The Acolyte Breaks New Ground: Unveiling an Untold Story in the Star Wars Universe

Star Wars: The Acolyte has the potential for exciting and innovative storytelling in the upcoming Star Wars media. Surprisingly, showrunner Leslye Headland found inspiration from an unexpected source for a specific aspect of the new series.

In the midst of the numerous new characters in Star Wars: The Acolyte, there is one who may satisfy an unknown desire for many fans. This is the Wookiee Jedi, previously unnamed but already seen in leaked set photos. Named Kelnacca, this Wookiee is just one of the many Force users who will appear in this Star Wars series focused on Sith and Jedi. While other characters may grab attention with notable actors like Dafne Keen and Manny Jacinto, viewers may have overlooked the fact that a returning actor will portray this lovable new companion.

Joonas Suotamo, the new actor portraying the iconic Chewbacca, caught the attention of Headland after his appearance in the not-so-well-received Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2018. This sparked her imagination. "It all started with Joonas," Headland shared in an interview on EW's Dagobah Dispatch podcast (via Star Wars News Net). "We thought it would be awesome to introduce a Wookiee Jedi in the High Republic and create our own unique character design."

Chewbacca, Han Solo's companion, not only gave her the idea of including a Wookiee Jedi, but Joonas himself served as a significant inspiration. Headland expressed her admiration for Solo: A Star Wars Story and Joonas' performance, which sparked the desire to see him portray a Jedi and engage in action and fighting, breaking away from the typical sidekick role. Despite initial doubts, Headland persisted in pitching her idea, receiving support from special effects artist Neil Scanlan. One particular aspect she loved was the concept of a Wookiee with a partially shaved head.

The Acolyte is expected to offer a nuanced portrayal of morality and The Force in the Star Wars universe. Headland has already made connections between The Acolyte and The Last Jedi. The series follows Amandla Stenberg, a former Jedi padawan who reunites with her master to investigate a looming threat during a time set 100 years before The Phantom Menace. In addition to exploring moral complexities, Stenberg also discussed her role in promoting inclusivity in sci-fi as a Black actress within The Acolyte.

"When it comes to the world of fantasy and sci-fi in general, it hasn't always felt like a safe space for people of color," Stenberg expressed, referring to the ongoing racist attacks from Star Wars fans towards actors of color. "Despite that, I have always had a deep love and investment in this world. Being a part of the movement that promotes inclusion and safety for Black nerds is truly a dream come true for me." Hopefully, she is correct, and this will indeed create a sense of safety and inclusivity for fans of color within the Star Wars fandom.

The premiere of Star Wars: The Acolyte on Disney Plus is scheduled for 2024.

Source: Dagobah Dispatch (via Star Wars News Net)