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As theStar Warsuniverse expands with films and shows, one of the critical elements that remains cherished by fans is the distinctive style, aesthetic appeal, and narrative of each project. However, following the release of Leslye Headland’s latest show,The Acolyte, there appeared heated debate regarding the balance between homage and originality.

WithStar Warsenthusiasts, as well as common audiences spotting uncanny similarities betweenThe Acolyteand Daisy Ridley’sStar Warssequel trilogy, concerned netizens were quick to call out Leslye Headland’s lack of authenticity. Criticizing the showrunner for supposedly ripping things straight out of the film trilogy, fans appeared sure that it was no coincidence.
Glaring Similarities BetweenThe Acolyteand Daisy Ridley’sStar WarsSequel Trilogy
Leslye Headland’s recently releasedStar Warsseries,The Acolyte, set in the enigmatic High Republic era, was supposed to bring in a new chapter of storytelling within the galaxy far, far away. However, fanshaven’t been quite satisfiedwith the series, its narrative, or its character depictions. And now another disappointment added to the list, as netizens spotted glaring similarities between the show and previousStar Warsfilms.
“These people are f***ing crazy”: The Acolyte Villain’s Stylish Costume is Inspired By Elden Ring But Not in the Way You Think
Recent discussions amongStar Warsfans have thus turned into concerns over perceived parallels betweenThe Acolyteand Daisy Ridley’sStar Warssequel trilogy—The Force Awakens(2015),The Last Jedi(2017), andThe Rise of Skywalker(2019). Images and posts shared online, propose howLeslye Headland’s showmight have allegedly ripped inspiration out of the film series.
From the iconic Jedi robes to the intricate armors, fans point out how Leslye Headland’sThe Acolytesupposedly copied even dialogues and theme songs from the film trilogy. Citing Adam Driver’s comment toDaisy Ridley’s character about how her parents threw her away, fans highlighted a similar exchange between Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto’s character in Headland’s show.

Fans Openly Criticize Leslye Headland for Ripping Out Inspirations from the Films
Meanwhile, since each era within theStar Warstimeline boasts its own distinct visual narrative, the same was expected fromThe Acolyte, based on its untouched High Republic setting. However, as the show supposedly chose to venture into familiar tropes (based on fans’ interpretation), netizens took to social media to call out the obvious parallels.
Known for their appreciation towards theStar Warsuniverse, fans, expressed disappointment and criticism regarding what they perceived as similarities betweenLeslye Headland’s vision and the sequel trilogy’s visuals, themes, and dialogues. It seems the concerns originated from the fear that the Disney+ show might be leaning too heavily on common plots, potentially moving away from its originality.

#TheAcolyteOkay but like THE OUTFITS??? The grey with holes for the shoulders for the girl, the long good boy sweater for the guy… Like there was definitely some inspiration here right???? Tell me I am not just crazy😳😳😳It won’t be the only parallel…pic.twitter.com/jLnYYHQVlu
It’s like poetry, it rhymes#TheAcolytespoilerspic.twitter.com/UoIOIX8YND

HOLD UP….Was that Kylo’s theme playing?!#TheAcolytepic.twitter.com/LlFcJCgp9O
Leslye did not even try to be discreet🤭

oh leslie, the last jedi fan that you arehttps://t.co/qu9iu486Yv
oshamir is great because there are obvious parallels, echos and rhymes to reylo, but it’s so distinctly its own thing. quimir’s seduction of osha is not kylo’s broken begging to rey. osha’s rage isn’t rey’s loneliness. just love when a story rhyming, not mimicking.#TheAcolytepic.twitter.com/2wah2Sh31E
But in the end, while fans’ concerns over parallels betweenThe Acolyteand the sequel trilogy are valid, they also highlight thepopularity of Leslye Headland’s show. Considering how the Disney+ series is reminding fans of previousStar Warsprojects, there remains a hope thatThe Acolytemight carve out its own unique identity, with fresh perspectives and captivating storytelling, in the forthcoming episodes.
Star Warsmovies andThe Acolyteare available on Disney+.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3219
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.