The first few episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte has screened for critics, and they’ve been sharing their reactions on social media.
So far, the reactions are very positive and the series is getting some high praise. The series is describes as “superb”, “a very big winner”, “character driven”, “gripping”, “a blast”, and the “kung-fu force fighting is magical.”
There’s hasn’t been much excitement from a lot of Star Wars fans for this series, so maybe it will actually surpass expectations. I’ve been really curious about the story that this series is going to tell and I hope that it’s actually as good as what these critics and fans are saying.
Check out the first reactions below and tell us what you think!
THE ACOLYTE Eps 1-4 are superb. A captivating murder mystery that evokes the detective tales of Twin Peaks & Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Mature like Andor while fully embracing & thematically connecting to the prequels. Seeing the High Republic in live-action does not disappoint. pic.twitter.com/N7csXdW2mG
— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) May 24, 2024
Saw the first two episodes of #TheAcolyte — I loved that it felt so much like classic @starwars while at the same time feeling new, fresh and different from anything we’ve seen before. The action felt movie-level. So excited to see more! pic.twitter.com/lkOC5IPm4S
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) May 24, 2024
I’ve seen four episodes of #TheAcolyte and, thus far, it’s a *very* big winner. The cast of characters, the heavy emphasis on practical effects, the stunts, how they’re exploring what it means to be a Force-user and how the Jedi Order operates — it’s all working quite well for… pic.twitter.com/l8SVNTvSEG
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 24, 2024
Four episodes into Star Wars: #TheAcolyte & it’s a mixed experience. The lore hints at KOTOR potential, yet the pacing occasionally lags. While the fight scenes are engaging, they often feel misplaced. Hoping to see stronger performances and a clearer narrative direction soon. pic.twitter.com/m5V0EZskoc
— Anthony Gagliardi • The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) May 24, 2024
Star Wars: #TheAcolyte is a DREAM for fans of The High Republic era and a fresh experience for everyone else. 4 eps in and it’s taking its time layering in the dark mystery. RIVETING fight choreography and SUPERB performances from Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae. I’m diggin it. pic.twitter.com/I0IRm1ZdNt
— nateplaysgames - Geekcentric (@n8playsgames) May 24, 2024
Beholden to nothing except being “Star Wars,” #TheAcolyte soars.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 24, 2024
It’s an interesting, fun, character driven mystery with real stakes that you care about bolstered by all the fixings that make it Star Wars.
Saw the first two episodes and LOVED THEM. pic.twitter.com/XY29LSVcfX
#TheAcolyte is a blend of murder mystery with Star Wars charm. 4 episodes in, and it’s clear that this new timeline will add to the lore of the galaxy in BIG ways. The Kung Fu force fighting is MAGICAL! JJ as Sol is the COOLEST Jedi since QUI GON! Can’t wait to see where it goes pic.twitter.com/STbdMUBbFS
— Justin Lawrence | Geekcentric (@helloimjlaw) May 24, 2024
#StarWars #TheAcolyte gives me Kill Bill vibes. Every episode left me wanting more, in a good way. We’ve seen so much about the fall of the Jedi but this show explores what the Jedi we’re like during peace time, which is quite fascinating. @AmandlaStenberg is outstanding! pic.twitter.com/67weNyvcdN
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) May 24, 2024
Then first two episodes of #theacolyte are a #starwars homage to classic Shaw Brothers movies while also opening new doors to the larger universe. The characters are fun and the action is great. This show has a lot of promise. Super excited to see where it goes. pic.twitter.com/A71tit0NMR
— F.J. DeSanto (@FJDesanto) May 24, 2024
#TheAcolyte is a blast. A gripping noir-style murder mystery in A Galaxy Far, Far away with the Jedi as space detectives. So much world-building and fleshing out of the mythology already in the first two episodes, punctuated by some pretty kick-butt fight sequences. #StarWars pic.twitter.com/NMEI9zMlqF
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) May 24, 2024
Yeah, I think #TheAcolyte is going to do well with fans. Especially those who want an easy entry point into new Star Wars stories.
— Ben Wasserman (@WassermanReview) May 24, 2024
Ironic, given the massive volume of High Republic books/comics released in the last three years.
Really digging #TheAcolyte through four episodes. Fresh storytelling in an unexplored era of STAR WARS. But it’s all about character, and Amandla Stenberg continues to impress as a former Padawan pulled into a murder mystery. GREAT fight choreography, cool new worlds. Big win! pic.twitter.com/DHUVPIYleL
— Sean O'Connell (@Sean_OConnell) May 24, 2024
The Acolyte is described as “a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.” The High Republic is set 100 years before the Skywalker Saga begins.
Steinberg plays a former Padawan and dangerous warrior who is hunting down and killing Jedi. In the story, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg).
“As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems…."
Showrunner Leslye Headland promises that The Acolyte will be "packed" with nods to pretty much every era in Star Wars.
The series also stars Amandla Steinberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dean-Charles Chapman, Carrie-Anne Moss, Margarita Levieva, Joonas Suotamo, and Amy Tsang.
The Acolyte will consist of eight episodes with Headland, Garcia Lopez, and Kogonada directing. It’s set to premiere on June 4, 2024, on Disney+.
