The stars and creators of the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte gathered on the red carpet, unveiling their much-anticipated show in the United Kingdom last Tuesday. Among them were Manny Jacinto, a pivotal character in the series, and director Leslye Headland.
Headland’s Vision for The Acolyte
For Leslye Headland, directing The Acolyte is nothing short of a dream fulfilled. Reflecting on her journey, she mentioned, I essentially cold-called Lucasfilm and, after a lot of conversations, found myself pitching a show—utterly elated, my ultimate career goal
. However, she also acknowledged the pressure involved in handling such a colossal project, admitting, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared
.
A Groundbreaking Role
This series marks a historic moment as Headland is the first woman to create a TV series for the franchise. She brings her experience from projects like Russian Doll, striving to merge her personal vision with meeting fan expectations.
Manny Jacinto’s Spotlight Moment
Manny Jacinto joins this cosmic adventure as one of its standout stars. Known for his work on shows like The Good Place, Jacinto expressed his excitement about being part of such an iconic universe.
An Inclusive Galaxy
The series aspires to be more inclusive with its diverse cast and stories that require no prior knowledge of Star Wars. Costing roughly $180 million over eight episodes, it aims to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Nods to Classic Star Wars Moments
For dedicated fans, The Acolyte serves up ample doses of Jedi lore and familiar settings. The opening scene takes place in an eatery brimming with colorful aliens—a nostalgic nod to the iconic Mos Eisley cantina from the original 1977 film.
As we approach its premiere on June 4 on Disney+, it’s clear that The Acolyte strives to honor its roots while boldly paving new paths. It’s a balancing act that few have successfully achieved before.
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