First Live-Action Wookie Jedi in ‘The Acolyte’ Is Getting a Marvel Comic & Origin Reveal

‘The Acolyte’ is a new Star Wars TV series by Leslye Headland, set at the end of the High Republic era. It features Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae in leading roles. One significant addition to the Star Wars universe in the show is the first Wookie Jedi, Kelnacca, played by Joonas Suotamo, known for his role as Chewbacca, succeeding Peter Mayhew.

Kelnacca, a fresh character for the series, was unveiled by showrunner Leslye Headland at Star Wars Celebration Europe on April 8, 2023. Suotamo shared his enthusiasm about portraying a Jedi during the event.

Now, the character is set to star in his own Marvel comic. Marvel Comics will unveil fresh details about Kelnacca’s backstory in a one-shot called “Star Wars: The Acolyte – Kelnacca #1,” releasing on September 4. Penned by Cavan Scott and illustrated by Marika Cresta, this comic will connect The High Republic novels and comics with the forthcoming Disney+ series “The Acolyte.” As Scott explained to io9:

It’s been so exciting to draw a line from The Acolyte back to The High Republic era we’ve been building in comics, books, audio and animation. Kelnacca is the perfect character to bridge the gap between the time of Leslye Headland’s spectacular series to the age of Starlight Beacon, the threat of Marchion Ro, and the marauding Nihil. In this comic, we will learn more about one of the most intriguing aspects of Kelnacca’s design: the meaning behind those mysterious tattoos. Along the way we’ll see the struggle of a Padawan and a master who is stoic, wise, and, ultimately, a true practitioner of Light and Life.

Gizmodo

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ debuts on June 4th with its first two episodes. Have anything to contribute? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!