The prequel of your prequel is my prequel.
Leslye Headland, showrunner of the upcoming series The Acolyte, is enthusiastic about exploring the time leading up to the events of Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. The murder mystery element in the series is likened to Netflix’s Russian Doll, featuring new clues and information unraveling with each episode. The series will also introduce new and powerful Jedi such as Lee Jung-jae’s Master Sol, bringing intrigue and detective genre twists to the viewers.
The Acolyte premieres on June 4 on Disney+, set during a time of peace at the end of the High Republic era, around a century before Anakin Skywalker’s birth. Despite the seemingly tranquil period, the Jedi are being hunted. Leslye Headland aims to explore how the Jedi ended up where they did in The Phantom Menace. In an interview with Empire magazine, Headland shared her fascination with the Jedi’s journey:
“I was very interested in: How did the Jedi get to where they are in Phantom Menace? You’re definitely getting a sense that, with the Jedi, the writing may be on the wall. The quote-unquote ‘war’ of this Star Wars is a much smaller, more personal one. The war between people, the war between characters.”
Headland also compares the murder mystery element of The Acolyte to the structure of Russian Doll. She explained in the same interview:
It’s one story with several reveals, and new clues and new information each episode. It’s not just a mystery that you have to find out. It’s not unlike Russian Doll. It’s almost like a spiral — it digs deeper and deeper and deeper.
Unravel the mysteries of the galaxy with The Acolyte. Stream now on Disney+.
Plenty of Jedi to Spread Around in The Acolyte
Notable characters in the Star Wars saga such as Yoda, Mace Windu, and Luke Skywalker are further expanded in The Acolyte with the introduction of new powerful Jedi. Lee Jung-jae portrays Jedi Master Sol, described as “massively respected and incredibly powerful.” Jung-jae, known for his role in Squid Game, shared that the mystery in The Acolyte will be gripping for viewers. He stated:
It’s going to get even more intriguing and gripping, because of that detective genre. It’s going to keep you on the edge of your toes, wanting to guess.
Other characters include Dafne Keen’s portrayal of Master Sol’s Padawan, Jecki Lon, and Charlie Barnett’s character, Jedi Knight Yord, described as “kind of a jerk” by Headland. The ensemble also features a Wookiee Jedi named Kelnacca played by Joonas Suotamo, Carrie-Anne Moss as Jedi Master Indara, and Rebecca Henderson as Vernestra Rwoh from the High Republic comics.
Wrapping Up
The Acolyte will launch with a two-episode premiere on June 4, exclusively on Disney+. Be sure to stay tuned for this thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe, promising to delve into a time of mystery and intrigue at the end of the High Republic era.
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