The Star Wars universe was kickstarted by George Lucas decades ago and has since evolved and taken a shape that fans have not necessarily loved. After Disney acquired the space opera franchise in 2012, there have been several hits and misses, more misses than there were actual hits. The Acolyte seems to be on the same path even though its critical reviews have been better than expected.
As fans reminisce about the good old days when George Lucas was the supreme head of Star Wars, one scene of the newly released The Acolyte has made them yearn for the initial days of the franchise more than ever. Described as an absolute cringefest, the showrunner Leslye Headland stated she based the scene’s backdrop on The Clone Wars.
Leslye Headland’s The Clone Wars Inspired Scene That Fans Think is Absolutely Cringe
Leslye Headland‘s The Acolyte is a standalone show based in the Star Wars universe. Having a stellar cast with several interesting characters, it currently has an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, fans are not too happy with the show and have particularly found issues with one scene of episode three of the show.
Episode 3 of The Acolyte shows the origin story of the twins portrayed by Amandla Stenberg, Osha and Mae. With their origin story taking place in a female witchcraft community, the scene features the coven performing an accession ceremony.
The power of one! The power of two! The power of many!
Chant the witches as their mantra is amplified by a similar musical score with a choir. A particularly cheesy and cringe scene that seems uncharacteristic of the Star Wars universe, creator Leslye Headland in an interview with Entertainment Weekly revealed she took inspiration from the Nightsisters storyline and the Ventress storyline of The Clone Wars.
But unlike The Clone Wars, which revealed the existence of Force Witches in the space opera franchise and was exceptionally well received by fans and critics alike, The Aclolyte’s depiction of witches seems something out of a parody show based in the 80s.
Fans Berate The Acolyte Over the Witches Coven Scene in Episode 3
While Star Wars having witches is not a new thing, the way The Acolyte depicts witches has been drawing a lot of flak from fans. Not only does it lack the depth and sophistication that fans have expected from the franchise, but it also seems out of place and disconnected. Aided by the musical score in the background, the scene seems like a parody instead of an actual scene from the Star Wars universe.
As the scene went viral across the internet, this is what loyal fans of the George Lucas-created franchise had to say about the series:
O. M. G. This is embarrassing beyond belief. Okay ladies it's crystal power coven ooga booga time!
— Katheryn S (@Katgirl3000) June 12, 2024
You know, with his flashy wipes and his Lawrence of Arabia desert vistas, George Lucas Star Wars always looked… cinematic.
This looks like a basic cable show. The franchise is hugely diminished by including this stuff.
— Daniel Friedman (@DanFriedman81) June 12, 2024
I just cringed into another dimension; my physical form has been left behind and I exist now as pure energy.
— djturnerESQ (@djturnerESQ) June 12, 2024
Disney really brought this scene into the Star Wars universe. pic.twitter.com/urZNvAz1o8
— Lucky (@TheMagaHulk) June 12, 2024
— Marcus (@linwoodsq) June 12, 2024
With fans still not convinced about watching Leslye Headland’s The Acolyte, only time knows where the future of Star Wars lies under the hands of Disney. Despite rave critical reviews, not having the support of fans will certainly have its drawbacks and potentially make fans aversive to future Star Wars projects under the House of Mouse.
The Acolyte can be streamed on Disney+.
