The Acolyte cast speaks out on being the most diverse Star Wars project ever.
There are many reasons forStar Warsfans to be excited about the franchise’s upcoming Disney+ seriesThe Acolyte.
Anticipation is also building for the show’s elaborate martial arts-inspired fight scenes.
The cast of ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ drop by Star Wars Celebration to preview the High Republic era-set show.Kate Green/Lucasfilm Ltd.
However, the franchise has made strides with its recent streaming shows.
“And it’s been a world that I’ve always deeply loved and been invested in.
That diversity and inclusion was something that the rest of the cast couldn’t help but observe.
Amandla Stenberg of ‘The Acolyte’.Rachell Smith
“That was definitely a conversation we’ve had on set,” Keen says.
“It’s really refreshing to walk onto a set as diverse as this one in every sense.
Barnett is excited for audiences to see what he and so many others have not seen before on screen.
Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, and Charlie Barnett of ‘The Acolyte’.Rachell Smith
“I don’t think I could have ever imagined myself as a Jedi,” Barnett says.
“Because I was not reflected for so many times throughout these films in the past.
So to see such a diverse group now, I think it’s going be a really impactful.
Lee Jung-jae, Amandla Sternberg, and showrunner Leslye Headland of ‘The Acolyte’.Rachell Smith
And for Manny Jacinto, Jung-jae’s role represents a true breakthrough for the franchise.
“It’s a pretty big responsibility.
Turner-Smith has noticed something else incredible aboutThe Acolytethat makes it stand out from the pack ofStar Warsofferings.
Jodie Turner-Smith of ‘The Acolyte’.Rachell Smith
For Turner-Smith, shows likeAshoka which also has a female-heavy cast andThe Acolyterepresent a new breed ofStar Warsofferings.
“I feel like we are part of a wave of more inclusive and beautifully representedStar Warsshows.
So that felt really cool.
And thanks toThe Acolyte, theStar Warscasts are a lot more varied now as well.
Listen to our interview withThe Acolytecast on EW’sDagobah Dispatch podcast.
