Movies News Talk
Representing Qimir/the Stranger in The Acolyte, Manny Jacinto deftly captures the strong reaction to the Star Wars series and acknowledges the fundamental causes of this ongoing issue for the franchise. Even if Star Wars films and TV shows are much loved, new projects always bring a fresh wave of hate. With numerous controversies and a significant degree of review-bombing, The Acolyte was undoubtedly victim of this trend as well. But many of Star Wars's best films and TV shows have suffered the same treatment.
In an interview with GQ, Jacinto clarified the pattern of criticism that usually results from Star Wars projects: "It's a cycle....With everything that has come out since the original trilogy, there is always a very passionate group that wants that same feeling that they experienced when they were young, only now they have grown up and their taste has matured and they are more critical about art or the world, and then they are just more precious about the things they experienced when they were younger.
Though there are several reasons Star Wars shows like The Acolyte might get criticism or be hated—some very legitimate and others resulting from ill-intentioned places—it's true that much of the backlash against newer Star Wars films and shows results from a problem with nostalgia. From the very start, Star Wars has been immensely meaningful for viewers; this is understandable. Those who know the franchise are aware it covers far more ground than just exciting space combat.
From his first appearance in A New Hope, Luke Skywalker stood for bravery in the face of something insurmount and gave dignity to those who, on first glance, don't seem to be deserving. The narrative of Anakin Skywalker explores how, under the correct conditions, even the most innocent people might be corrupted. Resilience, compassion, hope, and bravery abound even in characters like Ahsoka Tano, who only made appearances on Star Wars films.
These legends have great weight and influence on the viewers, particularly young children. Given this, it makes sense that viewers start to get sensitive about the stories and the characters they have come to love. Actually, Manny Jacinto's very sympathetic analysis of what is often cruel reaction exactly catches the actual underlying problem; it's just difficult to let go of something that has been so personally significant.
Sadly, knowledge of the problem does not make it right or help it to disappear. In this sense, Star Wars will always be fighting an uphill struggle; it is unclear, if there could ever be a solution either. Though Star Wars always treats shows like The Acolyte this way, it's great to know that actors like Manny Jacinto can approach the problem with compassion even though they are the target of the criticism.
Set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, the television series The Acolyte features both the Galactic Empire and the Jedi at their most influential point. Investigating several crimes, this sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they uncover darkening events beneath the surface ready to bring about the end of the High Republic.