The latest Star Wars series, The Acolyte it’s headed our way, and from what we’ve heard so far, it sounds like it’s going to be unlike any other story told within the galaxy far, far away that we’ve seen before. This has been confirmed by the showrunner of the series Leslye Promontorywho sat down with EW’s Dagobah Dispatch podcast (taped before the current WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes) alongside the show’s stars, Amanda Stenberg AND Lee Jung-jaeto explain what makes their Disney+ streaming series so different from other franchise offerings.
Headland explained:
“The Acolyte stands out because it’s the first in the Star Wars timeline we’ve ever been in live-action. We’re nearing the end of the High Republic, leading up to the George prequels, so we’re looking at a time period where the The Jedi are at the height of their power.”
And that means, according to the showrunner, that the story we’ll see won’t be characterized by huge armies and space battles.
“We’re looking at a period of time where there is peace across the galaxy. It was very inspiring and interesting to make a Star Wars without wars. So the question became, well, what is the show supposed to be about if it’s not? will it be about the galactic conflict?”
That’s not the only major contrast between The Acolyte and other Star Wars offerings.
“I think what makes this show different and interesting is that it’s from the point of view of the Star Wars villains. These are people who use the Force in their own way, delving into the darker sides of the Force and doing so without being sanctioned by the larger institution, which, in this case, is the Jedi.”
Instead of the good guys being hopelessly outnumbered in The Acolyte, it’s the bad guys who will be outnumbered.
“Star Wars is always about a version of the underdog versus the establishment. And I thought it was very interesting to do a show about villains and setting it in that time period made the most sense. in any Star Wars content, but at the same time you see more morally ambiguous characters than you’ve seen in any other Star Wars content.”
Stenberg — who credits the show with helping introduce “safety for black nerds” — also latched onto that gray area with their character, who is shrouded in mystery.
“It’s a really interesting time in the galaxy,” says the star. “Because there are no wars, we can lean on the underdogs and moral ambiguity of these characters. And so I get the opportunity to play something that contains a lot of moral and ethical conflicts, which I think is my favorite part of Star Wars.”
But just because there’s no war, doesn’t mean there won’t be battles. And while those battles may take place in a more intimate setting, they’ll involve elaborate martial arts-themed choreography. “I can say that quite confidently,” Headland says. “I don’t think you’ll see the action in other shows the way you see it used in our show.”
We can assume that Lee Jung-jae will be a part of those action sequences given his role in the show. “I didn’t know I was going to play a Jedi master,” the Squid Game star says through a translator. “And this is a huge opportunity, one that I’m still extremely grateful for. And to star in a movie that I really enjoyed watching is still surreal to me. I can’t believe I’m playing a Jedi master and I understand using a lightsaber!”
But for the man castmates call JJ, the show — and the entire franchise — goes much deeper than any fight sequence.
“In the past, I thought it was just a good movie, full of surprises. Now, as an older person, I realize that the topics they talk about are much deeper than it was perceived at the beginning. And working on the project, I understand more than themes and topics that they talk about. And I can really explore the emotions and express the themes and topics very well. The first day on set, I felt really excited walking in, but day by day, as we go deep into shooting, I have this responsibility that I really, really, really want to get it right. And I focus and focus on how I can do it better. So it’s just not fun.
Looks like this series is going to be great! The Acolyte is coming to Disney+ in 2024. Can’t wait?
by Jessica Fisher
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
