Cinematographer Chris Teague Prepares for Star Wars: The Acolyte with Insider Insight
In a bold move, Lucasfilm’s new Disney+ series, The Acolyte, takes Star Wars fans back 100 years to the High Republic era, a time when the Jedi Order was at its zenith. Developed by Leslye Headland, co-creator of Russian Doll, the series promises a fresh yet nostalgic look at the galaxy far, far away.
Chris Teague, the Emmy Award-winning lead cinematographer for The Acolyte, recently shared his insights on the show’s unique visual approach. Unlike its predecessor, The Mandalorian, The Acolyte eschews the LED Volume technology in favor of a more “handmade aesthetic” reminiscent of the original Star Wars trilogy. Teague emphasized the use of real sets, hand-painted backdrops, and practical effects like real snow, fog, and wind to capture the authentic feel of the Star Wars universe.
The Acolyte is framed as a murder mystery, with a lone assassin targeting Jedi members. The assassin, Mae (played by Amanda Stenberg), has a vendetta against the Jedi, and her twin sister, Osha (also played by Stenberg), teams up with her former teacher, Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae), to stop Mae’s killing spree.
Teague highlighted the importance of distinct visual palettes for each location to help the audience quickly identify new settings. He meticulously planned color swatches for each space, ensuring a cohesive visual narrative throughout the series. This approach allowed him to bring a fresh perspective to familiar Star Wars locations like Coruscant, balancing a bright, sunny aesthetic with the gritty, lived-in feel of the galaxy.
Teague’s lifelong love for Star Wars significantly influenced his work on The Acolyte. He aimed to recapture the franchise’s iconic atmosphere, filled with rough edges, dirt, and texture. His collaboration with Headland, with whom he previously worked on Russian Doll, made the transition to this epic scale project smoother. They shared a vision of blending wuxia genre elements with the Star Wars mythos, creating a unique storytelling experience.
One of the standout scenes Teague described involves a fight between Mae and Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) in a backwater cantina, inspired by the Western aesthetic of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Another favorite set was the forest planet Ueda, constructed inside a UK warehouse, which required creative solutions to maximize its visual impact.
Despite the challenges, Teague found the experience of working on The Acolyte incredibly rewarding. He often had “pinch-me” moments, marveling at the classic Star Wars creatures and sets he helped bring to life. The Acolyte, now streaming on Disney+, has captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, action, and rich visual storytelling.
Source: Lucasfilm, Disney+
