The Writer of ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Describes the Pronouns in Episode 4 as a “Joke”

This week, ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ aired its fourth episode to mixed reactions. Amidst ongoing review fluctuations—from “review-bombing” to “review-boosting”—the show now finds itself embroiled in another controversy surrounding pronouns.

Episode 4 introduces a small Tynnan tracker named Bazil, whose appearance combines humanoid and rodent-like features, making it difficult to determine the creature’s gender. In one scene, Osha queries Bazil’s pronouns:

Is He or They, with us?

There’s uncertainty when it comes to Tynnan. Fans were offended by these pronouns and directed their questions towards Claire Kiechel, one of the writers for episode 4. Kiechel clarified that it was intended as a joke, highlighting Osha’s humorous concern for the peculiar furry creature while respecting its gender expression.

It’s obviously a joke about pronouns because she’s referring to a strange lil animal creature? Not sure the upset on this one

The show has faced previous criticism for its LGBT themes, with Headland stating before its premiere that it’s the gayest Star Wars installment to date. The series includes same-sex relationships, such as Mother Aniseya and Mother Koril in the Coven of Witches of Brendok.

Recently, Jecki Lon’s actress revealed that her character, a Jedi Padawan, has feelings for Osha.

This pronoun incident mirrors a recent situation in ‘Tales of the Empire,’ where an unnamed non-binary Jedi was attacked by two Sith Inquisitors who used correct pronouns (they/them).

What are your thoughts on pronouns in Star Wars? Share in the comments below!