The Acolyte: Star Wars Mystery Thriller Series Sparks Darth Plagueis Theories
Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?
The Acolyte, Leslye Headland's mysterious new Star Wars series, has sparked some theories about Darth Plagueis and the Sith Order.
During the Disney Investor Day presentation on Thursday, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy shared a few details about Leslye Headland's upcoming Star Wars project, The Acolyte. While plot specifics were not given for the female-centric Disney+ series, Kennedy revealed that the "mystery thriller" focuses on the "shadowy secrets and emergent dark side powers in the final days of the High Republic era."
The High Republic era, which is going to be explored further in Lucasfilm's multi-pronged publishing initiative, takes place hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga. The Acolyte is set in the "final days" of this era, so fans have been speculating over which characters might make an appearance in the new series, with some even wondering whether we could see a live-action debut from Darth Plagueis.
As noted by Den of Geek, Plageuis was born sometime between 147 and 120 BBY in the classic Legends continuity, making him at least 20 years old during this era, which ended in 100 BBY. Even though it's unclear how this matches up with Disney canon, fans expressed their excitement over the prospect of seeing more of Plagueis' origins and the rumblings of the Sith leading into the prequels.
Early thought: They said #TheAcolyte takes place near the end of the #HighRepublic Era. Is it a show from the Sith’s perspective as they try to rise again? Maybe The Acolyte is the master of Darth Plagueis? pic.twitter.com/Mm1vOtOTVl
— patrickthehutt (@patrickthehutt) December 11, 2020
I'm most excited for this. Sounds like it will be told from the prospective of the Sith. Could we see Darth Plagueis and Darth Tenebrous? How do they stay hidden from the Jedi. If a Jedi does findout about them do they simply kill them or do a force mind wipe or something? https://t.co/jQTWxNf6dp — Rodian Ryan (@RodianRyan) December 11, 2020
By definition, an acolyte is a person who "assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties," which could refer to the Jedi or those who possess the "emergent dark side powers." Whether that's Plagueis or the Sith remains to be seen, but we do know that there are plenty of other challenges and enemies present during this period, including the Drengir and the Nihil.I really guess so. Acolyte is often use for the Sith underlings. Or a agent for the Sith. There is a opening for it to include Darth Plagueis and/or his master. But it can also be earlier. Its about mystery, its a thriller, and emerging dark side powers. Hyped up for real :) — Niklas Wilfer (@NWilfer88) December 11, 2020
The opening crawl for the upcoming High Republic publishing initiative provided fans with an early insight into the state of the galaxy during this era. The text teased a time of peace, hope, and prosperity in a "magnificent renaissance" that becomes endangered by a "frightening new adversary" who threatens to disrupt the harmony of the Jedi heroes.
If you want to learn more about this largely unexplored period, read our explainer about Star Wars' ever-growing mythos. Or, if you want to find out more about some of the other projects that were discussed at the Disney Investor Day presentation, check out our complete round-up of every movie and TV show announced at the event.
Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
