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The Acolytehas received extremely divisive reviews from critics and fans alike, making it one of the most talked about shows on the internet. It has been criticized for its alleged disrespect to the overall franchise lore created by George Lucas, especially regarding the depiction of the Jedi.
During an interview, creator Leslye Headland spoke about the show’s treatment of the Jedi. She attempted to explain why the idea of the Jedi during the High Republic Era was different from the Jedi in Lucas’ prequel trilogy. Here is what Headland said to defend her depiction of the Jedi and its differences from Lucas’ version.
Leslye Headland Discussed Comparing the High Republic Jedi to George Lucas’ Prequel Trilogy Jedi
The Acolyteis set during the High Republic era of theStar Warsfranchise, taking place roughly a hundred years before the events ofThe Phantom Menace, directed byGeorge Lucas. However, the show’s depiction of the Jedi Orderhas faced criticism from fans online.
Creator Leslye Headland responded to the said criticism during an interview withCollider. She said:
I hope it’s making people look at it from a different point of view.
Headland added that she wanted to explore the Jedi in the context of the High Republic era, who were different from those appearing in the films overseen by Lucas, mainly the prequels and the original trilogy.
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However, Headland admitted that she understood fans, especially those who don’t know the High Republic, might feel like she is criticizing the Jedi as they exist in Lucas’ oeuvre. Nonetheless, since the series takes place several years before, Headland felt such an exploration was warranted.
Leslye Headland Explained HowThe Acolyte‘s Jedi Differ From George Lucas’ Version
During the same interview,Leslye Headlandalso discussed the differences between the Jedi of the High Republic as seen inThe Acolyte, and the Jedi of the prequel trilogy. The showrunner felt it was unfair to compare them because of the nearly 100-year gap in the timeline.
Headland used the example of the dialog “A Jedi doesn’t pull their weapon unless prepared to kill,” from the first episode, to explain how the Jedi of the High Republic were different since they did not have to fight Clone Troopers, Sith, or the Separatist armies. She said:
Comparing that to anybody in the prequels, it’s not the same. They’re just not the same Jedi.
Headland explained that because of this she wanted to break down the concept of a Jediwithout touching what had been establishedin the prequels era of the franchise.
“The intentional parallel is that they are equals”: Leslye Headland Claims 1 Michelle Yeoh Movie Was a Major Inspiration for The Acolyte That’s Now Turning the Tide for Star Wars
The Jedi of the High Republic era operated differently, making her interested in exploring what transpired with the Order, leading to the politically enmeshed version we see in the prequels. Hence, Headland’s words confirm that she seesThe Acolyte‘s Jedi as a different breed.
The Acolyteis streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1772
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
