Leslye Headland, the creator of “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” is nearing the end of a four-year journey that began when Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy greenlit her series pitch. Described as “Frozen meets Kill Bill,” the series is set a century before “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” and delves into a time of peace near the end of the High Republic era. The first trailer hints at Amandla Stenberg’s character hunting Jedi, adding layers to the narrative.
The trailer opens with Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi Master advising Padawans to be wary of their own perceptions, setting the tone for a series that will explore different perspectives on the same events, much like the film “Rashomon.” Headland emphasizes that “The Acolyte” is a mystery-thriller, with each episode revealing more about the overarching story. Influenced by samurai and wuxia films, the series stands out by presenting events from multiple viewpoints.
Headland reveals that Jung-jae and Stenberg’s characters share a history, and the series will explore their conflict from both perspectives. This duality allows viewers to understand the motivations of both the Jedi and Stenberg’s character, creating a complex narrative where moral ambiguity reigns.
Headland’s journey in television began with FX’s “Terriers,” where her first produced script was directed by “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” filmmaker Rian Johnson. She recalls Johnson’s calm and clear demeanor on set, which left a lasting impression on her.
In a recent conversation, Headland, who directed the first two episodes of “The Acolyte” set to debut on June 4, discussed the importance of having a writer on staff who was new to “Star Wars.” This fresh perspective helped ensure that the emotional beats of the story were earned and not reliant on fan service.
Headland’s pitch to Lucasfilm was driven by her love for “Star Wars.” After the success of “Russian Doll,” she approached Lucasfilm with her idea, which Kennedy immediately embraced. The development process involved extensive script work and practical effects, with much of the filming done in London without the use of the Volume.
The production involved a significant amount of martial arts, with an incredible stunt team and actors like Carrie-Anne Moss, Lee Jung-jae, and Dafne Keen performing much of their own action. Stenberg, in particular, impressed the team with her rapid progress in martial arts training.
Set towards the end of the High Republic and 100 years before “The Phantom Menace,” “The Acolyte” keeps the nature of Stenberg’s character’s allegiance—whether to the Sith, the Jedi, or something else—open to interpretation. The series is structured as a serialized mystery-thriller, with each episode providing new insights into the story.
The trailer suggests a narrative that shifts between the perspectives of the Jedi and Stenberg’s character, exploring themes of power and moral ambiguity. Headland notes that the show focuses on individualized relationships, with characters who can be both good and bad, reflecting the complex dynamics of the “Star Wars” universe.
While “The Acolyte” is set in a time period that precludes many familiar faces from the “Star Wars” saga, it will feature cameos of alien species and references to the Expanded Universe (EU). These elements are designed to excite fans without relying on well-known characters from the films.
Headland also made a conscious decision to include a writer who had never seen “Star Wars” to bring a fresh perspective to the writers’ room. This writer’s journey of discovering the “Star Wars” saga added a unique dynamic to the creative process.
Reflecting on her experience with “Terriers” and her admiration for Rian Johnson, Headland expresses her excitement for “The Acolyte” and the opportunity to contribute to the “Star Wars” universe. The series promises to offer a fresh take on the franchise, blending mystery, action, and complex character dynamics.
“Star Wars: The Acolyte” premieres on Disney+ on June 4th, and fans can look forward to a series that challenges their perceptions and delves into the rich history of the “Star Wars” universe.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, ComicBook, Den of Geek
