Key Takeaways:
– The latest Star Wars show, The Acolyte, under Disney+ directed by Leslye Headland, faces mounting criticism from fans.
– Viewers express their dissatisfaction regarding changes in long-standing canon and the prioritization of queer themes.
– Actress Dafne Keen's revelation about her character's attraction towards another character adds fuel to the fire.
– The show currently has a dismal 14% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Star Wars Universe and its Controversy
Star Wars, renowned operation of epic space operas, includes staggering planets, Jedi knights, sentient aliens, expansive mythologies, and controversies. Since Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm over a decade ago, they tried to enhance the franchise with a new trilogy and spinoffs. However, the latest addition The Acolyte has found itself amidst a whirlpool of controversies following its third episode.
The Acolyte Series Overview
This series revolves around twins Osha and Mae and takes us to the tail-end of the High Republic era, an era ripe in Star Wars lore. The narrative introduced a coven of Force-sensitive witches, an interesting and bold concept. Yet, it seemed to bring more accusations than accolades. Fans have criticized the series for apparently ignoring established Star Wars canon to force certain themes and narratives.
Queer Characters and the Canon Narrative
Overshadowed by the debate around social representation and diversity, The Acolyte showcases an ensemble of queer characters, a new notion within the Star Wars context. However, the storyline that accompanied these characters is what seemingly became an eye of the storm for the series.
In an interview with Decider, Dafne Keen, portraying Jecki Lon in the series, spilled some beans about her character. She mentioned that her Jedi padawan character does harbor feelings for Osha, portrayed by Amandla Stenberg. This sparked arguments among fans about whether a Jedi can harbor such feelings, changing the historical Jedi code.
The Acolyte Fails to Win Fan Approval
The Acolyte is currently grappling with an abysmal 14% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the least liked spins off of the Star Wars saga. Fans jointly have shown their dissatisfaction with Disney's handling of the franchise, particularly how they prioritized queer themes and inclusivity. Many argued that this led to altering the franchise's long-established canon.
Critics stressed scenes contradicting the lore, such as Anakin Skywalker's birth as the Chosen One. They argued, due to prioritizing the contemporary themes, the integrity of the story suffered. Moreover, non-binary pronouns' introduction into the scripts further stirred fan ire, leading to an open rejection of the changes brought upon the beloved franchise.
Disney's Challenge for The Acolyte
Disney now faces the challenge of satisfying an array of diverse audiences while retaining the original integrity of the series. The company not only has to cater to the wants and needs of a young, progressive audience but also the die-hard Star Wars fans that have poured years of dedication into the story.
Currently, it seems Disney is failing to achieve this balance through The Acolyte, and response from fans could impact future initiatives within the franchise. However, there's still time for the company to reassess and recalibrate its strategy for this series and other forthcoming Star Wars ventures.
Ultimately, The Acolyte is a testament to the changing times and narratives of franchise series in the face of increasing calls for diversity and representation. But the challenge always lies in how these franchises manage to keep a balance between its origin and the changes that the modern era demands.
You may stream The Acolyte on Disney+, and perhaps join the debate on Disney's approach to the series.
