Key Takeaways:
– Leslye Headland, the showrunner, reveals that The Acolyte will unfold during the High Republic era, about a century before The Phantom Menace.
– Headland considers the setting ideal for her exploration of the Sith Order and its rule of two.
– Much to the disappointment of fans, Headland ruled out the appearance of Master Yoda in the series.
– The series will include quite a few recognizable characters from the Expanded Universe and High Republic multimedia project.
– The Acolyte will premiere on Disney+ on June 4, 2024.
In the mesmerizing world of the Star Wars universe, there’s quite a buzz regarding Leslye Headland’s latest show, The Acolyte. This forthcoming series, set during the High Republic era, serves as a prequel happening roughly a hundred years before the memorable events of The Phantom Menace.
Why Set in the High Republic Era?
The upcoming series is set to indulge fans with fresh storytelling opportunities. This marks the first-ever live-action depiction set in this era, which happens to precede The Phantom Menace by approximately a century.
During a recent interaction with ComicBook.com, the series’ creator and showrunner, Leslye Headland, shed light on the show’s setting and her reason behind its timeline placement. The choice wasn’t solely hers or Lucasfilm’s, rather, it was a mutual agreement. The High Republic era served as an ideal timeline for the narrative she envisioned, revolving around rising Sith. She hinted, “I mean, how did the rule of two continue through all of this time until Sidious and Maul reveal themselves in The Phantom Menace?”
The narrative intricately delves into the Sith Order’s rule of two, given the series’ timeline placement a hundred years before The Phantom Menace. Headland added that towards the end of the High Republic era, the Jedi found themselves in a comfortable position, oblivious of the impending threats. This unawareness and the following events led to the ultimate Jedi downfall, making this era the perfect setting for her story on the rise of the Sith.
Familiar Faces and Some Disappointments
Although the creator dismissed the possibility of Master Yoda gracing the series, she assured loyal fans that there would be other beloved characters from the franchise’s Expanded Universe. Headland revealed that familiar faces from the Star Wars Expanded Universe and High Republic multimedia project are set to make appearances. Hence, avid viewers should be on the lookout for those cameos.
To give fans a better understanding of the timeline, it is known that Master Yoda was around 764 years old during The Acolyte’s timeline. However, Headland confirmed the unlikelihood of Yoda’s cameo since getting such an iconic character approved by Lucafilm would not have been a simple task.
Showtime Details
As revealed, the much-anticipated show, The Acolyte, will premiere its first two episodes on Disney+ on June 4, 2024, with the subsequent episodes being released weekly.
This creative take on the Star Wars universe illuminates pre-existing tales while also expanding into new horizons. Although fans may have mixed feelings about some revelations, the promise of new narratives and familiar faces ensures excitement for the upcoming series.
By exploring the High Republic era’s uncharted territories, viewers are in for a visual and narrative treat with The Acolyte.