"Skeleton Crew," "The Acolyte," and the Disney Star Wars franchise.
Skeleton Crew is a strong addition to the Star Wars franchise, blending emotion, humor, and adventure while resembling Goonies/ET. However, it may be the least-viewed series to date, failing to chart on Variety/Luminate’s weekly top 10 after its debut at #1 on Disney Plus.
Disney appears to be struggling with its approach to Star Wars, having exhausted the Skywalker era and lacking interest in shows like Andor, The Acolyte, and Skeleton Crew, which feature fewer recognizable characters. While The Mandalorian succeeded by including familiar faces, even it has shifted to a movie format.
Critically acclaimed Andor has low viewership, and despite Skeleton Crew being well-received, it also ranks low in views. The significant issue is the high costs associated with these projects. For instance, The Acolyte had a staggering budget of $180 million, while Andor cost $250 million, and Skeleton Crew was around $136 million.
The solution may lie in focusing on more films rather than expensive series. Investing in a Star Wars movie could yield better returns compared to costly TV shows that struggle to attract viewers. However, this could mean fewer unique series like Andor and Skeleton Crew, which fans might not appreciate.https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/12/17/skeleton-crew-the-acolyte-and-the-disney-star-wars-spiral/
These Influencers are Crafting Content Specifically to Stoke Your Anger — and They’re Succeeding Spectacularly!
Rage bait has become popular online, shifting content interaction as influencers create videos to provoke strong reactions. This strategy thrives by Context omission and sparking debates, often on platforms like X and Facebook.
A notable example is Disney's "The Acolyte," which has faced misinformation and outrage, with claims against creators Lesley Headland and Amandla Stenberg. Rage baiting also extends to serious political issues, as highlighted by a 2022 Atlantic report on far-right engagement tactics. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/what-is-rage-bait-influencers-making-people-angry-1234976621/
Some people with low critical thinking skills tend to believe everything they see on the internet.
There is a lot of misinformation about Amandla Stenberg, particularly the claim that she is racist towards white people. However, this accusation is not valid. This misunderstanding likely originates from two sources. One source is her interview on *The Daily Show* with Trevor Noah, who has not been the show’s host since 2022. During that interview, which focused on police brutality, she stated, "White people crying was our goal." This comment was later used by some *Star Wars* fans who cited her words, claiming she was referring to *The Acolyte*.
Another possible reason some people accuse her of being racist towards white individuals is due to a music video she released that addresses the racist behavior of certain Star Wars fans. Stenberg has encountered this situation in the past. — #BringBackTheAcolyte – @lordranger97 on Tumblr Amandla Stenberg - Portraying Code-Switching in “The Hate U Give” | The Daily Show - YouTube @amandlastenberg | Happy Juneteenth 🖤 and to those who are flooding me with intolerable racism— since it took me 72 hours on my laptop to make this song and... | Instagram
The Save the Acolyte campaign announces its first interview, marking a significant milestone.
On August 20, 2024, the petition to save the Acolyte gained significant support, reaching 82,125 signatures and receiving four media mentions. As 2025 approaches, the Save The Acolyte campaign joyfully commemorates its inaugural written interview with Into A Larger World, highlighting a pivotal advancement toward a brighter future. The Save The Acolyte Campaign details the interview and its future. “ We are absolutely THRILLED to announce our special interview in the latest issue of Into A Larger World - Issue 43! 🎉 In this issue, we pour our hearts into discussing the Save The Acolyte campaign and the relentless fight we’re leading to bring more seasons to life. We share why The Acolyte deserves all the love, the recognition, and the continuation it so deeply deserves, and how YOU can be part of this movement! 💫
A huge thank you to Into A Larger World for the interview, for their unwavering support, and for giving us the opportunity to speak about this incredible project in their magazine. We truly appreciate the platform to share our passion for The Acolyte and everything it represents. 🙏 (Check their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intoalargerworldproject/ )
The fight doesn’t stop here. We want a second season, a third season, our movie, more Acolyte merchandise, and of course, the Blu-ray of season one! We’re in this together, and together, we won’t stop until we get the story we all deserve! 💪🔥
To all the amazing Acolyte fans, thank you for your constant support. You’re the heart of this movement. Let’s keep pushing and make this dream a reality!” We've come a long way from being called names for liking The Acolyte or Disney Star Wars to where we are now. It is an incredibly uplifting movement that can inspire any fandom. Our First Written Interview About the Save The Acolyte Campaign!💖😭 – @lordranger97 on Tumblr
Leslye Headland sparked so much dislike that there is even an AI character based on her.
Talkie is an app that allows users to create AI characters or AI TV shows. It lets users bring their imaginations to life. Some users generate AI characters with the intention of bullying or harassing famous people; Headland has fallen into that category. How talkie works is that an intro bar gives users information about the Ai character. Lesley Headlands’ Intro says: “This is Lesley Headland, she’s the one who directed The Acolyte - CALL HER NAMES!! ROAST HER!! MAKE FUN OF HER!!” Then, in the chat box, it says, “Hi, my name is Lesley Headland; I am so gay I ruined Star Wars.” This behavior can impact how others view the whole Star Wars fandom.
Jodie Turner-Smith from The Acolyte has "no regrets" about the show's cancellation and is open to returning.
Jodie Turner-Smith has stated that she has "no regrets" about portraying Mother Aniseya in the controversial Star Wars Disney+ series, The Acolyte. Despite topping streaming charts, the series has faced significant criticism from fans and critics alike, and even before its release, it received a hostile reception. Disney ultimately decided not to renew The Acolyte for a second season.
While promoting her new Paramount+ show, The Agency, Turner-Smith reflected on her experiences in the Star Wars universe during an interview with Collider. She expressed her love for being part of that universe and indicated she would eagerly return if given the chance for another season of The Acolyte. Turner-Smith described it as her "dream project" and mentioned that she was largely unaffected by the surrounding controversies. Check out what she said below: “Of course [I'd return]! First of all, I loved being in that universe, I had an incredible time doing that, and I loved it. No matter what, it's fun, gratifying work. There's a lot of other stuff that comes with it that has nothing to do with the work and the colors of the work just because it's politics or whatever, but ultimately it was a dream project to be a part of. I would do it again. I would. I don't have any regrets. If there was an opportunity to do more, I would be right there.”
Turner-Smith's unwavering passion for the iconic franchise resonates with the dreams of every Star Wars fan. Being part of a universe inhabited by characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker can feel like a dream come true. However, not every actor has had a positive experience in Star Wars. Some even regret their involvement. For instance, Jake Lloyd, who portrayed young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, faced significant backlash from fans. This negative attention followed him throughout his childhood and is believed to be one of the reasons he eventually quit acting.
It’s certainly reassuring to know that Turner-Smith was not negatively affected by the controversy surrounding *The Acolyte*. It’s always unfortunate when baseless backlash disrupts a creative’s experience, especially since being a part of *Star Wars* has been a dream for Turner-Smith. It’s a relief that her overall experience was positive. This also suggests that she would be eager to return to *Star Wars* if given the opportunity. While some viewers may criticize the pacing and overall story arcs of the series, the casting has not received significant negative feedback.
The cancellation of *The Acolyte* likely results from its high production costs rather than viewer backlash. The first season's eight episodes cost around $180 million, and despite strong viewership, it didn't meet Disney's financial expectations, making a second season unlikely.
However, Jodie Turner-Smith could still return to the Star Wars universe. Many actors have played multiple roles within the franchise, and her character might appear in future projects if Lucasfilm decides to continue or create prequels. The Acolyte's Jodie Turner-Smith Has "No Regrets" Despite The Star Wars Show's Backlash & Cancelation, Open To Returning
The Acolyte Star speaks out about the backlash and cancellation it has faced.
"The Acolyte," a bold Star Wars series set during the High Republic era, promised fresh narratives and diverse representation. However, despite its potential, the show faced significant backlash, leading to its abrupt cancellation after just one season. This decision has reignited debates about diversity, fandom toxicity, and the priorities of the entertainment industry.
Created by Emmy-nominated Leslye Headland, "The Acolyte" sought to explore uncharted territories within the Star Wars universe. The series featured a groundbreaking cast, including Emmy-winning actor Lee Jung-jae ("Squid Game"), Amandla Stenberg ("The Hate U Give"), Manny Jacinto ("The Good Place"), and Dafne Keen ("Logan"), showcasing a diverse array of internationally acclaimed talent. Set centuries before the Skywalker saga, it examined the rise of the Sith through a unique blend of mystery and action.
The series aimed to challenge traditional Star Wars narratives by prioritizing inclusivity and representation. However, this innovative approach sparked backlash from a vocal segment of the fandom that resisted such changes. From the moment "The Acolyte" was announced, it faced criticism. While some fans raised concerns about storylines and lore, others launched unfounded attacks targeting the diverse cast and the queer creator. This hostility intensified after the show premiered, resulting in online harassment and toxic commentary that overshadowed its achievements. Lee Jung-jae, who learned English in just four months for his role, addressed the harassment directly.
“My feelings were hurt, especially for Lesley Headland; her feelings must have been hurt a lot. I can only have faith that racism will end someday, even though it’s going to be hard.”
The cancellation of "The Acolyte" marked more than just the end of a promising chapter in Star Wars history; it also highlighted the pervasive racism and toxicity that still affect fandom culture. Lee Jung-jae, an Emmy-winning actor, recently spoke out about the emotional toll this has taken on him.
His sentiment reflects the experiences of his co-stars, Amandla Stenberg and Jodie Turner-Smith, who faced misogynistic and racist harassment for joining the Star Wars universe. From the moment the diverse cast was announced, online hate campaigns emerged, fueled by toxic influencers promoting anti-diversity rhetoric. For many, "The Acolyte" represented an opportunity to break boundaries; however, the overwhelming backlash from bigots led Disney to cancel the series, leaving its cast and fans devastated.
Lee’s comments highlight the broader implications of the situation. Actors such as Manny Jacinto, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, and Moses Ingram have faced similar abuse, yet the industry continues to struggle with adequately supporting talent in the face of such hostility.
Although *The Acolyte* may have ended prematurely, its legacy emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in storytelling and the bravery of those advocating for change. The fight for representation is far from over. As Lee Jung-jae’s hopeful words resonate, it is clear that progress requires both studios and audiences to rise above hate and embrace the transformative power of diverse narratives. *The Acolyte* was more than just a show—it was a step forward, and its cancellation serves as a call to do better.
The Acolyte deserves a second chance. Join the movement to save this groundbreaking Star Wars series that brought fresh stories and diverse voices to the galaxy far, far away. Visit SaveTheAcolyte.com to sign the petition, share your support, and demand Disney reconsider its cancellation. “I Can Only Have Faith Racism Will End Someday”: The Acolyte Star Breaks Silence on Backlash and Cancellation - Feminegra
"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is receiving reviews similar to those of The Acolyte."
Reviews for *Star Wars: Skeleton Crew* are facing criticism similar to that received by *The Acolyte*, and many people are swayed by these negative opinions. The toxic side of the fandom, also known as the Fandom Menace, is particularly harsh on anything that Disney or Kathleen Kennedy produces. Furthermore, if you don’t share their viewpoint or opinion, you are considered a shill, paid by Disney, a fake reviewer, and not a true Star Wars fan, However, what's worse is that they will attack you regardless of whether you are a fan or an actor. I have experienced this because I was attacked with words for liking The Acolyte.
Now let’s get into the reviews., one review states, “Disney, Kathleen Kennedy... please stop ruining the Star Wars legacy. You have no idea what you are doing and lack a real understanding of George Lucas's vision. *Skeleton Crew* is another example of horrible writing, poor casting, and a story devoid of depth or imagination.” Another review reads, “These five-star reviews must be fake; it is terrible—worse than terrible. What does Disney do with the money? They certainly didn’t invest it in costumes or CGI. Good grief, it looks like a county fair. The opening scene was all I needed to see. Are we in the Twilight Zone? This stuff is so bad. Are people really making this? What is going on? What is going on? What is going on?” Another Review reads, “Boring Terrible acting another message from Disney is that they only care about girls and nonwhite people for their protagonists. There is nothing for young boys to watch anymore.”
The sentiment is clear: some fans want Disney to step away from the franchise. It’s particularly disappointing when we call out the racist and homophobic fans within the Star Wars community, as they do exist. Unfortunately, some individuals allow themselves to be influenced by this toxic behavior and do toxic actions like what Amandla Stenberg faced in her Instagram comments. Many people may not realize that they are part of the toxic segment of the fandom.
Manny Jacinto hints at more about Darth Plagueis if "The Acolyte" gets renewed.
Darth Plagueis, a pivotal figure in Star Wars lore and the master of Ian McDiarmid's Emperor Palpatine, made his live-action debut in the finale of *The Acolyte.* His appearance generated significant excitement among Star Wars fans, who were eager to see what his next steps would be. In *The Acolyte,* Plagueis is introduced subtly as a hooded figure with disturbingly long fingers and a flat nose, observing the beloved anti-heroes Osha (Amandla Stenberg) and Qimir (Manny Jacinto) from the shadows. Unfortunately, just as this reveal occurred, the show was cancelled in an unexpected and disappointing manner, leaving the fandom devastated. This sentiment was especially felt by Jacinto, who shared his thoughts on the connections—or lack thereof—between his character Qimir and Plagueis, as well as what fans could have anticipated had *The Acolyte* continued. During a panel at FanExpo San Francisco, hosted by Maggie Lovitt from Collider, actor Jacinto addressed a fan's question regarding a potential future season of *The Acolyte*. He tried to be coy about what viewers might expect, especially considering the series' unresolved conclusion and his character's connection to Darth Plagueis. He states "Oh man, that's a tough question. They're not [connected], they're definitely not. Oh man, how do I answer that? What time is it? [laughs] There are definitely a lot of different theories, like who he is, because we never actually know his true identity. Is Qimir’s name actually Qimir? We definitely wanted to explore it. There was definitely going to be more of Plagueis in the second, or if not, the third seasons of the show, but I just can't say, because, you know, we could come back. I don't want to spoil anything or give anybody any false hope, but I would just say there was a lot more to explore, for sure." Despite the excitement surrounding the introduction of Plagueis, "The Acolyte" was abruptly canceled after its first season in August 2024 due to reportedly disappointing viewership numbers. The show featured an ensemble cast that included Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss. Although the show's future looks bleak, fans continue to voice their support. Jacinto's hint at more Darth Plagueis is hopefully a sign for fans to rally around in the fight to save "The Acolyte," which can currently be streamed on Disney+. Manny Jacinto Teases More Darth Plagueis - If 'The Acolyte' Gets Another Chance [Exclusive]
The Google reviews for The Acolyte are quite disappointing.
The reviews for *The Acolyte* on Google are disappointing on many levels. There are more one-star reviews than five-star ones, largely due to review bombing by a segment of the Star Wars fandom. Some fans are giving it one star simply because they dislike it and feel it’s not their version of Star Wars. They also seem to believe that if they don’t like it, the whole world should feel the same way.
These fans often claim the show is terrible, but when someone expresses enjoyment of *The Acolyte* on social media or leaves a five-star review, they accuse those reviewers of being bots or AI, or dismiss them as non-Star Wars fans simply because they like a show that they do not. This situation also highlights issues of grifting among certain Star Wars fans, who tend to dislike anything related to Disney's interpretation of Star Wars. If they don’t like it, they expect others to share their viewpoint as well.
The grifting and rage-baiting around Star Wars is outrageous! It’s hard to believe how far it’s gone.
The grifting and rage-baiting surrounding the Star Wars franchise have escalated significantly, with some individuals actively inciting anger among fans. A notable example is the video titled "All Disney Star Wars Is Fake Star Wars," in which the creator argues that all content produced by Disney under the Star Wars brand is inauthentic.
This narrative is often promoted by the "fandom menace," a group of right-wing trolls, grifters, and rage-baiters who engage in review-bombing and social media attacks against creators and fans who disagree with them. They frequently target women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, using platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube to spread their hateful messages. These creators often benefit from the clicks and views generated by promoting drama, which is typically based on falsehoods.
Figures such as Geeks and Gamers, Nerdrotic, and The Critical Drinker have gained substantial followings by claiming that Disney's contributions to the franchise are inferior. Their rhetoric increasingly blurs the lines between personal opinion and objective truth, making constructive discussions about the future of Star Wars more challenging. The Fandom Menace - RationalWiki These Influencers are Crafting Content Specifically to Stoke Your Anger — and They’re Succeeding Spectacularly! — #BringBackTheAcolyte
Disney faces challenges regarding representation on television.
Here we go again. The Acolyte faced negative Criticism even before its release, largely from the anti-woke crowd, and this sentiment continues. Disney has decided not to air an episode of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur titled "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: The Gatekeeper." This episode features a team of girls, including a transgender girl, who play volleyball and compete against a team called The lady leopards. The coach of The Lady Leopards discovers that Brooklyn, one of the players, is transgender and disapproves. Consequently, the coach locks Brooklyn and her team in the locker room. However, they managed to escape, and the team supported one another.
Reports suggest that Disney pulled this episode to appease the anti-woke crowd, especially with the upcoming election. The anti-woke negative criticism intensified after Lesley Headland's comment in an interview about R2-D2 being a lesbian. Headland is an openly gay woman, but she is not the only one to face negative criticism from this group. Even though Amandla Stenberg was joking and laughing during the same interview, the anti-woke crowd reacted negatively to her comments. After The Acolyte was canceled, many Star Wars fans expressed their disappointment as they finally felt represented in a galaxy far, far away.
A similar situation is occurring with Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. A petition is circulating in response to Disney’s cancellation of the series after just two seasons. Fans of the Series felt that they finally saw themselves represented on screen. I have linked the petition Save Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur - United States · Change.org
Andor season 2 is bringing a ship from a beloved 30-year-old Star Wars game into canon.
Andor Season 2 is set to bring back a ship that was first introduced in a video game released back in 1994. This week, Disney provided our first proper look at Andor Season 2 through a trailer on Disney Plus, which features snippets from various shows. In the brief footage, we see Cassian Andor stealing a ship that will be instantly recognizable to PC gamers of a certain age. If you look closely—though you might not need to—it is clearly a TIE Avenger from the highly acclaimed 1994 flight simulator, TIE Fighter.
The TIE Avenger was introduced and played its most significant role in TIE Fighter, but it also appeared in subsequent sequels such as Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter and Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance. Now, it is being brought into Star Wars TV canon for the very first time, 30 years after its original introduction.
Andor is a prequel series to the 2016 film Rogue One, which in turn is a prequel to the original 1977 Star Wars film. Diego Luna reprises his role as Rebel intelligence officer Cassian Andor, and the series chronicles his journey toward radicalization against the Galactic Empire.
Season 2 was originally scheduled to premiere in August 2024, but the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes delayed production. The cast includes Kyle Soller as Syril Karn, Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen, Stellan Skarsgard as Luthen Rael, Fiona Shaw as Maarva Andor, Genevieve O'Reilly as Mon Mothma, Denise Gough as Dedra Meero, Faye Marsay as Vel Sartha, and Varada Sethu as Cinta Kaz. Andor season 2 is introducing a ship from a beloved 30-year-old Star Wars game to canon | GamesRadar+
Star Wars movie coming in 2026 replaced it with Ice Age 6.
A recent report from Variety indicates that Disney has removed an untitled Star Wars film, previously scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, from its calendar. In its place, Ice Age 6 will be released. While the specifics of the Star Wars project were never confirmed, it had been announced that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy would direct a film centered on Daisy Ridley’s character, Rey, following the events of 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Earlier this year, the film lost its screenwriter, Steven Knight, after Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson had already departed the project.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy stated at last year’s Star Wars Celebration that Ridley’s new film would follow Rey as she works to build a new Jedi Order. This is not the first time that potential entries in the beloved franchise have been announced but ultimately did not move forward; previous projects from director Patty Jenkins, Marvel producer Kevin Feige, “The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson, and “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have also been mentioned over the years but never materialized.
The next Star Wars movie set to premiere is titled “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” directed by Jon Favreau, which is scheduled for May 2026. Additionally, another untitled Star Wars film is still slated for December 17, 2027.'Star Wars' Movie Removed From 2026, 'Ice Age 6' Replaces
Toxic fans continue to mock people who enjoy "The Acolyte."
The Mary Sue explores the toxic aspects of the Star Wars fandom, just as I do here. Since the beginning, this toxic segment of the fandom, aka the fandom menace, has mocked, bullied, and belittled those who enjoy "The Acolyte." They often use the excuse of "it's just an opinion" and other justifications like “it’s just criticism” to defend their behavior. Also, as I mentioned in the last article, they call people who like the Acolyte and Disney Star Wars Shills. Unfortunately, the toxic side of the fandom has prevailed this time, and they will continue to ridicule fans of "The Acolyte" and Disney's Star Wars. If you are still mocking people who like 'The Acolyte,' you are the most boring person
What do they call Disney Star Wars fans?
Some Star Wars fans, aka the fandom menace, refer to Disney's Star Wars fans as "shills," but people of all ages enjoy Disney Star Wars.
The Current State of the Star Wars Fandom
Toxic Star Wars Fans RUINED Star Wars - The Anti-Woke Acolyte Backlash Star Wars fans have ruined the franchise: TurfNation explores the current state of the Star Wars fandom.
The Acolyte does not break canon.
Some Star Wars fans argue that "The Acolyte" breaks canon, as the Star Wars universe was divided into Legends and Canon in 2014. This split occurred after George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company in 2012.
The Acolyte deserves a Season 2.
The cancellation of The Acolyte, a Star Wars series brimming with potential, stings especially hard, given its intriguing cliffhanger and the possibility for growth after a mixed first season. Disney’s reasons for renewing "The Acolyte" for a second season are compelling. The cancellation of this Star Wars series, which has a lot of potential, is disappointing due to its intriguing cliffhanger and the opportunity for development after a somewhat mixed first season. I know it touched people’s hearts, so we need a season 2. Why Disney should renew The Acolyte for Season 2
Could the skeptics of Disney please reconsider their stance?
A segment of fans, also known as the fandom menace or tantrum menace, contends that Disney has fundamentally ruined the Star Wars franchise, citing various reasons for their discontent. Some argue that the storytelling has become inconsistent, while others believe that the new characters do not live up to the legacy of the originals. However, it is important to recognize that this viewpoint is not universally held. Many fans appreciate the new direction that Disney has taken, enjoying the fresh perspectives and stories that continue to expand the Star Wars universe. If Disney had genuinely ruined Star Wars, it would likely not have retained the passionate fan base and cultural impact that it has enjoyed since the franchise began. Instead, the enduring popularity of new films, series, and merchandise suggests that there is still a significant appreciation for what Disney has brought to the table.