For years, Star Wars has managed to entertain fans thanks to colorful characters and intense action sequences. Recently, TV series have given fans a glimpse of life outside the age of Skywalker.
The Acolyte looks to spice things up, and then some, when it debuts on June 4 on Disney+.
Unlike previous TV shows like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, and The Mandalorian, the series will not rely on cameos. It appears to be a standalone Star Wars story. The cast features Lee Jung-Jae of Squid Game fame, The Matrix’s Carrie-Anne Moss, and Logan’s Dafne Keen.
A stacked cast will also feature newcomers and those ready to become the next big thing in Star Wars.
WATCH: Star Wars: The Acolyte on Disney+
For those looking to understand the importance of The Acolyte and how it plays a role in the Star Wars stories we know today, here’s a timeline breakdown.
Star Wars The Acolyte timeline, explained
The Acolyte is set 100 years before The Phantom Menace, which introduced Star Wars fans to a young Anakin Skywalker. It showcases the golden age of the Jedi, the High Republic Era, with the galaxy experiencing a long reign of peace. The influence of the Jedi, visiting other galaxies and expanding their overall presence, is heavily emphasized.
However, based on the trailer, a mysterious dark presence is ready to end that peace, as well as the Jedi.
The "Skywalker" name got brought into discussions in some way in previous films and shows. So were the results of Return of the Jedi, showing the outcome of the fall of the Empire. The Acolyte will offer a much different story, with one of uncertainty in a time of triumph for the Jedi.
“This is a fresh entry point,” Acolyte creator Leslye Headland said to fansites via Gizmodo. “[A familiarity with The High Republic] would definitely elevate the show if you’ve had the experience of immersing yourself in that beautiful world. But you certainly don’t need to have read anything or know any references to it.
“We’re taking place a bit out, a bit closer to the prequels than the High Republic. So, hopefully, we have enough referencing of the High Republic but we’re not leaning on it narratively to support our story. I would like to think our story stands on its own.”
Lee Jung-Jae plays Sol, a respected Jedi looking to understand the mystery of Jedis suddenly being killed off, while Moss plays Indara, a powerful Jedi.
WATCH: Star Wars: The Acolyte on Disney+
Here is a timeline breakdown of the Star Wars universe:
| Time Period | Star Wars Movies/Shows |
| Dawn of the Jedi | — |
| The Old Republic | — |
| The High Republic | The High Republic, Young Jedi Adventures, The Acolyte |
| Fall of the Jedi | The Phantom Menace, Tales of the Jedi, Attack of the Clones, The Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith |
| Reign of the Empire | Tales of the Empire, The Bad Batch, Jedi Fallen Order, Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Survivor, Andor, Star Wars Rebels, Vader Immortal, Rogue One |
| Age of Rebellion | A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Battlefront II, Squadrons |
| The New Republic | The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka |
| Rise of the First Order | Resistance, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, Tales from the Galaxy's Edge, The Rise of Skywalker |
| New Jedi Order | — |
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Sporting News has editorial oversight for this content. Learn more >
