Summary
The Acolytehas proven thatStar Warswon’t have a truly successful new show or movie until the franchise can fix its biggest problem.The Acolyte’scancelationcame as a major surprise, despitethe backlashThe Acolytefacedbefore it even premiered. In fact, while it wasn’t the most popular ofStar Wars’movies and TV shows, the speed with whichStar Warsdecided not to renew the show for a second season reveals just how significantly this backlash impacted the show.
However,this backlash went far beyond disliking or constructively criticizing the show and instead became antagonistic, vitriolic, and outright hostile, especially when it came to treatment of the show’s actors, Mae/Osha actress Amandla Stenberg in particular. Sadly, this is not new in theStar Warsfranchise, as this bullying behavior has occurred sinceStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. WithThe Acolyte’scancelation, though, I’ve become convinced:Star Warswill not find true success again until it finds a way to end the review-bombing, hatred, and harassment coming from certain parts of the fanbase.
The Acolyte’s Cancelation Leaves The Future Of Star Wars TV In Doubt
Sadly, Star Wars has officially canceled The Acolyte, and that raises serious questions about what the future of Star Wars' TV shows will look like.
The Acolyte’s Reception Is Far From The First Example Of Vitriol And Hate
The response toThe Acolytewas jarring to say the least, butthis, unfortunately, is far from the first or only example of this type of behavior inStar Wars. Rather,Star Warsaudiences have been arguing that new shows, movies, and characters have ‘ruined’ the franchise for decades. This was first clear inThe Phantom Menace, when Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best and young Anakin Skywalker Jake Lloyd were bullied by viewers and by the media.
However, while the prequels may not have been considered some ofStar Wars’best movieswhen they were released, fewStar Warsprojects have received as much hate as the sequel trilogy. In fact, social media comments and posts expressing hatred of the sequels, the characters, and even the actors remain very prominent, although the trilogy began nearly a decade ago. Many of the actors have spoken about this experience, Finn actor John Boyega in particular, who spoke about the racist backlash he experienced from the fanbase.
This treatment has continued with DisneyStar WarsTV shows; indeed, many blame Disney specifically for ‘ruining’Star Wars. InObi-Wan Kenobi, Reva actress Moses Ingram faced such terrible racist backlash that Ewan McGregor himself even took to social media to demand that this stop. However, that was also not enough, as the actors ofThe Acolytehave been subjected to the same treatment. Stenberg and Qimir/the Stranger actor Manny Jacinto have both spoken about their experience with this problem.
What Would Star Wars Really Be Like Without Disney?
Disney Star Wars has faced plenty of controversy and backlash since the company purchased the rights to Star Wars, but did they really make it worse?
No Story Will Be ‘Perfect’ Enough To Resolve This Issue
Although there are specific aspects ofStar Wars’shows and movies that get called out amid the heavy backlash and criticism, the truth is,this behavior will not stop, no matter how brilliant the story is, untilStar Warsand Disney address it. Yes, there are legitimate flaws withThe Acolyteand theStar Warssequel trilogy, which is true of any piece of media. However, the response to these shows and movies in theStar Warsfranchise has much more to do with the nature of the fanbase at this point.
TheStar Warsfanbase is known for attacking the very franchise it is supposed to love.
Sadly, theStar Warsfanbase is known for attacking the very franchise it is supposed to love. While this is certainly not true of everyStar Warsfan—many fans, including those who voiced positive perceptions ofThe Acolyte, are treated similarly online—the issue is prominent enough that even those outside the fanbase are aware of this issue withStar Wars. Unfortunately, though, Lucasfilm and Disney have yet to truly address this problem; rather,Lucasfilm has been silent aboutThe Acolyte’scancelationand the shocking response to the show.
The Franchise Will Continue To Face Review Bombing And Backlash Until This Is Addressed
Unfortunately,Star Warswon’t escape this cycle until Lucasfilm and Disney address it. Silence won’t stop this behavior in the fanbase, and, clearly, this issue is having a material impact on the franchise. Both the decision not to renewThe Acolyteand the subsequent silence about the show’s end (and the backlash to it) make it seem as thoughStar Warsis caving to this online trolling and review-bombing. While that’s only speculation, it could mean serious trouble for the future of the franchise. If true,this will only embolden those who engage in this behavior.
Star Warswon’t escape this cycle until Lucasfilm and Disney address it.
Truthfully, I have concerns about the future ofStar Warsbased on this pattern. The way actors are being treated online, the decision to cancelThe Acolyte, and the increasingly divisive nature of the fanbase are all troubling to me, especially in combination. While the answer to these problems is no doubt complicated,Star Warsmust disrupt this trend in the franchise. Yes,The Acolyteis the most recent example, but it is far from the onlyStar Warsproject to receive this treatment, which means that something must be done.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
