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When Star Wars began withA New Hope, it was initially a science fiction film that trod on a slew of fantasy tropes to create one of the biggest IPs in the history of the world. As it grew, the lore of the IP was deepened as creators began to build around the Original Trilogy.
This would require creators who wanted to be a part of Star Wars to have a good understanding of the universe, its rules, its history, and how it functions. But for some reason,The Acolytedecided it needed a Star Wars novice in its writer’s room.
Leslye Headland believedThe Acolyteneeded a non-fan voice
Speaking toThe Hollywood Reporter, showrunner and head writer forThe Acolyte,Leslye Headland, revealed why she wanted a writer who knew nothing about Star Wars in the writer’s room, and why it was important that this writer steer the conversations about characters in the show. She revealed:
Yeah, I just thought it would be good to have the perspective of a person that had literally never seen Star Wars until she was in the room. And she said to me, “Why do you want me in this room? I’ve never seen Star Wars. I have no idea. I think there’s a dog in it, but I don’t know anything.” And I was like, “First of all, you’re an incredible writer, but that’s why I want you here.
I want you to be questioning narrative. I don’t want myself, who’s a lifelong fan, to just be relying on particular references in order to create emotional beats. I want those emotional beats to be earned and checked by someone that isn’t super familiar with it.”
There seems to be a need for Star Wars properties of late to think about and write for audiences that are not necessarily the core group of fans for the IP. The franchise seems awfully obsessed with breaking new ground when it comes to fandom, to the point where it has managed to alienate a slew of hardcore fans, who just don’t care what the IP is trying to do anymore.
The Acolytemight have turned the remaining Star Wars fans away from the IP
There are some who think this was the right idea for the franchise, but as far as the show is concerned, it has failed to materialize any sort of meaningful content for fans of Star Wars.The Acolyteis being thrashed on the internet for its canon-breaking stories, which contradict not just what was established by the EU (which can still be manipulated), but what is considered Canon in the Star Wars universe.
This has got to be a joke… right?
— Milk_to_the_0 (@MilkMan903)July 15, 2025
is this satire?
— PinoyGamer 🇵🇭 (@pinoygamerph)August 02, 2025
“Had never seen Star Wars”
How did she get hired?!
— TheColeBrew (@TheColeBrewTv)July 03, 2025
Is this a sarcastic headline ?
— szn (@FauSzn)August 13, 2025
I thought this was a troll post. I was wrong.
— CrazyCactusEnt (@CrazyCactusEnt)July 12, 2025
Lore experts such asDave FiloniandJon Favreauhave been able to craft masterful extensions of the Star Wars universe, be it in live-action or animated form.
Many ‘The Acolyte’ Fans Missed the Show’s Sneaky Tribute to One Legendary Star Wars Character in Episode 3 Apocalyptic Scene
While their projects might have employed those who knew nothing about Star Wars, they were never steering the conversation when it came to what the final product was going to look like. While there have beenrare gems like Tony Gilroy, who have masterfully done a Star Wars story justice,likeAndor, it’s a matter of fact that good storytellers who understand the lore have yielded a better product for the IP, one that caters to the fans above everything else.
The Acolyteis currently streaming on Disney+
Anuraag Chatterjee
Content Writer
Articles Published :1633
Anuraag Chatterjee, Web Content WriterWith a passion for writing fiction and non fiction content, Anuraag is a Media Science graduate with 2 year’s experience with Marketing and Content, with 3 published poetry anthologies. Anuraag holds a Bacherlor’s degree in Arts with a focus on Communication and Media Studies.
