There is no shortage of upcoming Star Wars shows and they all offer exciting stories set within the universe. However, The Acolyte stands apart from all these projects. And as showrunner Leslye Headland explains, the main difference isn't just because of its diverse main cast.
The Acolyte was announced back in December 2020 and it was confirmed that Russian Doll's Leslye Headland will develop the series for Disney and Lucasfilm. It was also revealed that the new series will be set in the High Republic era and will take place a full century before the Star Wars prequel trilogy films.
It's certainly something different considering it's happening way before anyone knew about a Skywalker who wields a lightsaber. But what truly sets The Acolyte apart from its predecessors is that the characters are not worried about a war (a Star War!) in the first place.
"We're looking at a time period where there is peace throughout the galaxy," Headland told Entertainment Weekly. "It was very challenging and interesting to make a Star Wars with no war in it. So the question became, 'Well, what should the show be about if it's not going to be about galactic conflict?'"
That's an interesting question indeed and the answer is ... sleuthing? In The Acolyte, a former Jedi Padawan reunites with her Master to investigate a series of crimes. This means the new show could be the Star Wars murder mystery that I've personally been waiting for.
But that's not all. Headland went on to reveal the second thing that differentiates The Acolyte from other Star Wars projects.
"I think that what makes this show different and interesting is that it's from the perspective of the villains of Star Wars," she said. "These are people who are using the Force in their own way, dipping into the darker sides of the Force and are doing it without being sanctioned by the larger institution, which, in this case, is the Jedi."
It's certainly unique in the Star Wars Universe since we're always seeing the story from the Jedi's side. Needless to say, we can't wait to explore the bad guys' side of the story.
Star Wars: The Acolyte has not yet been given an official release date but is already set to premiere on Disney+ in 2024.
