The Acolyte is an upcoming series for Disney+ set at the end of the High Republic era. It follows a Jedi Master investigating a series of crimes, which takes them down a dark path. The first two episodes of the series are set to premiere on Disney+ on June 4th. The remaining episodes will come out weekly. From the release date to details about the series, here is everything we know about The Acolyte on Disney+.
What Is The Acolyte?
The Acolyte is an upcoming live-action series set in the Star Wars universe. The story is described as a mystery thriller, with a respected Jedi Master investigating deaths within the Order. The story also includes a coven of Force-sensitive witches.
Set during the High Republic era, it could outline the beginning of the fall of the Jedi Order and the Republic. It is expected to introduce a number of darker aspects, which could eventually explain how Palpatine was able to infiltrate the Sentar without the Jedi’s knowledge.
What We Know About the Series So Far
Amandla Stenberg plays the former Padawan Mae, who is seemingly aligned with the witches. Best known for his role in Squid Game, Lee Jung-jae learned English for his role as Jedi Master Sol.
Jedi Vernestra Rwoh is played by Rebecca Henderson. Rwoh previously appeared throughout the High Republic series of books and comics.
Joonas Suotamo appears as Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca. Suotamo previously played Chewbacca in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Carrie-Anne Moss plays Jedi Master Indara, a character inspired by her role as Trinity in The Matrix.
The cast also includes Manny Jacinto as smuggler Qimir, Dafne Keen as Padawan Jecki Lon, Charlie Barnett as Jedi Knight Yord Fandar, Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseya, and Dean-Charles Chapman in an undisclosed role.
Russian Doll co-creator Leslye Headland created the series and serves as the showrunner, reportedly pitching it as “Frozen meets Kill Bill.”
Teased in April 2020, it was officially announced on May 4, 2020. Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the series would take place during the High Republic at Disney’s Investor Day event on December 10th.
Writing began in June 2021, including Jason Micallef, Charmaine DeGrate, Jasmyne Flournoy, Eileen Shim, Claire Kiechel, Kor Adana, Cameron Squires, Jocelyn Bioh, and Jen Richards.
They began principal photography at Shinfield Studios on October 30, 2022, moving to Wales in January 2023 and Madeira Island, Portugal in mid-to-late March. Filming wrapped on June 6, 2023.
Headland directed the first two episodes. Kogonada and Alex Garcia Lopez were revealed as directors in February 2023, with Hanelle Culpepper confirmed in March 2024. They directed two episodes each.
What Is the Release Date for Star Wars The Acolyte?
The Acolyte release date is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The first two episodes will debut, with the remaining six episodes being released weekly. Although not officially announced, new episodes are expected on Tuesdays.
It is currently a limited series of eight episodes. However, Headland has said they have plans for future seasons if Lucasfilm is interested. According to reports, future seasons could include more Jedi that appear in the High Republic series.
When Does The Acolyte Take Place in Star Wars?
The Acolyte is set at the end of the High Republic era in approximately 130 BBY. However, Lucasfilm has not confirmed the exact placement in the Star Wars timeline. This is about 100 years before The Phantom Menace, 130 years before A New Hope, and more than 160 years before The Force Awakens.
The Acolyte is not set in the Mandoverse with shows like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian. Instead, it takes place approximately 140 years beforehand. As such, Din Djarin, Grogu, Ahsoka, and Sabine Wren will not appear in the series.
This is the third time period of Star Wars that appears in a Disney+ live-action series. The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka all take place in 9 ABY, in the New Republic era. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor are set in 9 BBY and 5 BBY, respectively, during the age of the Galactic Empire.
The series is also unrelated to Daisy Ridley’s upcoming movie about rebuilding the Jedi Order following the Sequel Trilogy. There are few details about that movie, but it is expected to take place sometime after 35 ABY, nearly 170 years after this series.
What Is the High Republic?
The High Republic era is a period of galactic history set roughly between 500 and 100 BBY. It was a time of peace and prosperity for the Jedi Order and the Republic.
The Acolyte is the first live-action series set during the period. The majority of content set during the High Republic era is novels and comics.
The animated children’s series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is also set during this period.
The era following the High Republic is called the Fall of the Republic, which takes place before and through the Prequel Trilogy.
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