As the Star Wars saga continues to expand under Disney’s stewardship, each new project comes under intense scrutiny from the devoted fan base. “The Acolyte,” the latest series set to debut on Disney’s streaming platform, is no exception. Positioned as a prequel exploring the twilight of the High Republic era, the series aims to delve into uncharted territories of the Jedi lore. However, even before its release, the series has encountered significant pushback from fans, troubled by deviations from the beloved traditional narratives and thematic elements of the franchise.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Critique Adds Fuel to the Fire
During a recent appearance at the Disney Upfronts, comedian Jimmy Kimmel did not hold back on his views about “The Acolyte,” expressing his disinterest in a manner only he could. According to Variety, Kimmel quipped,
“The show is set during the High Republic era of the Star Wars timeline, which means it takes place before the ‘Phantom Menace’ and after I stopped giving a shit.”
His remarks, highlighting a growing indifference even among casual observers of the franchise, underscore the broader challenges Disney faces with its latest Star Wars endeavors.
A Deep Dive into “The Acolyte’s” Premise
“The Acolyte” stars Dafne Keen and Lee Jung-jae in a story set approximately a century before the events of “The Phantom Menace.” The series promises to explore the dynamics of the Jedi Order during the High Republic, focusing on a Jedi Master’s investigation into a series of sinister crimes that reveal dark forces at play. This narrative setup suggests a blend of mystery and traditional Star Wars action, aiming to shed light on a lesser-known period of Jedi history.
New episode tomorrow! Liam Neeson’s appearance on @jimmykimmel has us thinking it might be time for a change from trying to keep every detail about upcoming #StarWars projects a secret.
Patrons of all tiers can watch with early access right now on: https://t.co/NlBt5Kw70R pic.twitter.com/PjYNGloA8F
— The Resistance Broadcast (@TRBpodcasts) June 13, 2021
Fan Reactions: A Spectrum of Discontent
The reception from the Star Wars community has been mixed, with a significant portion expressing their displeasure online. Criticisms range from concerns over the series’ apparent “queer approach” to its characters—a creative decision by showrunner Leslye Headland, which she discussed in an interview with The Advocate—to dissatisfaction with the quality of leaked set images. Comments on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reveal a deep-seated skepticism about the series’ ability to stay true to the essence of the franchise. Users have described the upcoming show as ranging from “cringy fan-fiction” to fears of it being “the end of Star Wars.”
The Bigger Picture for Disney’s Star Wars
This backlash is part of a larger trend where Disney’s attempts to innovate within the Star Wars universe have met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate the new narratives and inclusive characters, others feel these changes betray the original spirit of George Lucas’s creation. As Disney continues to navigate these treacherous waters, the success of “The Acolyte” could be indicative of whether the Star Wars franchise can continue to expand its universe in new directions while still honoring its roots.
As “The Acolyte” prepares for its imminent release, the series not only has to contend with the usual expectations that come with any new Star Wars project but also with the heightened scrutiny following Jimmy Kimmel’s harsh spotlight. Will this series manage to win over critics and fans alike, or will it be another contentious chapter in the ever-evolving Star Wars saga? Only time will tell.