The Acolyte is the latest addition to the Star Wars universe. Set 100 years before the events of The Phantom Menace and during the final years of the High Republic, the series offers a fresh perspective on the franchise with new characters, settings, and aesthetics. While elements familiar to Star Wars, such as droids, starships, and lightsabers, remain, the series introduces new features for fans wanting a break from the Skywalker Saga.
One standout character in The Acolyte is Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi. This is the first time a Wookiee Jedi appears in live-action. Despite George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, reportedly disliking the idea of Wookiee Jedi, this new character marks a significant shift. However, even Lucas himself eventually introduced a Wookiee Jedi, bending his own rule.
No New Wookiee Jedi Decree
Wookiees and Jedi have been a part of Star Wars since its inception in 1977. George Lucas established the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. Initially, Lucas had planned to feature Wookiees prominently in Return of the Jedi, but chose Ewoks instead to emphasize the “underdog” narrative. Despite showcasing various aliens as Jedi, Wookiee Jedi were notably absent in the prequels. Lucas seemed opposed to the concept, though the exact reasons remain unclear.
George Lucas Broke the No Wookiee Rule First
In 2004, Lucas made it official: no more Wookiee Jedi. This was confirmed by Dark Horse Comics’ then-editor, Randy Stradley. Consequently, Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords had to adjust its storyline, removing a planned Wookiee Dark Jedi character. This decree extended to existing Wookiee Jedi characters in the Expanded Universe.
However, Lucas himself broke this rule with the introduction of Gungi, a young Wookiee Jedi, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Gungi’s debut episode aired shortly after Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. The character’s approval by Lucas signaled a new era for the franchise, altering previous restrictions.
Fans embraced Gungi, who later appeared in The Bad Batch, further cementing his popularity. This paved the way for more Wookiee Jedi, such as Burryaga Agaburry in the High Republic era, introduced in the novel Light of the Jedi.
The New Era of Wookiee Jedi in Star Wars
Disney has maintained many of Lucas’s original rules but began to expand the universe with new concepts. Burryaga Agaburry became the first new Wookiee Jedi in the High Republic era. Another significant figure is Kelnacca from The Acolyte, played by Joonas Suotamo, who also portrayed Chewbacca in recent films. This marks the first live-action appearance of a Wookiee Jedi.
As The Acolyte explores new aspects of the Star Wars universe, it promises to introduce and develop characters that could become fan favorites. The series is now streaming on Disney+.
Wrapping Up
The Acolyte breaks new ground in the Star Wars franchise, most notably with the introduction of the first live-action Wookiee Jedi. This development signifies a shift from previous restrictions, offering fans a fresh perspective on beloved elements within the universe. For more exciting updates and related content, visit HitPlay.
