Star Wars: The Acolyte showrunner Leslye Headland is pulling back the curtain on the upcoming Disney+ series, revealing a unique blend of influences and a casting story that wouldn’t be complete without the global phenomenon, Squid Game.
In recent interviews with IGN and The Nerds of Color, Headland delved into her vision for The Acolyte, expressing her desire to infuse the Star Wars universe with elements from her personal passions: anime and the Chinese wuxia genre. This fusion of East and West aims to create a distinct atmosphere, blending the romanticism of period dramas with the high-octane action of Jedi battles.
“It has almost like The Shaw Brothers meets Jane Austen,” Headland shared, highlighting the unexpected juxtaposition that she hopes will set The Acolyte apart from its Star Wars predecessors.
This innovative spirit also extended to the casting process. While Headland initially envisioned specific actors for each role, including Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae, it was the casting of the Jedi Master that presented a unique challenge. The answer came in the form of Lee Jung-jae, who captivated audiences worldwide with his performance in Squid Game.
Read more: ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Featurette Highlights Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi Master Amidst Rising Darkness
“I thought [about] Squid Game and I was like, ‘that’s the guy, that’s him,'” Headland recalled. Despite not knowing how to contact Lee or if he would be interested in performing in English, Headland’s instincts proved to be spot-on. She praised Lee’s acting abilities, his emotional range, and even his surprising proficiency in performing stunts.
“Watching him perform in English for the first time, and tracking the emotional beats, doing so much of his own action… he’s the best actor I’ve ever worked with,” Headland gushed.
With Headland’s passion for the Star Wars universe, her unique vision, and a cast led by the phenomenal Lee Jung-jae, Star Wars: The Acolyte promises to be a thrilling and unexpected chapter in the Star Wars saga. Mark your calendars for June 4, when the series premieres on Disney+.
