For Two Years, Manny Jacinto Claimed He Never Wielded A Lightsaber
Star Wars: The Acolyte has given us a ton of lightsaber battles and training footage. One of the most recent behind-the-scenes videos revealed Manny Jacinto practicing for the incredible lightsaber battles seen in Star Wars' newest TV show. Jacinto was introduced as Mae's accomplice, but The Acolyte episode 5 revealed that he was the masked figure presumed to be a Sith Lord.
This episode was also jam-packed with some of the most brilliant lightsaber battles in all Star Wars movies and TV shows, and the scenes prominently featured Jacinto's incredible lightsaber skills. The video is also highly reminiscent of the Behind-the-scenes footage from the Star Wars prequel trilogy showcasing Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen training in a very similar fashion.
Manny Jacinto Kept His Role a Secret for Two Years
Jacinto had to keep his training under wraps for two years—in fact, Jacinto has since spoken about how difficult it was to maintain the lies required to be part of The Acolyte. Jacinto explained to Entertainment Weekly that it was a difficult two years as he worked to conceal his part in The Acolyte.
It's clear that the actor is now breathing a sigh of relief with episode 5 revealing so much more about his character. However, it's evident that not all the secrets are out yet.
Qimir Is the Masked Figure Thought To Be a Sith
In Jacinto's case, the major plot twist was his character's true identity. It wasn't until The Acolyte episode 5 that the show revealed that Jacinto's quirky character, Qimir, is really the masked figure presumed to be a Sith Lord.
Star Wars is known for its massive Plot Twists, so Jacinto's experience is not an anomaly. There's still plenty left for The Acolyte to uncover about The Stranger, his origins, and his fate.
Is the Stranger a True Sith?
Audiences are particularly curious to see how Star Wars explains The Stranger's existence without a retcon, given that the Jedi in the prequel trilogy said the Sith were extinct for a millennium. The Acolyte is set 100 years before the prequels, so this will certainly require some explanation.
For now, though, the revelation that Manny Jacinto's character is so much more than Mae's accomplice has thankfully brought to light incredible videos showcasing Jacinto's impressive skills.
