Leslye Headland’s latest addition to the Star Wars universe, The Acolyte, has been facing some overwhelming criticism, despite being a fresh take on the Star Wars lore. A number of fans on social media are complaining that the franchise is allegedly following a “woke” agenda with this series, instead of focusing on the storyline.
Thereafter, addressing fans’ criticism during an interview with The New York Times, Leslye Headland and LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy seemingly hid behind the sexist card, flipping it on fans. This particular conversation outraged netizens who took to social media, citing how The Mandalorian and Rogue One had female leads, yet people appreciated the projects because of their creativity, unlike The Acolyte.
The Acolyte Creator Seemingly Uses Sexist Card to Hide from Fans’ Criticism
Following the release of the latest installment in the Star Wars universe – The Acolyte, fans initially appreciated the show for its iconic cast and visually appealing sequences. But gradually, fans started realizing Disney’s alleged attempt at imposing a forced inclusion agenda through the show. Perhaps, in an attempt to fit in today’s culture, LucasFilm apparently used the “woke” agenda a lot more than needed.
But that’s not all. In addition to pointing out the reported issue of forced inclusivity and activism, fans also criticized The Acolyte for poor dialogue, lack of character development, below-par storyline, and many other flaws. However, attacked by Star Wars fans over their brand new show, creator Leslye Headland and LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy thus sat for an interview with The New York Times.
My belief is that storytelling does need to be representative of all people. That’s an easy decision for me… I think Leslye has struggled a little bit with it. I think a lot of the women who step into ‘Star Wars’ struggle with this a bit more. Because of the fan base being so male-dominated, they sometimes get attacked in ways that can be quite personal. Kennedy stated.
As a fan myself, I know how frustrating some Star Wars storytelling in the past has been. I’ve felt it myself. I stand by my empathy for Star Wars fans. But I want to be clear. Anyone who engages in bigotry, racism, or hate speech… I don’t consider a fan. Headland shared.
Focusing entirely on the “woke” accusation, Leslye Headland and Kathleen Kennedy seemingly deflected the issue with The Acolyte script, storytelling, dialogue, and lack of character development. Supposedly shifting the blame from their shoulders to fans’, Headland and Kennedy seemingly used the sexist card to get away from further accusations. However, the situation quite obviously backfired.
Netizens Unleash Their Wrath on Star Wars by Exposing the Truth
Following Leslye Headland and Kathleen Kennedy’s remarks, outraged fans took to social media to blast The Acolyte. Explaining thoroughly, how activist writing is overshadowing the storytelling finesse, netizens argued that while diversity and representation are essential, they can never be the driving force of a project. Citing examples of how The Mandalorian and Rogue One, fans explained their viewpoints.
Clarifying that they have no underlying sexist or racist agenda, fans held up The Mandalorian and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as evidence of two highly appreciated Star Wars projects, despite having strong female leads. Pointing out how the above-mentioned work of art introduced compelling female protagonists without sacrificing narrative quality, netizens cited similar expectations from The Acolyte.
The Mandalorian Season 2 was led by not one, not two, not three, but four strong women. And fans loved it. They still haven’t stopped praising the episode, four years later as the height of the series. Don’t call Star Wars fans sexist. It’s ignorant and it’s not true. pic.twitter.com/weOIULGii7
— Author Adam Bray (@authoradambray) June 18, 2024
Not to mention Leia being a main character in the original films or that the leader of the rebellion was a female. I don’t get the stigma that Star Wars needs more strong female characters. Why can’t they just focus on telling good stories.
— Seth🇺🇸 (@AmericanReg1) June 18, 2024
Bad stories are bad stories. The gender of the characters has little to do with it. I think I speak for most of us when I say we want, and encourage strong female leads that drive good stories.
The problem is the writers of today are activists first, storytellers likely third or…
— Inverse (@michael_inverse) June 18, 2024
YUP!
Mando S1 & S2 had great STORIES. That is what these hack writers fail at.I'd love to see a spinoff with Cara Dune & Bo Katan roaming the galaxy claiming bounties & kickin butt!
— TonyGman (@Dystopian_Dawn) June 18, 2024
Star wars has been helmed by strong women since a new hope. Sci-fi has has strong female characters in the for front since the 70s. Ironically, the most of the ones screaming sexism, are the sexists themselves.
— Author L.M. Mountford (@AuthLMMountford) June 19, 2024
The first two seasons were fire, and Rogue One was considered the best SW film of the Disney era.
— YourMaster 🍀💚🍻 (@YourMaster3000) June 19, 2024
Certainly, fans weren’t wrong about aiming their attacks on a lack of creativity and an intriguing storyline regarding The Acolyte. Because according to Leslye Headland’s interview with GamesRadar, the show indeed hired an unnamed writer who had never watched a Star Wars movie prior to getting the job. Well, not just The Acolyte, even the upcoming Star Wars Skeleton Crew TV series is being written by unestablished screenwriter Myung Joh Wesner.
The Acolyte is available on Disney+.
