The Acolyte has proven to be arguably the most divisive media to be set in the Star Wars universe. Created by Leslye Headland, the series takes place during the High Republic Era and follows two twins embroiled in a string of Jedi murders. However, the series has been called out several times for its obvious LGBTQ+ themes.
Despite its underlying queer themes, Headland has remained steadfast in her claim that the series is not meant to be a representation of the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, Headland’s stance is actually hurting the series, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ representation in the Star Wars franchise as a whole. Here is why Leslye Headland needs to accept The Acolyte‘s queer undertones.
The Acolyte Creator Leslye Headland Refuses to Admit the Show’s LGBTQ+ Themes
The Acolyte has been called out for its LGBTQ+ themes among the wider Star Wars fanbase, irrespective of whether the fans see it in a positive or negative light. A prime example of the show’s underlying queer themes is the matriarchal witch coven responsible for the birth of twins Osha and Mae.
However, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, creator Leslye Headland refused to admit that the witch coven or some other aspects of the show were a representation of the LGBTQ+ community. She said:
I was surprised by the question. Amandla and I just burst out laughing because that’s our knee-jerk reaction to being asked that.
Headland revealed that she did not understand what the term “gay” meant in the context of her series, which has been described as the gayest Star Wars series. She added:
I don’t believe that I’ve created queer, with a capital Q, content.
Headland’s comments confirm that the creator is reserved about The Acolyte being highlighted for its underlying queer themes.
Headland’s refusal to commit to the show’s themes during promotional events might be representative of the previous instances of toxic backlash from the franchise’s fans. However, from lead actress Amandla Stenberg to actor Charlie Barnett, and even Headland herself all identify as queer.
Leslye Headland’s The Acolyte Comments Are Hurting LGBTQ Representation in Star Wars
Given the number of LGBTQ+ talent involved with the series, it would have been easy for Headland to lean into the queerness of the show. The Star Wars franchise isn’t exactly well known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and representation of the community has been few and far between.
The Acolyte provided an opportunity to boldly embrace queer themes and represent them in the galaxy far, far away. However, Headland’s repeated insistence that her show isn’t queer has been efforts in the opposite direction. While the approach might have been to avoid any unnecessary backlash, it could alienate the show’s LGBTQ+ fans.
During the aforementioned interview, Headland stated that she did not want to disown whatever queerness was in the show. Although that seems like a positive comment from Headland, denouncing the viewers’ inferences regarding the show’s queer themes is certainly not going to please the LGBTQ+ fans, especially because of the overall lack of representation in the franchise.
The Acolyte is streaming on Disney+.
