Disney is gearing up to release a new original Star Wars series called The Acolyte on June 4, which focuses on a killer targeting and murdering Jedi. Early reviews from a group of viewers who have seen 2-4 episodes ahead of the premiere have been overwhelmingly positive. The show is described as a captivating murder mystery that evokes detective tales like Twin Peaks and The Batman, while also connecting thematically to the prequels.
Viewers have praised the mature tone of the show, likening it to the Andor series, and have highlighted the novelty of seeing the High Republic era in live-action for the first time. The Acolyte is said to present a good mystery, reminiscent of conspiracy thrillers like The Fugitive, which is a departure from the typical Star Wars storytelling. The character-driven nature of the series, coupled with impressive fight choreography and world-building, has been well received by fans.
The cast of The Acolyte, including Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, and Amandla Stenberg, has been commended for their performances. Despite some borrowing from earlier Star Wars costumes, viewers have noted that the series is enjoyable even for those who are not die-hard fans of the franchise. The practical sets, costumes, and special effects have also been praised for making the locations feel lived-in, while maintaining an emotional throughline to keep the story focused.
Overall, early reviews suggest that The Acolyte is a promising addition to the Star Wars universe, offering a fresh and engaging story set in an unexplored era. While it may not reach the heights of being a “Jedi Andor,” the show is lauded for being its own unique entity within the franchise. Fans are looking forward to experiencing a new non-Skywalker era that has only been explored in books thus far, making The Acolyte a highly anticipated series for both hardcore and casual Star Wars enthusiasts.
As more viewers anticipate the debut of The Acolyte on Disney+, the positive buzz surrounding the series continues to build. While the feedback from early screenings may be slightly skewed due to the audience being Star Wars fans and industry insiders, the general consensus is that the show offers a compelling and exciting addition to the Star Wars mythology. Audiences can look forward to a gripping murder mystery with strong character development and thrilling action sequences when The Acolyte premieres next month.
