Leslye Headland Reveals Idea to Connect ‘The Acolyte’ to Darth Plagueis and Palpatine: “It’s pretty complicated and messy”

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ stands out for several reasons. It is the first and only live-action Star Wars series set during the High Republic Era. The show has become highly polarizing within the franchise, with some fans praising it as the best live-action series and others deeming it the worst.

Given the show’s unique setting, most fans did not expect to see familiar characters from other live-action entries. The notable exception was Ki-Adi-Mundi, whose cameo ended up causing more controversy than satisfaction.

Given that the show takes place 100 years before ‘The Phantom Menace,’ it is set in a period when the Jedi believe the Sith are extinct. Despite this, the show introduced Qimir, also known as The Stranger, adding significant elements to the canon. With Leslye Headland hinting at the presence of another secret Sith character, fans began theorizing about connections between Qimir, Darth Tenebrous, and Darth Plagueis, potentially leading to Palpatine, the most well-known Sith Lord.

In her latest interview with Nerdist, Headland was asked if she knew how ‘The Acolyte’ could connect to Darth Plagueis training Palpatine. She responded candidly, stating that she does have an idea for connecting the show to that era, but acknowledged it would be complicated and messy.

Yes, I do. If I continue to get to tell this story, I know how I would like that to play out. And I would say I think it’s pretty complicated and messy.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating the mention of at least one Sith from the Expanded Universe, given Headland’s extensive use of these sources. However, with only one episode left in the first season, it seems unlikely that the show will explore these themes.

While the creator has teased a potential Season 2, no official decision has been made. Ideally, ‘The Acolyte’ would run for at least four seasons, giving ample time to incorporate these fan theories.

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