Disney+ has announced the premiere date for its latest Star Wars venture, “The Acolyte,” slated to debut on June 4. The latest Lucasfilm series, revealed through the Star Wars verified X account, promises a deep dive into the mysteries and dark undercurrents of the High Republic era.
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Crafted by Lesley Headland of “Russian Doll” fame, “The Acolyte” presents a mystery-thriller narrative set against the backdrop of a galaxy teetering on the brink of chaos. The series is set at the end of the High Republic era in a world of “shadowy secrets and emerging dark side powers”, approximately 100 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.
The cast assembled for this intergalactic odyssey includes Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Carrie-Anne Moss.
The recently released trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of “The Acolyte,” featuring Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi master guiding younglings amidst looming danger. Amandla Stenberg’s Mae takes center stage as a mysterious warrior with her sights set on the Jedi, igniting a galaxy-wide pursuit to apprehend the assassin.
Set against the backdrop of the High Republic era, the trailer showcases familiar Star Wars elements alongside fresh perspectives. From the hallowed halls of the Jedi Temple to the bustling cantinas reminiscent of the Original Trilogy, Headland infuses the series with a dynamic blend of homage and innovation.
One of the trailer’s standout moments features Mae (Amandla Stenberg) squares off with Jedi Master Indara (Moss) in a bar. And another moment reveals the central premise of the series: a hunt for Jedi orchestrated by unseen malevolent forces. “The Acolyte” takes a daring narrative approach by delving into the perspective of the Sith, challenging conventional notions of good and evil in the Star Wars universe.
Watch the trailer below.
In addition to her role as creator, Headland also serves as showrunner and wields the directorial reins for the series pilot. Executive producers at the helm include industry stalwarts Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King, and Jason Micallef, with Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson contributing as producers.
This announcement marks the latest milestone in Disney+’s ambitious lineup of Star Wars content, following in the stellar footsteps of acclaimed series such as “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” “Ahsoka,” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” With production on Season 2 of “Andor” recently concluding and plans for a cinematic venture underway, the force remains strong with Disney+ as it continues to captivate audiences with its captivating tales from the Star Wars saga