The Acolyte – Cast, Plot, And More Info

It's been years since we last got a "Star Wars" theatrical feature, and at this point, it is clear that the galaxy far, far away is actually right there in your living room. Whether it's animated shows like "The Bad Batch" and "Tales of the Jedi," or the mega-success of "The Mandalorian" and the creative genius of "Andor," TV has allowed the franchise to experiment with tones and different kinds of stories in ways it was never able to before.

And yet, "Star Wars" is stagnating, particularly when it comes to the Mando-Verse. "The Book of Boba Fett" was an utter disappointment, and the third season of "The Mandalorian" functioned as a mixed bag. Thankfully, "Star Wars" is soon expanding further beyond the Mando-Verse, and there is arguably no other "Star Wars" title as exciting as "The Acolyte," which promises to introduce a new time period and a new kind of "Star Wars" protagonist.

Ahead of its release, here is everything fans might want to know about the latest chapter in the history of "Star Wars."

The most exciting thing about "The Acolyte" is its setting. This will be the first live-action project set during the High Republic era of "Star Wars," approximately 100 years before the events of "The Phantom Menace," a time that's referred to as the Camelot of the franchise (even the lightsabers look like medieval swords). At this time, the Jedi were not corrupt space cops, but genuine chivalrous knights, peacekeepers, and explorers expanding the borders of the Republic. As showrunner Leslye Headland said in an interview earlier this year, "We are looking at a time period where the Jedi are at the height of their power." 

It is also a time of great peace (compared to what we know of other "Star Wars" stories). Because this is long before the rise of Emperor Palpatine, the Sith have not been heard of in centuries, which allows "The Acolyte" to present a new perspective. "What makes this show different and interesting is that it's from the perspective of the villains of 'Star Wars,'" said Headland. "These are people who are using the Force in their own way, dipping into the darker sides of the Force and are doing it without being sanctioned by the larger institution, which, in this case, is the Jedi." Indeed, this is the first time the protagonists are the bad guys, and that alone makes this one of the most unique and fresh "Star Wars" stories ever.

Though we don't have a specific crew list just yet, we have some details about the show. "The Acolyte" is created Leslye Headland, co-creator of "Russian Doll," who serves as showrunner, head writer, and executive producer for "The Acolyte." Though we don't have a full list of directors just yet, we do know that acclaimed director Kogonada ("After Yang") will direct at least one episode — as revealed by his "After Yang" star Jodie Turner-Smith. Alex García López ("Daredevil") will also reportedly step behind the camera for an episode, and considering Headland's directing experience on projects ranging from "Russian Doll" to "Bachelorette," it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see her direct a few episodes as well.

Though details about the writers' room are scarce, we know Headland teased that she wanted a mix of hardcore fans and at least one writer with zero prior knowledge of "Star Wars".