Commentary: ‘The Acolyte’ broke new ground. Why its cancellation is bad news for the future of ‘Star Wars’

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt and a keen eye for spotting promising new ventures, I can confidently say that “The Acolyte” was a breath of fresh air in the Star Wars universe. The series showcased an ambitious storyline set in an unexplored era, offering a unique perspective on the Jedi and the Force that challenged preconceived notions and enriched the franchise’s lore.

“The Acolyte” was among “Star Wars’” most ambitious on-screen stories.

The Disney+ series was set in an ancient time, far beyond what we’ve seen before, in a galaxy distant and unexplored through live action. This crime thriller offered a fresh perspective on the Jedi, introducing new characters and mythology that questioned our understanding of the Force and its practitioners. Moreover, it hinted at a link to an infamous dark side character yet unseen in any previous film or show. The first season, wrapping up in July, left viewers hanging with a suspenseful cliffhanger.

It’s been confirmed by The Times that “The Acolyte” will not proceed with a second season at Lucasfilm, which unfortunately isn’t entirely surprising but still disappointing for Star Wars fans as it casts a shadow on the franchise’s potential future developments.

“In the series ‘The Acolyte’, crafted by Leslye Headland, we follow twin sisters Osha and Mae Aniseya, portrayed by Amandla Stenberg. These twins possess a mysterious bond with the Force and a tangled past involving the Jedi. The story unfolds approximately 100 years before the events of ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ (1999), during the final stretch of the High Republic era.”

The show, unlike the Star Wars saga centered around the Skywalker family (from “Episode I” to “IX”), is set in a time period distinct from the main series. Shows such as “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka” transpire between the storylines of the original and subsequent trilogies, while “Andor” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi” are set between the prequel and original trilogy events.

Although Lucasfilm appears to excel at discovering nooks within the primary film series for telling extra tales, the future of the franchise may be restricted if it solely focuses on extracting this familiar (and limited) material. The upcoming show “The Acolyte” ventures into uncharted territory, focusing on a time period that has largely been developed in “Star Wars” books and comics over the past few years.

Although it wasn’t flawless, the series enriched “Star Wars” by presenting fresh concepts. For instance, it introduced a group of Force users, as well as varying viewpoints and complexities regarding the Jedi, who are not always as infallible as fans might suppose. Moreover, it provided a peek into a universe that proudly embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming non-human Jedi and lesbian space witches among others.

From certain perspectives, it seems as though “The Acolyte” faced challenges right from the beginning. For quite some time, there’s been a critical segment within the “Star Wars” community that is known for its harsh criticisms, often vocalizing their disapproval towards perceived flaws – a quick glance at the reception of “The Phantom Menace” upon its initial release serves as an example.

Since that time, “Star Wars” has transformed into a battleground in cultural conflicts, with self-declared enthusiasts asserting themselves to make discriminatory and disrespectful comments disguised as criticism. In some instances, their attacks against specific “Star Wars” productions start before trailers are even unveiled, making it challenging for series like “The Acolyte,” created by a woman and featuring actors of color, to gain traction in certain online communities.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the recent turn of events surrounding “The Acolyte.” Although the show’s cancellation wasn’t explicitly due to the backlash it faced, the announcement has certainly been celebrated by those who are critical of diverse and inclusive storytelling. Notably, a well-known figure in the social media realm, formerly known as Twitter’s owner, is among this group and is even backing at least one lawsuit against Disney, adding fuel to the fire.

“The Acolyte” was largely praised by critics upon release, earning high initial ratings. However, these ratings apparently decreased towards subsequent weeks.

Some programs require patience to iron out issues and gain an audience, but this can be challenging given the dense media environment today. Moreover, due to limited space for intricate dialogue in public spheres and short timelines for success, TV shows face a tough battle. Expensive and time-consuming prestige sci-fi and fantasy series add to this difficulty by having fewer seasons, making it harder to cultivate a fanbase.

Not every series can be “The Mandalorian” or “Andor” — instant hits with audiences willing to wait years for follow-up installments. “The Mandalorian” has expertly wielded nostalgia and Baby Yoda since its 2019 launch, while “Andor” has leaned into “Star Wars’” political roots. But, for now, Lucasfilm seems to be betting its future on those two properties: “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” a film that picks up after the events of “The Mandalorian” Season 4, and “Andor” Season 2 are among the few “Star Wars” projects with expected release dates in 2026 and 2025, respectively. Plus another series, “Skeleton Crew,” slated for December, shares some creative DNA with “The Mandalorian.”

Lucasfilm acknowledges that “Star Wars” needs to expand beyond “The Mandalorian,” “Andor,” and the Skywalker Saga’s approximately 70 years, and they are doing so through initiatives like the High Republic publishing project, which aims to uncover new stories in the galaxy. Additionally, upcoming films such as Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s untitled movie featuring Daisy Ridley and James Mangold’s film about the Jedi Order’s origins demonstrate a commitment to delve deeper into both the past and future of “Star Wars” on screen.

Star Wars shouldn’t delay introducing significant new projects like “The Acolyte” for too long, as the reservoir of nostalgic feelings among fans is not infinite.

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2024-08-22 13:33