The Acolyte Fails to Impress Fans
Star Wars fans expressed disappointment at the latest web series, The Acolyte, on Disney+. The series dared to step off the beaten path of traditional Star Wars narratives, but it seems that this brave decision backfired. Viewers went online to respond, with a staggering difference seen between the critic scores (at a high 84%) and audience ratings (at a lowly 14%).
Coming Under Fire: The Creators React
Leslye Headland, the brain behind the series and the first woman ever to create a Star Wars show, did not take this low rating lightly. Neither did Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy. Both women suggested that the overwhelmingly male fandom was to blame for the negative feedback, stating that fans engaging in “racism, bigotry, or hate speech” are not real Star Wars fans.
Lee Jung-Jae: The Acolyte’s Silver Lining
But in the midst of the negativity, there’s Lee Jung-jae, much-loved for his role in Squid Game. Despite The Acolyte being his first time acting in English, Jung-jae emerged as the show’s shining star. Fans could not help but applaud his performance, even those who were less thrilled with the rest of the series. For the role, Jung-jae got special coaching in English dialect and drew inspiration from Liam Neeson’s character, Qui-Gon Jinn.
Kennedy’s Remark Sparks Debate
This is not the first time Star Wars has been through some tough times since Disney took over Lucasfilm. Kathleen Kennedy, who has had her fair share of criticism from fans, sparked controversy when she suggested that the male fanbase was responsible for the series’ low ratings. Fans countered her statement, pointing to successful franchises like Rogue One, Aliens, and Tomb Raider, which were well-received by the same male-dominated fanbase.
Wrapping up the Discussion
Yes, it’s true that some fans can be toxic, but they don’t represent the whole fanbase. The mostly negative reviews of The Acolyte suggest that fans will support a project if the storyline is solid, regardless of character diversity. A case in point is the overwhelming response to Jung-jae’s performance.
For future Star Wars projects, there should be a balance between showcasing diversity and telling a compelling story. The audience is open to embracing variety if it’s done right. With an upcoming film featuring Rey from the Sequel Trilogy, we’ll have to wait and see whether the creators can breathe new life into the series. After all, everything Star Wars is available for our viewing pleasure on Disney+.
Let’s remember, in the Galaxy far far away, there’s still a lot of potential for incredible storylines and unforgettable characters. Only time will tell if The Acolyte will manage to win over its critical viewers.
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