Andor set a new standard for Star Wars with its gritty plot and realistic atmosphere, but The Acolyte could go even further into the dark corners of the galaxy. The Acolyte only just began filming recently and is not expected to release until late 2023 or early 2024. However, one of its lead actresses Daphne Keen has given some details on what audiences can expect from the show. The Acolyte will be a unique Star Wars show since it focuses on the Sith. Cassian Andor was dark in that he’d kill if provoked—but the story of The Acolyte may well top that.
Andor was a big risk since it contained no cameos, no lightsabers, and no references to the Force—all of which Star Wars has relied heavily on in the past. But The Acolyte will be Disney’s biggest risk by far since Star Wars has never done a show wholly focusing on the Sith—or any antagonist, for that matter. If successful, The Acolyte could open a new door for Star Wars content in the future, especially as it looks to be a darker show than even Andor.
What We Know About The Acolyte's Story & Setting
The Acolyte will be the darkest Star Wars show yet. Set 100 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that focuses on the Sith attempting to infiltrate the Jedi. But unlike the Jedi seen in Star Wars' prequel trilogy, these Jedi will be closer to the height of their power and will likely not have their vision clouded by the dark side yet. Because of this, the Sith characters in The Acolyte will need to use extreme caution in order to not get caught - and the gritty story of their deception is likely to be Star Wars' darkest yet.
Since The Acolyte is Sith-led, the show will also likely contain new, occult-like powers used by the Sith. Star Wars has delved into some dark plot lines in certain arcs of The Clone Wars and Rebels. For example, Darth Sidious has been seen chanting an ancient Sith spell over a flaming cauldron of sorts that allows him to see far-away places and cause terrifying nightmares in his enemies. Furthermore, The Clone Wars has also explored the Nightsisters’ Force-like magic which can be used to create zombies and possess others. But whether any of these darker Star Wars abilities make it into The Acolyte remains to be seen.
The Acolyte's Tone Will Be Different From Andor
Because The Acolyte focuses on the Sith and their cunning attempts to infiltrate the Jedi, it will take on a completely different dark tone compared to Andor. Andor explored the travesty that Empire caused on the galaxy’s average citizens. Unlike Luke, Andor has no special powers or abilities to assist him in his fight with the Empire. But while the darkness in Andor comes from focusing on the war between the Rebellion and the Empire, The Acolyte and its darkness will come from focusing on the Sith and their occult Force powers.