“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,” was a phrase that once held an air of mystery that’s somewhat been lost with time. These days, those words mark our return to a galaxy that we’re all too familiar with.
But that sense of intrigue and magnetism is once again restored in the excellentStar Wars: The Acolyte, a new eight-part series set to premiere on Disney Plus on 4 June in the US or 5 June if you’re in the UK.
Set roughly 100 years prior to the events ofStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, The Acolyteis exactly what that aforementioned phrase states, set a long time ago. In fact, this is the first time that the High Republic era has been explored in a live-action setting meaning that for many of us, this series may mark our first contact with the time period.
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With that in mind, the galaxy is quite literally showrunner Leslye Headland’s oyster - and she certainly makes the most of this creative freedom, weaving a story that is both quintessentially Star Wars whilst being wholly new.
Take a look atour interviewwithThe Acolyte’s Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, and Rebecca Henderson below.
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The Acolyteis so much more than a good story though. Headland has a clear understanding for what it is that fans actually want, and it’s not cheap thrills. With this insight, she’s able to imbue the series with that same level of intrigue and magic many of us might have felt watchingA New Hopefor the first time. Yes, it helps that generally many of us know far less about the High Republic but even still, from new lightsaber styles to the creation of a formidable new villain, Headland is weaving new threads within this world that I’m sure will get the George Lucas seal of approval.
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Jodie Turner-Smith’s Mother Aniseya, the leader of a coven of witches - not to be confused with the Night Sisters - is equally mesmeric when she debuts in the show’s third episode, as is Amandla Stenberg’s Mae, a character who is complex beyond reasons why I can explain here in this spoiler-free review.
Mae is a formidable assassin, and Stenberg does a fantastic job in the premiere’s opening fight sequence, but so too is she a puppet on a string for our nameless Sith Lord. In those opening four episodes, this figure is as elusive as they have proven to be in the show’s marketing campaign. To begin with, brief yet menacing glimpses will have to tide fans over, but worry not. Chaos will come. We could be looking at the most exciting villain Star Wars has had in years.
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The Acolytehas truly got it all. From epic lightsaber duels to adorable droids and everything in between, these are the jigsaw pieces that make Star Wars what it is, and yet Headland places those pieces together in a way that feels both familiar and new. Offering excellently paced episodes and a thrilling story packed with twists, turns, and revelations,The Acolytedoesn’t disappoint. Finally, someone has figured out what it is that made the golden age of Star Wars so special.
Star Wars: The Acolyte premieres on Disney Plus on 4 June 6pm PST/9pm EST in the US or on 5 June 2am BST in the UK.
Topics:Star Wars,TV And Film,Disney,Reviews
