In a surprising development on August 19, 2024, Lucasfilm confirmed that there will be no second season of The Acolyte, the latest Star Wars series on Disney+. The show, which aired its season one finale last month, earned decent reviews from critics but was unable to garner the support of the larger Star Wars fanbase.
Despite its promising start, the show will not be moving forward, leaving fans with unresolved storylines and questions about the future of Star Wars on Disney+.
The Acolyte, created by Leslye Headland, premiered on Disney+ in June 2024. It was set 100 years before Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace and aimed to explore the darker side of the Star Wars universe during the final days of the High Republic era.
The show starred Amandla Stenberg as twin sisters Osha and Mae, separated in childhood. Osha, a former Padawan trained by a respected Jedi Master, found herself on a path opposite her sister Mae, who had joined the Dark Side. This mysterious, thriller-like premise drew initial interest from both casual viewers and dedicated fans of the franchise.
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When The Acolyte debuted with two episodes on June 4, it made an impressive splash. According to Disney’s data, the series generated 4.8 million views on its first day, marking the biggest series premiere on Disney+ for the year. By the end of its first week, the viewership had climbed to 11.1 million globally. This strong start even earned the show a spot on Nielsen’s Top 10 Originals chart, where it ranked at No. 7 in its premiere week.
However, as the season progressed, the excitement faded. After just three weeks, The Acolyte had dropped out of the Top 10 list and failed to regain the same level of momentum. By the time the finale aired, viewership had declined significantly, reaching only 335 million minutes viewed—believed to be the lowest for any Star Wars series finale on Disney+.
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This disappointing performance likely played a significant role in Lucasfilm’s decision not to move forward with a second season, as the company has high standards for renewing expensive, big-budget shows that cost over $100 million per season to produce.
Though the show’s critical reception was decent, earning a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it failed to resonate with the broader Star Wars audience. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes stood at a dismal 18%, largely driven by online review-bombing campaigns. These campaigns criticized the show for what some perceived as “woke” elements, particularly focusing on Headland’s identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse casting choices.
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In an interview in June, Headland addressed the backlash, expressing her disappointment with the negativity. “Honestly, I feel sad that people would think that if something were gay, that that would be bad,” she said. “It makes me feel sad that a bunch of people on the internet would somehow dismantle what I consider to be the most important piece of art that I’ve ever made.” This sentiment was echoed by the cast, with star Amandla Stenberg firing back at racist and homophobic critics through social media. The backlash undoubtedly hurt the public perception of the show, making it an easy target for cancellation.
Despite the controversy, The Acolyte had its highlights. Many fans praised the breakout performance of Manny Jacinto, who played the villainous character The Stranger. The character quickly became a fan favorite, and Hasbro even released a life-size helmet of The Stranger, solidifying his impact on the series. Additionally, the show teased a potential return of the beloved character Yoda, adding to its intrigue. However, even these tantalizing hints were not enough to salvage the show’s viewership numbers or secure its future on Disney+.
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As The Acolyte faced its downfall, Lucasfilm continued to find success with other Star Wars projects on Disney+. The Mandalorian, the company’s flagship series, is set to cross over into feature films with the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, Ahsoka, the series that preceded The Acolyte, has already been renewed for a second season. These shows have proven to be far more successful in capturing the attention of Star Wars fans, suggesting that while Lucasfilm’s ventures into new storytelling territory are bold, they do not always hit the mark.
Headland had been open about her desire to continue The Acolyte beyond its first season. In interviews, she revealed that she had pitched ideas for a second season, expressing hope that the show would be renewed. Unfortunately, the evolving nature of streaming habits and the erosion of goodwill within certain segments of the Star Wars fanbase likely contributed to the show’s downfall.
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The cancellation of The Acolyte raises larger questions about the future of Star Wars on Disney+. While the franchise remains a cultural juggernaut, the reception of its various streaming series has been mixed. Some shows, like The Mandalorian, have been massive hits, while others, like The Acolyte, have struggled to find their footing. As streaming services continue to evolve and the cost of high-end productions rises, the stakes for each new Star Wars project are higher than ever.
Though The Acolyte may not be returning for a second season, its impact on the Star Wars universe will not be forgotten. For many, the show represented a bold attempt to explore darker, more mysterious aspects of the galaxy far, far away. While it may not have achieved the lasting success that Lucasfilm had hoped for, The Acolyte will remain a part of the ever-expanding Star Wars lore—a reminder that even in failure, there is value in experimentation and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
