Star Wars: The Acolyte received praise from critics, but it also faced a lot of negative reactions on social media. Many of the comments focused on the diversity of the cast, and actor Lee Jung-jae remembers how hurtful those comments were at the time.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair to promote the second season of Netflix’s Squid Game, Lee talked about the backlash against The Acolyte.
Although he was hurt by the racist comments, he especially felt bad for the show’s creator, Leslye Headland. Lee knew that Star Wars has a passionate fanbase, but he was still “shocked” by the amount of racist comments and online harassment he saw.
My feelings were hurt, I especially feel for Leslye Headland—her feelings must have been hurt a lot. I can only hope that racism will end someday, even though it will be tough.
Lee said,
Lee expressed his hope that The Acolyte will be appreciated more over time, saying,
Some things take time to get noticed, and I really believe people will start to like it as time goes by.
Read More: ‘The Acolyte’s Lee Jung-jae Says He “Was Quite Surprised” By The Series Cancellation
The actor said, “As long as I stay grateful, everything will work out.” He also mentioned that if he ever felt bothered by fans being too intrusive,
Then I should quit my job. I shouldn’t think like that when dealing with fans. Being part of a fandom comes with my career, and I can’t take that for granted. No matter what, I’m always thankful.
The Acolyte takes place during the High Republic era, which happens before the Skywalker Saga. In addition to Lee Jung-jae, the show features a talented cast including Amandla Stenberg, Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Carrie-Anne Moss, Manny Jacinto, and Dean-Charles Chapman.
After the first season of The Acolyte ended in July, it was announced that Disney+ wouldn’t continue with a second season. This cancellation meant that the unanswered questions from the cliffhangers wouldn’t be explored. Recently, Manny Jacinto hinted that the planned second season would have included more of Darth Plagueis, but he didn’t share more details. He’s still hopeful that The Acolyte could get a second season someday.
See More: Manny Jacinto Teases More Darth Plagueis — If ‘The Acolyte’ Gets Another Chance
The first and only season of The Acolyte is available to stream on Disney+. At the same time, the new Star Wars series Skeleton Crew just premiered on Disney+ on December 2, 2024.
Source: Vanity Fair