Star Wars is one of the major franchises that has been introducing a more diverse cast in its recent projects. It's not a subtle move and The Acolyte star Amandla Stenberg is one actor who is proud of what Star Wars is doing. Stenberg has even gone out of her way to share how Star Wars has become a safe place for Black nerds.
The Acolyte is one of the new Star Wars project in production and it already boasts of a diverse cast. Led by Amandla Stenberg, the series will also star Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae and Queen & Slim's Jodie Turner-Smith.
It's a cast that Stenberg is clearly proud of. In the latest episode of the Dagobah Dispatch podcast, the Bodies Bodies Bodies actor shared how the franchise is moving to become a place where multiple cultures are represented properly.
"You see the progress that Star Wars is making across the board in all of the streaming series," she said. "When it comes to the world of fantasy and sci-fi in general, it hasn't felt like a safe space always for people of color, and it's been a world that I've always deeply loved and been invested in."
Stendberg added. "So to be in any way, shape, or form a part of the wave that is ushering in inclusion and safety for Black nerds, it's my dream come true."
It's certainly refreshing and wonderful to see a more diverse cast in an effort to connect with audiences with different cultural backgrounds. It is even better to know that the diversity in The Acolyte will lead to more people taking interest in the franchise.
Star Wars: The Acolyte will consist of eight episodes. The series has not yet been given an official release date but is expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2024.
