New ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Trailer Reveals a Grim Future for the Jedi
In the newly released trailer for “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” the force of darkness appears to be gaining ground. This eagerly awaited Disney+ series, crafted by Leslye Headland of Russian Doll fame, features Amandla Stenberg in a gripping role where she seeks to infiltrate and ultimately destroy the Jedi, setting the stage for one of the most daring ventures in the Star Wars saga yet. The narrative unfolds a century before the Star Wars prequel trilogy in an era known as the High Republic. The trailer hints at a dire situation for the Jedi, with increasing numbers found dead and widespread dissatisfaction with the Jedi order echoing throughout the galaxy.
The High Republic period has already been extensively explored through various Star Wars literature and is the centerpiece of the “Star Wars: The High Republic” publishing campaign. This expansive era in both time and space offers vast opportunities for storytelling, as noted by Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, in a discussion with Collider’s Maggie Lovitt about the potential of The Acolyte series. Kennedy expressed excitement about the series’ prospects, noting, “The success of this show could really broaden our horizons, providing a larger canvas for creativity, particularly in television.”
Stenberg was officially announced as the lead in December 2021, though the announcement came during their promotion of the horror film “Bodies Bodies Bodies” at SDCC. Over the following months, the cast expanded to include notable actors such as Jodie Turner-Smith, Lee Jung-Jae (an Emmy winner for his role in Squid Game), Manny Jacinto, and Charlie Barnett of Russian Doll fame. By November, as production began, the cast further grew with high-caliber additions like Carrie-Anne Moss, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Dafne Keen.
“The Acolyte” is described as a mystery-thriller that delves into a universe filled with dark secrets and burgeoning powers of the dark side during the twilight of the High Republic era. The plot follows a former Padawan who rejoins her Jedi Master to solve a string of crimes, only to find the adversaries they face are more menacing than anticipated.
Set for release in June 2024, “The Acolyte” promises a compelling addition to the Star Wars universe. Check out the trailer now for a sneak peek.
