The entertainment wing of the Walt Disney Company easily encompasses some of the biggest franchises in pop culture. Ranging from the juggernaut Marvel Studios to the beloved animations brought forth by Pixar and from the 20th Century Studios lineup of movies to the entirety of the Star Wars saga, thanks to its acquisition of Lucasfilm.
Amid such a scenario, the possibilities for a collaboration lie endless, even if far-fetched, and one just formed out of thin air.
The Marvel brand comprises comics, licensed music, and a vast catalog of acclaimed movies led by Kevin Feige and his team. On the other hand, the George Lucas live-action universe predates the former and has its unique history and tryst with the comics. Now, in a pair-up, teams from the two billion-dollar franchises have come together to give birth to a project, anticipated in its own right.
Star Wars and Marvel come together again for a first-issue comic
For quite some time now, Marvel Entertainment has regularly published stories about the broad Star Wars saga as its rightful parent. Taking it to new heights, the franchise’s official Instagram handle had announced a brand-new “crossover” which it labeled as a “threat no one will see coming”.
Gizmodo revealed that the project is a new comic titled Star Wars: The Acolyte–Kelnacca #1 and will feature the character of Kelnacca from the upcoming Disney+ series, The Acolyte. Additionally, the edition will have a release date of Summer 2024 or at least before fall, with September standing out as an ideal target window.
Written by Cavan Scott with art by Marika Cresta, the one-shot comic will serve as the lore in the ages between The High Republic comic series and the forthcoming show. Moreover, the story will witness the threat of Marchion Ro, and the marauding Nihil. In talks with its io9 segment, Scott also stated his “excitement” while stating what he had in store:
Kelnacca is the perfect character to bridge the gap between the time of Leslye Headland’s spectacular series to the age of Starlight Beacon, the threat of Marchion Ro, and the marauding Nihil.
In this comic, we will learn more about one of the most intriguing aspects of Kelnacca’s design: the meaning behind those mysterious tattoos. Along the way we’ll see the struggle of a Padawan and a master who is stoic, wise, and, ultimately, a true practitioner of Light and Life.
All in all, the series will continue on Marvel’s line-up of Star Wars comics that also features beloved editions like Star Wars, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, Star Wars: Darth Vader, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunters, each covering a unique timeline and set of story in the vast galaxy far, far away.
The Acolyte will mark a first for the Star Wars saga
A mystery thriller set about 100 years before the live-action 1999 film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, The Acolyte will explore a relatively lesser-explored timeline of the saga, especially after its acquisition by Disney. Additionally, it will also feature the first-ever live-action Wookiee Jedi with Kelnacca. Furthermore, Joonas Suotamo, who previously portrayed Chewbacca will take on the mantle of the aforementioned character.
Differing in tone from shows like The Mandalorian and boasting a mega-budget, the series will focus on sinister forces such as The Sith and their rise to power. A coven of witches and prevailing cultural beliefs around the empire will also be explored, marking a new direction for Star Wars TV productions. Dafne Keen, Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-Jae, and Manny Jacinto star as the highlights of a star-studded cast.
The Acolyte will premiere on Disney+ on June 4, 2024, with its comic expected to release sometime in September 2024.
