Since the return of Star Wars on the big screen, we have seen many other productions tell other stories involved in the universe including Solo: A Star Wars Story. In one of the most anticipated productions under Star Wars, The Acolyte will be starring Amandla Stenberg as the protagonist.
The franchise has also addressed some of the criticisms it faced with the previous installments, which included the lack of representation. It saw a more inclusive cast in the prequels, especially Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Amandla Stenberg in Star Wars?
Starring in the Star Wars series The Acolyte, Amandla Stenberg was announced to join on July 22. The actor got her breakout role in The Hunger Games as Rue and has later gone on to star in many other productions such as The Eddy and The Darkest Minds.
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Produced by Leslye Headland, the project will depart from the regular format of being a filler between trilogies. The Acolyte will take place 100 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.
Amandla Stenberg and her experience with cancel culture?
The actor spoke about how she was subjected to racism and criticism as she was facing the wrath of cancel culture. Being vocal about her opinions and now the face of a major production, the situation has only worsened. Commenting the same to The Hollywood Reporter, she stated:
“I like to speak openly about the person that I am, and that invites some canceling from the far right. Then there are folks on the far left who think that I have done things that have not been inclusive”
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Also commenting on the criticism she faced for taking up certain roles based on her background, she noted she cannot control everything, she further expanded on her perspective, stating:
“it doesn’t really matter how many times I express my true perspective on colorism or how many ways I try to decenter the privilege that I have, or it doesn’t matter how I try to virtue-signal that outwardly. Outside the bounds of my community, it’s not really my business.”
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From what we know, the series will be focusing on the character being trained in the ways of the dark side and Sith. Since Star Wars has one of the most vocal fanbases, it’s no wonder she has pushed forward with her no-nonsense attitude.
The Acolyte is expected to premiere on August 11 of 2023, on Disney+.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
