Disney+ is lighting up the galaxy with its newest Star Wars series, The Acolyte, which premiered on June 4, 2024. This marks a significant milestone as it garnered 4.8 million views on its first day, making it the streaming platform’s biggest series premiere of the year.
An Intriguing Start
In the first two-episode debut, viewers were thrust into the shadowy days of the High Republic era. Showrunner Leslye Headland, known for Russian Doll, infuses the series with a fresh and captivating energy, taking us 100 years before the rise of the Empire. The series centers around a former Padawan who reunites with her Jedi Master to unravel a web of sinister forces.
A Star-Studded Cast
The cast boasts notable names including Lee Jung-jae as the Jedi Master and Amandla Stenberg, supported by Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss. As noted by Lee Jung-jae during production: Working on this project has been an exhilarating experience.
An Appreciable Budget
With a whopping budget of $180 million for eight episodes—about $22.5 million per episode—The Acolyte ranks among the most expensive shows ever made. Leslye Headland hinted at this financial commitment while discussing the ambitious scope of the series.
Thematic Exploration
The show delves deep into longstanding themes of duality, exploring the light and dark sides of The Force through compelling narratives. Alison Herman from Variety saw resonances between The Acolyte and other iconic Star Wars moments like Rey Skywalker versus Kylo Ren and Darth Vader versus Luke Skywalker.
Critical Reception
Variety critic Alison Herman wasn’t reticent in her praise, highlighting the show’s willingness to put its own spin on hallowed lore
. She pointed out that although there’s plentiful action—much of it involving hand-to-hand combat inflected with martial arts—the true power lies in its character-driven stakes large and small.
Watch It Now
If you haven’t tuned in yet, catch The Acolyte streaming now on Disney+. With its tantalizing blend of mystery and thriller elements against a rich Star Wars backdrop, it’s an unmissable addition to your watchlist!
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