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