Star Wars: The Acolyte - Release date, trailer and latest news
The mystery thriller series is set at the end of the High Republic era, before the events of the main Star Wars films.
It's almost time for new Star Wars series The Acolyte to grace screens - and the first reactions from the launch events across the globe have been very promising!
The Hunger Games star Amandla Stenberg stars in the mystery thriller, which has already been compared to hit show Andor, and it's now confirmed that she'll be playing two characters - sisters Osha and Mae, who were separated by a tragic event in their youth.
Also leading the cast is Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae as Jedi Master Sol.
The eight-episode series comes from showrunner Leslye Headland, and will focus on the end of the High Republic era, before the events of the main Star Wars films. It is set to take on a dark and foreboding tone, as seen in the trailers.
Read on for everything you need to know about Star Wars: The Acolyte.
Star Wars: The Acolyte release date
The Acolyte will start streaming on Disney Plus on Wednesday 5th June 2024 at 2am in the UK with the first two episodes becoming available.
While the series becomes available on Tuesday 4th June in the US, the timing means it'll tip over to the next day in the UK.
Further episodes will then be released weekly.
What is Star Wars: The Acolyte about?
The official synopsis for The Acolyte says: "In The Acolyte, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems…."
As for how the series might lead into The Phantom Menace, Headland told RadioTimes.com: "I feel George [Lucas] told the fall of the Jedi perfectly, like, as they got embroiled politically, they became more militaristic and couldn't see the threat right in front of their eyes...
"I think he told that story really beautifully. This is more about the cracks in the system and how an individual can portray a larger problem within an institution, as opposed to telling the story of the institution."
She added: "There are some things in the last few episodes that I can't tell you about."
Who stars in The Acolyte?
The confirmed cast members of Star Wars: The Acolyte are:
- Amandla Stenberg as Osha and Mae
- Lee Jung-jae as Master Sol
- Manny Jacinto as Qimir
- Dafne Keen as Jecki
- Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseya
- Rebecca Henderson as Vernestra Rwoh
- Charlie Barnett as Yord
- Dean-Charles Chapman as TBC
- Carrie-Anne Moss as Master Indara
- Margarita Levieva as TBC
- Joonas Suotamo as Kelnacca
Joonas Suotamo has made it clear just how thrilled he is to be returning to the franchise in a new role, telling Collider: "I’ve always loved the Jedi - I didn’t know I was going to get a chance of playing one [until] this opportunity with Leslye Headland’s genius direction.
"I’m just so grateful, I’m so grateful to be a part of this new era we’re delving into."
Is there a trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte?
Yes! Check out the latest trailer for The Acolyte below:
Star Wars: The Acolyte will launch on Disney Plus on Thursday 4th June. You can sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year now.
Check out our Sci-Fi hub for more news, interviews and features, or find something to watch with our TV guide or Streaming Guide.
Authors
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
