Leslye Headland, showrunner of the upcoming Disney+ series The Acolyte recently spoke with TheWrap about how Episode I: The Phantom Menace influenced her as a Star Wars fan and a filmmaker.
“I kind of wondered, but what happened to lead up to this? That’s kind of where my ‘Star Wars’ fan brain went was like, ‘How did we get here?’ And why are the Jedi like this? When they are in power, why are they acting this way and how is it that they’re not having the reaction that you would think they would to Anakin’s presence and what Qui-Gon Jinn is saying about how passionately he feels about training him and bringing him into the fold.
It’s like, even the discovery of Darth Maul is kind of met with this like, ‘Hm, interesting’ kind of feeling. So I just think for me, my brain has always buzzed around that area and wondered what’s going on here — or what has been going on here.”
Leslye Headland, regarding The Phantom Menace
STAR WARS: EXPLORING “THE ACOLYTE”
The Acolyte will take place during the final days of the High Republic era of the Star Wars franchise. The “High Republic” takes place about 200 years before the events of Episode I. Star Wars is currently releasing and developing numerous comic books, prose novels, and other media set during this time period. The Acolyte is the only live action project set during this time in active development.
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While little is known about the film, a few small tidbits have been revealed. The upcoming series will be a female-centric action-thriller that will explore the dark side of the force. While Leslye Headland’s comments should not be taken as hard confirmation, they do open the door for speculation on other elements of The Acolyte.
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Despite the sizable time jump from The Acolyte to The Phantom Menace, it is possible that elements of the film could be explored through this prequel TV series. Headland is clearly interested in exploring big questions such as “How did the Jedi become so blinded by tradition?” and “How did the Sith’s return happen and why did it affect the Jedi order in that manner?”.
An appearance from the Jedi Order of the High Republic in live-action would be a surefire way to get fans excited. Perhaps Star Wars fans will be treated to an exploration of the light side of the force in addition to the dark in The Acolyte. As the live-action project takes place before the events of any other films or TV shows, the possibilities are nearly endless.
The Acolyte is written by Leslye Headland (Bachelorette, Russian Doll, Sleeping With Other People), who also serves as showrunner. The Acolyte does not currently have a release date.
Would you like to see The Acolyte set up elements for The Phantom Menace or other Star Wars projects? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.
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Source: The Wrap
