‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Star Describes the Show as “Prequel to Prequels” With Modern Sensibilities

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the next big thing in the Star Wars universe. It’s the first live-action show set in the High Republic era, and it’s groundbreaking because it will portray the Jedi as the bad guys, as they are an overwhelming systemic force in that specific time period.

We’ve learned a lot about the show in the past few weeks since the trailer dropped, especially about its influences. The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it draws heavily from Samurai and Wuxia films, promising some very exciting action scenes.

Now, many fans haven’t delved into the broader Star Wars universe beyond just the live-action films and shows. Leslye Headland also explained that the High Republic books were a major influence, even adapting some characters to the big screen.

Amandla Stenberg, who will be portraying Mae, explained to Total Film how the show will be a prequel to the prequels, with a touch of modern sensibilities, keeping relatable and contemporary themes.

We are the prequel to the prequels. And the prequels have this kind of prestige to them, this monarchical vibe. So one of my main questions going in was: are we going to maintain that sensibility? And yes, in many ways we do, while also incorporating elements that feel really contemporary and relatable. When I watched [the finished episodes] I was really struck by how universal the story was.

The show is set to consist of 8 episodes, premiering on Disney+ on June 4th.

The cast of the upcoming project includes:

• Amandla Stenberg as Mae, a former padawan turned warrior
• Lee Jung-Jae as Sol, a respected Jedi master
• Manny Jacinto as Qimir, a former smuggler
• Dafne Keen as Jecki Lon, a young Jedi
• Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseya, leader of a coven of witches
• Rebecca Henderson as Vernestra Rwoh, a Jedi Knight prodigy
• Charlie Barnett as Yord Fandar, another Jedi
• Carrie-Anne Moss as Indara, a Jedi Master
• Joonas Suotamo as Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi master
• Amy Tsang
  Dean-Charles Chapman and Margarita Levieva are also involved in the project.

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