Summary
The Acolytestar Manny Jacinto, who played Qimir/the Stranger, has shared his perspective on the backlash and criticism theStar Warsshow faced, which is even more poignant with confirmation that the show has been canceled.The Acolyte’scontroversiesbegan before the show even premiered, and while it is far from the first ofStar Warsmovies and TV showsto face such intense backlash, there was an astonishing amount of vitriol in this case. These attacks also went far beyond review-bombing and criticizing the show (although that occurred too);the actors themselves were often attacked.
In an interview withNuvo Magazine,The Acolyte’sManny Jacinto specifically responded to the racist backlash that he and other co-stars have experienced since theStar Warsshow premiered. Jacinto explained:
“I try not to get too caught up in it, because it’s just a black hole…I also learned early on in my career that if you’re going to believe the good, you have to believe the bad.”
It’s devastating to know that Jacinto and the other brilliant actors on this show were subjected to such treatment and that it felt so daunting that Jacinto likened it to"a black hole."
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This Is So Much Sadder After The Acolyte’s Cancelation
Few would argue thatThe Acolytewas a perfect show; however, while there arewaysThe Acolytewent wrong, it’s also clear thatthe backlash to the show, its creators, and its actors went beyond what was appropriate or acceptable. The point at which the actors were being subjected to racist attacks online made it clear that, at the end of the day, the hate for this show was often not truly aboutStar Warsor the ways the show could have been improved. Sadly, this also isn’t new in the franchise.
Star Warsactors like Moses Ingram and Kelly Marie Tran are also all too familiar with this type of online harassment. Not only have they spoken about it, but also, fan-favoriteStar Warsactors such as Ewan McGregor have used their platforms and their popularity to call out this behavior and demand that it end. Unfortunately, even the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi himself clearly didn’t deter this trend from continuing withThe Acolyte.
Now, in light ofThe Acolytenot being renewed for a second season, this has only become all the worse. Manny Jacinto’s experience was heartbreaking enough, but taking his words into account in the context of the show being canceled is downright devastating. As Jacinto made clear in that interview, he hoped to be an inspiration to a younger generation of aspiring actors, especially Asian boys who can now see themselves on screen through Qimir. While he undoubtedly did inspire many, that work took place in an antagonistic context that ended in a disappointing way, to say the least.
It’s impossible to say what ultimately tipped the scales inStar Wars’decision not to renewThe Acolyte, as those conversations happened behind closed doors and may never come to light. Again, whileThe Acolytehad its legitimate issues, this intense backlash was almost certainly a factor. Sadly, this means thatThe Acolytehas come to an end inStar Wars, and, as Manny Jacinto’s interview makes clear, that was a painful process.
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.
