**Star Wars: The Acolyte Fans Obsessed With Franchise’s Latest Villain**
The Star Wars universe has always been a hotbed of passionate discourse, and the latest series, “The Acolyte,” is no exception. The show, which recently premiered on Disney+, has introduced a new villain that has fans buzzing. Amandla Stenberg, who stars in the series, has become a focal point of both admiration and controversy, particularly due to the character’s identity and the actor’s outspoken stance against bigotry within the fandom.
Amandla Stenberg, a gay, nonbinary actor who uses she/they pronouns, portrays the main character in “The Acolyte.” Even before the show aired, there was a noticeable backlash from a segment of the Star Wars fanbase. This reaction, unfortunately, mirrors past instances where actors of color or those from the LGBTQ+ community faced undue criticism and harassment.
In 2022, Moses Ingram, who played the main villain in “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” received a slew of racist comments. Similarly, Ahmed Best, who portrayed Jar Jar Binks in “The Phantom Menace,” faced such intense hatred that it led to death threats. These instances highlight a troubling pattern within the fandom, where criticism often veers into outright bigotry.
Amandla has not shied away from addressing this issue. On Juneteenth, they posted a video on Instagram calling out the intolerance and hate they experienced. The caption read, “Happy Juneteenth and to those who are flooding me with intolerable racism—since it took me 72 hours on my laptop to make this song and video, u got 72 hours to respond. and I expect choreo!!” The video, titled “Discourse,” referenced a viral 2018 interview with Trevor Noah, where Amandla discussed the importance of empathy in storytelling, particularly in films like “The Hate U Give.”
The backlash against Amandla and “The Acolyte” is not just about the character’s identity. Some fans have criticized the series for its perceived scientific inaccuracies. One scene, in particular, has drawn ire: a fire spreading on the outside of a Neimoidian vessel in space. Critics argue that flames cannot exist in the vacuum of space, deeming the scene unrealistic.
However, this criticism seems selective, given that the Star Wars franchise has never adhered strictly to scientific principles. From sound in space to fireball explosions, the series has always prioritized storytelling over scientific accuracy. The uproar over this particular scene in “The Acolyte” seems disproportionate, especially when considering the franchise’s long history of similar creative liberties.
Despite the criticism, “The Acolyte” has also garnered significant praise. The series, set in the High Republic era, features a diverse cast, including Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Charlie Barnett, and Jodie Turner-Smith. This inclusivity is a step forward for the franchise, which has historically been criticized for its lack of diversity.
For many fans, seeing characters played by actors like Oscar Isaac, Pedro Pascal, Diego Luna, Rosario Dawson, Ming-Na Wen, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo has been a breath of fresh air. These actors bring new perspectives and stories to the Star Wars universe, making it more reflective of the diverse world we live in.
As a longtime Star Wars fan, I remember the excitement of seeing characters like Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) and Captain Panaka (Hugh Quarshie) on screen. These characters provided representation and hope for young fans of color. The continued push for inclusivity in today’s TV and movies is commendable, even in the face of backlash from certain segments of the fandom.
It’s essential to recognize that not all criticism of the Star Wars franchise is rooted in bigotry. Some fans are genuinely disappointed with certain storylines or character developments. The prequel trilogy, for instance, received mixed reactions, and the sequel trilogy also faced its share of criticism. However, when the criticism is based solely on the appearance or identity of characters and actors, it crosses a line.
Amandla Stenberg’s portrayal in “The Acolyte” has sparked important conversations about representation and inclusivity in the Star Wars universe. Their willingness to call out bigotry and stand up for their identity is commendable. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds and how fans continue to react.
In conclusion, “The Acolyte” has brought a new villain to the Star Wars universe, and fans are obsessed. While the series has faced its share of criticism, much of it seems rooted in longstanding issues of racism and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment within the fandom. Amandla Stenberg’s response to the hate has been powerful, reminding us of the importance of representation and inclusivity in storytelling. As the Star Wars universe continues to expand, it’s crucial to support and celebrate the diverse voices that bring these stories to life.
Source: BuzzFeed, CinemaBlend
