Lucasfilm’s mysterious Star Wars series The Acolyte is a project that’s being kept close to the studio’s chest. Set before the prequels, the Disney Plus series will offer a new look at the Sith, a part of Star Wars that’s barely touched on in live action media.
With the story taking place during The High Republic era, many fans have been trying to pinpoint the exact period in which The Acolyte occurs. Finally, we now have a more concrete placement for the upcoming storyline.
When does The Acolyte take place in the Star Wars timeline?
In an interview with Vanity Fair, The Acolyte showrunner Leslye Headland explained that the series is set approximately one century before The Phantom Menace. While no exact date was given, the series will start around 48 years before the birth of Sheev Palpatine.
Star Wars fans shouldn’t expect to see a lot of recognisable characters in the upcoming show. As Headland says, most of the franchise’s iconic characters are yet to be born. However, if there are scenes of Jedi, we should expect to see Jedi Master Yoda.
“A lot of those characters haven’t even been born yet. We’re taking a look at the political and personal and spiritual things that came up in a time period that we don’t know much about,” Headland said. “My question when watching The Phantom Menace was always like, ‘Well, how did things get to this point?’ How did we get to a point where a Sith lord can infiltrate the Senate and none of the Jedi pick up on it? Like, what went wrong? What are the scenarios that led us to this moment?”
Read More: Hayden Christensen thanks Star Wars fans for finally accepting him
The Acolyte art style
As The Acolyte is set during The High Republic, the series will feature a different aesthetic than prior Star Wars shows and films. While similar to the prequel’s art style, the era has a much more luxurious look to it.
Instead of the whites and greys of the prequels, Jedi in The High Republic opt for a much more fanciful appearance. However, the Sith are also more glammed up, despite their more traditional attire.
“We actually use the term the Renaissance, or the Age of Enlightenment,” Headland explained. “The Jedi uniforms are gold and white, and it’s almost like they would never get dirty. They would never be out and about. The idea is that they could have these types of uniforms because that’s how little they’re getting into skirmishes.”
Read More: Space Entertainment Enterprise will build a movie studio and sports arena in space
Darth Plagueis the Wise
While the upcoming Star Wars series may not include Emperor Palpatine as a young Sith, the series could include another powerful villain: Darth Plagueis the Wise.
With Darth Plagueis alive and training during that time, fans could finally experience the legendary Sith’s powers. After all, he could manipulate the midichlorians to control life itself.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!