main character is an “acolyte” of, Headland shared, “It’s open to interpretation at this time, but you will discover it when you’re watching the show. It will be revealed.”
THE ACOLYTE joins several other recent STAR WARS projects.
Variety reported, “THE ACOLYTE is the latest Disney+ STAR WARS show, with fellow new series SKELETON CREW still awaiting a premiere date. The streamer has previously released shows like OBI-WAN KENOBI, ANDOR, AHSOKA, and THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT. Season 2 of ANDOR recently wrapped filming. Disney+ is also home to the hit series THE MANDALORIAN.”
STAR WARS series ANDOR and THE MANDALORIAN were both previously nominated for Movieguide®’s Teddy Bear Award®.
Part of Movieguide®’s review for ANDOR: Episode 1.12: ‘Rix Road’ reads:
The Season One finale of STAR WARS: ANDOR on Disney Plus begins with Cassian Andor returning to Ferrix to secretly attend his adopted mother’s funeral. As Andor watches, the people gather in the town square to hear a message Andor’s mother recorded before she died. Her message to the people: Wake up and fight the empire! The people rebel, but Imperial troops attack them. Andor must rescue his tortured friend Bix, who’s held captive by the secret police. Meanwhile, Bix and Andor’s contact to the Rebel Alliance has come to kill him if the Empire takes Andor alive.
The Season One finale of ANDOR is an exciting finish to the season. It champions freedom against tyrannical government. Andor’s willing to do whatever it takes to save the people he loves. As a prequel to the original STAR WARS, ANDOR is a fascinating look at the start of the rebellion and how good conquers evil. ANDOR boasts some of the best writing and acting of any Disney Plus series to date. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children for the violence in Episode 12.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
