The recent cancelation of the Disney+ original series The Acolyte, a series set in the Star Wars universe one hundred years before the prequel trilogy, has caused discourse within the fandom. Despite being one of the lowest-rated Star Wars shows of all time and the lowest viewed out of all the Disney+ Star Wars shows, multiple media outlets, fans of the show have been doing their best to try and get the series renewed.
The most notable example is a change.org petition titled Renew The Acolyte.
The petition is asking Disney and Lucasfilm to renew the show for a second season since there were plans from showrunner Leslye Headland had planned for about five seasons. As of the writing of this article, the petition has nearly 72,000 signatures.
The description states: “The Acolyte opened the doors for so many Star Wars fans, new and old, to feel seen. To feel welcomed and accepted by an IP and fandom that hadn’t previously been so for anyone who didn’t check off certain boxes. Not only that, but The Acolyte became a beacon for representation that many fans have felt was lacking in the Star Wars universe for decades.“
“With both creators and actors that truly understood the world of Star Wars, The Acolyte quickly became a fan favorite because of the clear passion and love shown in the work, and the drive to give us something new and fresh to fall in love with. New characters with new stories that still existed within the same galaxies we cherished.“
“Regardless of the orchestrated review bombing by a small faction of loud trolls, and all of the other obstacles this show had to face straight out the gate, it trended repeatedly throughout and after the show aired. It has a very dedicated fanbase, willing to fight for its continuation. It’s a story that deserves to be told.“
Not long after the first petition went up a second petition with the opposite goal was posted. This one titled Help De-canonize The Acolyte. While not quite as big as the previous one, it still currently holds over 22,000 signatures as of the writing of this article.
The description states: “Like so many fans of Star Wars, I found the show the acolyte absolutely frustrating. For some it might’ve been the abysmal writing, the ever-changing character motivations, or the awkward cinematography and strange jump cuts. The show was completely misdirected.“
“For others, could be the multiple ways the show breaks canon, jangles keys of established characters damaging them in the future or the way the show makes the prophesy of the chosen one completely insignificant. Help me show Disney that we want to reset the prequel era back to George’s original vision that I know so many of us love.“
There is a clear divide over the series which has lead to this ‘war of petitions’. But whatever the case, as far as we know, the series is dead and buried despite the vocal press and campaigns to get it trending. It is not known if or when Lucasfilm will ever return to the High Republic era given the fact that the first attempt to set a show in that era backfired.
What do you think? Will The Acolyte make a return someday? Or will it be left frozen in carbonite, never to be set free? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: Change.org
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