In the autumn of this year, Disney+ confirmed production on a fresh Star Wars series titled Acolyte, launching a new chapter in a galaxy far, far away. Recent sneak peeks from the set surfaced online, giving fans their first look at the cast and the world-building underway. The footage and stills tease a cutting-edge production with familiar faces stepping into new roles while newcomers bring fresh energy to the saga.
The initial image features a Jedi portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, a performer widely celebrated for his breakout role in The Squid Game. His appearance on set hints at a line of storytelling that blends intensity, discipline, and a measured calm characteristic of a seasoned Jedi master, inviting audiences to anticipate a character who balances ancient wisdom with the grit of a war-torn era.
The second image spotlights Dean-Charles Chapman, known from Game of Thrones and 1917, stepping into a pivotal role within the narrative. Chapman’s presence signals a focus on young leadership and the personal costs of a galaxy-wide conflict, as his character likely navigates loyalties, danger, and the moral gray areas that define the rise of powerful factions.
The third photograph presents Dafne Keen as a Sith, a casting choice that immediately raises questions about allegiance, power, and the shifting sands of force-users during this era. Keen’s prior work in Logan suggests a propensity for portraying complex, formidable characters, and fans will be watching to see how this portrayal expands the Sith archetype within the Star Wars universe.
Across the other frames, glimpses of additional figures appear, including a Wookiee presence and a Zabrak woman, underscoring the diverse cast and the expansive world-building that Star Wars productions are known for. These visuals hint at a broad ensemble, intricate alliances, and the variety of cultures that populate the galaxy far, far away.
The series is positioned in the Rise of the Republic era, approximately a century before the events of The Phantom Menace. This timeline offers a canvas for political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and the murky moral terrain of a galaxy on the brink of upheaval, with the Jedi Order facing challenges that test its ideals and its reach.
A former Padawan reunites with his Jedi master to investigate a string of crimes, only to confront forces that prove far more dangerous and deceptive than either anticipated. The description points to a mystery-driven arc where suspense, espionage, and the hidden threats within the Republic environment intertwine with ancient force traditions, creating a tension-filled groundwork for the series.
The Acolyte also features Carrie-Anne Moss, widely known for her iconic role in The Matrix, expanding the roster of veteran performers joining the new project. The production is anticipated to debut on Disney+ next year, with a planned eight-episode arc that promises a compact, well-structured season that maintains momentum and character depth from start to finish.
In the broader Star Wars conversation, this project continues the franchise’s habit of exploring different tones and eras while leaning into strong ensembles and action-forward storytelling. While fans await an official release date and trailer, the early glimpses already fuel speculation about the show’s approach to myth, politics, and the evolving role of the Force in a galaxy that remains as expansive as ever.
Note: The ongoing chatter around this production aligns with a larger trend of expanding the Star Wars universe through streaming, with studios seeking fresh perspectives that can intrigue both long-time fans and new audiences across North America.