Star Wars has shown to be much more than a being flying in space over the years. Various stories have discussed life, death, family, acceptance, and more through movies and TV shows. That is what The Acolyte brings to the table when released on June 4 via Disney+.
The eight-episode show will focus on The High Republic Era, when the Jedi were at the height of their power, and there was peace. Nothing lasts forever, however, as dark forces return to the confusion and fear of many. It is set 100 years before The Phantom Menace.
Per Disney+, the show "examines a galaxy of secrets and dark-side powers, and all is not what it seems." Amandla Stenberg plays sisters Osha and Mae, described as mastering levels of both sides of the force. Osha is the former Padawan of Lee Jung-Jae's Sol, a Jedi.
The battle between good and evil is not a novice concept. Jedis and Sith have crossed paths many times. However, a new element will be in play, known as an "acolyte."
WATCH: Star Wars The Acolyte on Disney+
What exactly is an "acolyte?" What connection does it have to the new Star Wars show?
What is an acolyte?
Per Merriam-Webster, the definition of an "acolyte" is the following:
"1. One who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties. 2. One who attends or assists a leader: follower."
Per Screen Rant, the idea of an "acolyte" can come into play when looking at Star Wars' "Rule of Two." In Star Wars lore, the "Rule of Two" requires only two Sith to be around at a given moment: the master and the apprentice. It first was discussed toward the end of The Phantom Menace following the debut of Darth Maul.
An "acolyte" could bypass the "Rule of Two," since its definition is that of a follower or one who assists.
“It’s a position, essentially, that someone is going to fulfill, or step into,” series creator Leslye Headland told Empire. “We know with the Sith that there is a Master, we know that there is an Apprentice. But in deep EU [Expanded Universe], there’s a concept of an Acolyte, which is underneath Apprentice. So that is where I got the title from… Hopefully, if we did our job right, the show makes it an interesting interrogation into what it means to be on the light side or the dark side.”
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