Leslye Headland Says That Fans Don’t Understand The Witches of Brendok: “You’re Not Really Paying Attention”

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the latest addition to the franchise, and it sparked controversy even before its release when creator Leslye Headland described it as the “gayest” Star Wars installment to date.

Following its debut and amid a negative reception, Headland has stated that her show is being interpreted in unintended ways and suggests that fans may not fully grasp its themes. Nevertheless, she remains pleased to inspire the LGBT community.

One of the most controversial aspects of the show revolves around its LGBTQ themes, notably the introduction of an all-female coven of Witches residing in seclusion on the planet Brendok. In episode 3, two witches who served as central characters appeared to be in a romantic relationship and mysteriously created twins Osha & Mae without male involvement, manipulating the Force through unknown means.

Additionally, the show confirmed that Jedi Jecki Lon harbors feelings for Osha, despite being a Jedi, and there was a humorous use of pronouns for Bazil in ‘Episode 4,’ which a writer later clarified as a joke.

In a recent interview with The New York Post, Headland expressed frustration that fans may not be fully engaging with these thematic elements of the show.

I was surprised by the question.Amandla and I just burst out laughing because that’s our knee-jerk reaction to being asked that, but to be honest, I don’t know what the term ‘gay’ means in that sense. I don’t believe that I’ve created queer, with a capital Q, content. […] They’re in a matriarchal society. As a gay woman, I knew it would read that their sexuality is queer, but there also aren’t any men in their community. So a closeness between the two of them would be natural. It seemed plot-driven. […] I would say it’s really reductive to call them lesbians. I think it means you’re not really paying attention to this story.

Headland clarified that she is proud to have created a show that is perceived as Queer.

I’m proud of being a gay woman who’s accomplished this feat, and certainly, if my content is called queer, I don’t want to disown whatever queerness is in the show. I would be proud to create something that inspired queer people.

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