Disney reportedly canceled Star Wars: The Acolyte after just one season, and it even happened on Manny Jacinto’s birthday. The show ended on a major cliffhanger, leaving several questions unanswered, such as the origin of Qimir / the Stranger (Jacinto) and the connections of Darth Plagueis and Grand Master Yoda to the series after their surprising appearances. Despite the massive backlash, fans have started a petition to save the Star Wars series after its cancellation.
Though fans have already taken to social media to show their support for The Acolyte, others have taken it to the next level and created an online petition on Change.org. Spearheaded by Blue Smith, the petition began a day after the cancellation news broke. It aims to renew the show for a second season and is now gaining traction, getting thousands of signatures per day. As of this writing, it has over 6,000 signatures out of a goal of 7,500.
“The Acolyte opened the doors for so many Star Wars fans, new and old, to feel seen. To feel welcomed and accepted by an IP and fandom that hadn’t previously been so for anyone who didn’t check off certain boxes,” the petition reads. “Not only that, but The Acolyte became a beacon for representation that many fans have felt was lacking in the Star Wars universe for decades.”
Smith praised showrunner Leslye Headland and the cast for truly understanding the world of Star Wars. Their passion, love, and drive to give viewers something fresh and new made the Disney+ series a fan favorite. They were also commended for introducing new characters and stories from the galaxy far, far away that many loved.
But despite the orchestrated review bombing from the “small faction of loud trolls” and other obstacles the show had to face, it still managed to trend online repeatedly throughout and after it aired. Smith stressed that The Acolyte had “a very dedicated fanbase” willing to fight for it to continue.
“It’s a story that deserves to be told,” he continued.
Aside from signing the petition, fans can contribute to the campaign by filling out a form that will be sent as a group of letters to Disney and Lucasfilm. They can also follow these instructions to send a physical letter requesting the renewal. Additionally, they can direct their request to the Disney+ website by submitting feedback, requesting a movie or show, and selecting The Acolyte. Of course, they can also continuously use the hashtags #RenewTheAcolyte, #SaveTheAcolyte, and #TheAcolyte to attract attention and keep the series in the spotlight.
Fans Have Been Showing Their Support for Star Wars: The Acolyte Following Its Cancellation
Though The Acolyte has its own dedicated group of haters, there’s no denying that it still has a legion of supporters. In fact, they have been showing their love and support for the series following its cancellation by using the hashtags #RenewTheAcolyte and #SaveTheAcolyte on social media.
X user @krazedester claimed that The Acolyte was the first Star Wars project that his girls and wife liked. As the show gradually built the franchise’s next generation of fanbase, he couldn’t help but question why it was canceled.
User @Darth_Ahsoka showed hate toward Disney for denying viewers a chance to see the continuation of Yoda, Plagueis, Qimir, and Vernestra Rwoh’s (Rebecca Henderson) storylines.
User @actual_Alyssa revealed that The Acolyte had a good viewership. Hence, amid the claims that it was canceled due to its poor ratings, they believed it wasn’t the reason why it would not continue.
Though many still support The Acolyte, several past petitions against studio decisions have rarely made a difference. Hollywood is a profit-driven business, and profitability often outweighs storytelling potential. Thus, despite the massive support, it may not change Disney’s decision to cancel The Acolyte Season 2.
All episodes of The Acolyte are available to stream on Disney+.
