Controversy has been brewing around Disney+’s The Acolyte as the latest entry in the Star Wars universe struggles to meet audience expectations. Created by Leslye Headland and led by Amandla Stenberg, the show has faced significant backlash for its perceived progressive themes.
Creator Responds to Accusations
Leslye Headland, heralded by The Hollywood Reporter as the first openly queer person to create
a major Star Wars project, has pushed back against criticism labeling her show as woke
propaganda. Critics argue that the show features overtones of LGBTQ messaging.
A Divisive New Entry
The Acolyte has emerged as one of the most polarizing additions to the Star Wars canon since its debut. Despite enjoying an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, it holds a concerning 14% audience score—the lowest in Star Wars history. Headland expressed surprise at these reactions, reiterating that she did not set out to create content with a capital Q agenda.
Spontaneous Laughter
A recent viral interview with The Wrap added fuel to the fire when a journalist dubbed The Acolyte as arguably the gayest Star Wars by a considerable margin
. Headland and non-binary lead Amandla Stenberg responded with laughter, though Headland clarified,I don’t know what the term ‘gay’ means in that sense
, emphasizing her unplanned approach towards LGBTQ themes.
Episode Three Controversy
The controversy reached new heights with Episode Three’s narrative involving witches who purportedly used force magic to produce offspring. Headland tackled this head-on, explaining that their matriarchal society naturally evokesa closeness
between female characters. She argued,I would say it’s really reductive to call them lesbians
, calling for more nuanced interpretations.
A Creator’s Pride
Despite ongoing backlash, Headland stands firm on her work’s impact. She voiced pride in creating a series that might inspire queer communities while defending against critiques:I don’t want to disown whatever queerness is in the show… I consider this to be the most important piece of art I’ve ever made.
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