Summary
Manny Jacinto, who portrayed Qimir/the Stranger inThe Acolyte,perfectly addresses the intense backlash to theStar Warsshow and recognizes the underlying reasons this continues to be a problem in the franchise. As much asStar Warsmovies and TV showsare loved, with new projects always comes a new wave of vitriol.The Acolytewas certainly a victim of this pattern as well, with countless controversies and a considerable amount of review-bombing. However, many ofStar Wars’best moviesandStar Wars’best TV showshave received this same treatment.
Manny Jacinto had a perfect read on the situation, though, particularly as it pertains toThe Acolyte. In an interview withGQ, Jacinto explained:
“It’s a cycle….With everything that’s come out since the original trilogy, there’s always a very passionate group that doesn’t like change, that wants that same feeling that they experienced when they were kids, only now they’ve grown up and their taste has matured and they’re more critical about art or the world, and then they are just more precious about the things that they experienced when they were younger.”
Jacinto isn’t the first to say it, but he is nevertheless correct;Star Warshas long been made for children, and viewers have struggled to let go of their nostalgia and accept that.
Despite All The Controversy, The Acolyte Hasn’t Broken Star Wars Canon At All
Audiences were concerned from the very beginning that The Acolyte would break Star Wars canon and retcon the prequels, but that didn’t happen.
Manny Jacinto Is Right: Every Generation Struggles To Let Go Of Star Wars
While there are a number of reasonsStar Warsshows likeThe Acolytemight receive criticism or be disliked—some very valid and others stemming from ill-intentioned places—it’s true thatmuch of the backlash against newerStar Warsshows and movies stems from a problem with nostalgia.Star Warshas been incredibly meaningful for audiences from the very beginning, and it’s easy to see why. Anyone familiar with the franchise knows it’s about so much more than thrilling battles in space.
Anyone familiar with the franchise knows it’s about so much more than thrilling battles in space.
Luke Skywalker, from his first appearance inA New Hope,represented being brave in the face of something insurmountable and offering grace to those who, on the surface, really don’t seem to deserve it. Anakin Skywalker’s story is about how even the most innocent people can be corrupted under the right circumstances. Even characters who have only appeared inStar Warsshows, such as Ahsoka Tano, have messages of resilience, compassion, hope, and courage.
These stories carry an incredible amount of weight, and they shape the people who watch them—especially children. It’s understandable that, in light of that, viewers become sensitive about the stories and the characters they’ve grown to love. In fact, Manny Jacinto’s very empathetic assessment of what is often cruel backlash perfectly captures the true underlying issue; it’s simply difficult to let go of something that’s been so personally meaningful.
Unfortunately, understanding the problem doesn’t make it right, and it doesn’t make it go away.Star Warswill continue to face an uphill battle in this regard, and it isn’t clear what the solution is, if there could ever be one. Shows likeThe Acolytemay always face this kind of treatment inStar Wars, but it’s wonderful to know that even while being the subject of the criticism, actors like Manny Jacinto can approach the issue with compassion.
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.
