Leslye Headland had a clear vision for her new Star Wars series, The Acolyte: delve into the story of the Sith, the iconic antagonists of the Star Wars universe. Premiering Tuesday on Disney+, the series is set in the High Republic Era, a time of peace and hope long before the Skywalker Saga. This setting allows Headland the creative freedom to explore new narratives without the constraints of existing storylines.
The Acolyte takes audiences to the High Republic Era, an era of unprecedented prosperity for the galaxy. This period, relatively unexplored in live-action, gives Headland the opportunity to create a fresh perspective within the Star Wars universe. The series centers on an investigation into a shocking crime spree targeting Jedi, with a respected Jedi Master, played by Lee Jung-jae, and a dangerous warrior from his past, played by Amandla Stenberg.
Headland’s approach to focusing on the Sith as the underdogs adds a new layer of complexity to the series. By setting the story in a time when the Sith were not yet dominant, she crafts a narrative where these iconic villains are seen in a different light. This perspective shift allows for a deeper exploration of their motivations and struggles, presenting them as multifaceted characters rather than just antagonists. Watch the trailer below:
REELated:
“We actually can explore something new here and we don’t have to worry about stepping on anything else and preserving something else,” Headland said. That allowed her to tell “a version of Star Wars from the bad guys’ perspective.”
However, one challenge did present itself to Headland as the show came together.
“There’s a lot tonally to try to accomplish,” Headland explained. “I was hoping to have a combination of a darker tone, but still there would be a decent amount of fun and games, and then also an intriguing mystery.”
Balancing Tone and Narrative
One of the significant challenges Headland faced was achieving the right tone for The Acolyte. She aimed to blend a darker narrative with elements of fun and intrigue, creating a series that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The fight scenes, designed by action designer and second unit director Chris Cowan, are particularly notable. Each fight is treated as an emotional scene, broken into sequences that reveal shifts in control and power, driving the narrative forward rather than halting it for action.
Support from Lucasfilm
Transitioning from independent films to helming a major Star Wars series was a significant change for Headland. She expressed gratitude for the extensive support from Lucasfilm, which helped her navigate the challenges of creating a high-profile series. This support was crucial in realizing her vision and maintaining the delicate balance required to walk the “tightrope” of such an ambitious project.
“I felt like I had a vision and I had something that had a lot of merit and could work really well in this world,” Headland noted. “But I think without that level of support, it would have been difficult to walk that that tightrope.”
At the end of the first episode of The Acolyte, the first name in the credits is Headland’s. The second is that of Disney Legend and Star Wars creator George Lucas.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice that,” Headland, who is a long-time Star Wars fan, said. “When I first saw that, my heartbeat quickened. That was one of the moments where it really felt real.”
A Dream Realized
For Headland, a long-time Star Wars fan, seeing her name next to George Lucas’s in the credits was a surreal and exhilarating experience. This recognition underscored the reality of her contribution to the beloved franchise and marked a significant milestone in her career.
The Acolyte promises to offer a fresh, darkly intriguing look at the Star Wars universe, exploring the Sith’s rise and the complex dynamics of the High Republic Era. With its premiere on Disney+, fans can look forward to a series that not only expands the Star Wars narrative but also brings new depth to its legendary characters.
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The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
