Fans of the iconic franchise can expect something unique from Star Wars: The Acolyte, the newest addition to the ever-growing space opera universe. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Amandla Stenberg (Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse, Bodies Bodies Bodies) elaborated on the differing function of the Force in the new series, as well as its potential repercussions on its users.
Regarding the effect of this new kind of Force on its user, Stenberg told ComicBook.com that the story takes place in “time in which there are a lot of conceptions around the Force and different communities that utilize the Force.” In The Acolyte, as Stenberg explained, the Jedis are generally responsible for dictating how “the Force is utilized.” She went on to express her excitement to be portraying such a trailblazing character, telling ComicBook.com that “it’s so fascinating for there to be the introduction of this character who utilizes it (the Force) in a different way, and comes from a different community – almost a different spiritual community. And because of that, she’s more of a danger to them because her kind of way of utilizing it differs from what they’re used to.” Fans can expect to see this enigmatic new Force showcased on Disney+ starting June 4th.
Stenberg co-stars as twins Mae and Osha, the latter of which is a former Padawan killed in a tragic incident, alongside Emmy-award winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game, Hunt) as Sol, Jedi Master. Beyond the lauded pair, the ensemble cast also features further incredible talent such as Dean Charles-Chapman (Game of Thrones, The Walk-In) as Torbin, another Jedi master, actress and model Jodie Turner-Smith (Bad Monkey, Sex Education) as Mother Aniseya, who leads an enigmatic coven of witches, and Manny Jacinto (Hailey’s On It!, Bad Times at the El Royale) as Qimir, a retired space smuggler.
ComicBook.com reports that the new Disney+ original story centers around Jung-jae’s Sol, Jedi Master investigating Mae’s attacks on Jedis to avenge her dead sister. However, the transgression of The Acolyte doesn’t stop with its new Force. According to ComicBook.com, the series also gives fans the first look into The High Republic Era, a period in which several other Force-based religions thrived alongside the Jedi.
The first two episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte will premiere on Disney+ on June 4th, with the following episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.