The Acolyte has brought a new low for the Star Wars universe as its audience ratings have been disastrous. The George Lucas franchise is known for having a highly divisive fanbase with everything that has been released since the Original Trilogy. However, the fans do not think that it is just the fandom that led Leslye Headland’s series to create such a polarizing reception.
After the Sequel Trilogy ended on a controversial note with The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars has contributed to Disney+ with their web series. Their latest The Acolyte series is very different from the other content we have seen in the space opera epic. While the series is bashed by the audience for several reasons, actor Lee Jung Jae’s performance is receiving immense praise.
Lee Jung Jae’s work in The Acolyte proves Kathleen Kennedy and Leslye Headland wrong
Unlike most of the previous Star Wars projects, The Acolyte consists of a mostly female cast, and Leslye Headland is the first woman to create a SW show. While the show earned positive reviews from critics, the audience reception is pathetic. Even the contrast between Critics’ scores (84%) and Audience ratings (14%) on Rotten Tomatoes tells the story.
Previously, Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy openly blamed the male-dominated fandom for the show’s backlash. Although everyone is familiar with the toxic Star Wars fandom and its issues, The Acolyte also had some legitimate issues like poor writing. Besides Kennedy, the show’s director Leslye Headland also bashed the fans saying that people who engage in “racism, bigotry, or hate speech” are not fans of the franchise in her eyes (see EL PAÍS).
While their statements may apply to a certain section, the immense praise for Lee Jung-jae‘s role as Sol proved that diversity is not an issue as long as it does justice to the story. As pointed out by a viewer on X, none of the negativity is targeted at the Squid Game actor as he is carrying most of the show.
Best part of the show. He's so good. I've yet to see anyone say anything bad about him either, with how many negative things are being said about the show.
— Redtwo (@RedTwoSB) June 27, 2024
It is impressive to see that Lee Jung-jae’s performance as the Jedi Master Sol is receiving unanimous love and appreciation despite it being his first English language role. The Hollywood Reporter reports that the South Korean actor trained under two dialect coaches to prepare for the role. Additionally, he was also inspired by Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn.
Is Kathleen Kennedy wrong with her view on The Acolyte‘s criticism?
As soon as Disney acquired Lucasfilm, Star Wars had a rocky journey. Even the last two films in the Sequel trilogy divided the fanbase. Often, many fans wanted Kathleen Kennedy to be sacked from her post as Lucasfilm’s president. With her blaming the audience for The Acolyte‘s failure, the audience is now even more disappointed.
Soon after Kathleen Kennedy’s statement to The New York Times went viral, the fans pointed out another successful SW project Rogue One. It must be noted that movies like Rogue One, Aliens, and Tomb Raider were also successful even after boasting a massive male-dominated fandom.
It cannot be denied that there are some toxic SW fans, even the neutral audiences do not think that it is fair to place the entire blame on the fandom. If the story permits, the fans are ready to enjoy everything they are provided.
Earlier the SW fans also disliked the character of Rey in the Sequel Trilogy. With her character set to appear in an upcoming film helmed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it will be interesting to see how the makers design it. It is also to be seen if the makers can change the fans’ perspective with respect to the character.
Everything Star Wars can be streamed on Disney+.
