The Acolyte's first trailer drew a surprisingly mixed response from Star Wars fans, but between the show's setting and impressive cast, it's hard not to be intrigued by Lucasfilm's first live-action project set during the High Republic era.
Set hundreds of years before the events of The Phantom Menace, we expect The Acolyte to reveal how the Sith returned and why we found the Jedi in such a sense of disarray when the prequels began (we may even meet the future Emperor Palpatine's Master, Darth Plagueis).
Now, another addition to the series has seemingly been revealed. Talking on The Hot Mic (via SFFGazette.com), scooper Jeff Sneider revealed that David Harewood, best known for playing Martian Manhunter in Supergirl, has joined The Acolyte in a small, mystery role.
Some fans will likely run wild with this speculating that Harewood is playing any number of iconic Star Wars characters; however, his role may be exactly how it's described: a brief supporting turn from an actor many of you will recognise! We'll see.
Harewood became an Arrowverse regular, also appearing in the likes of Arrow and The Flash. Other noteworthy acting credits include Doctor Who, Blood Diamond, and Alan Wake II.
"It’s a position, essentially, that someone is going to fulfil, or step into," showrunner Leslye Headland previously said of the meaning behind The Acolyte's title. "We know with the Sith that there is a Master, we know that there is an Apprentice. But in deep EU [Expanded Universe], there’s a concept of an Acolyte, which is underneath Apprentice. So that is where I got the title from."
"It’s one story with several reveals, and new clues and new information each episode," she added. "It’s not just a mystery that you have to find out. It’s not unlike Russian Doll. It’s almost like a spiral — it digs deeper and deeper and deeper."
In The Acolyte, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems...
The series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss.
The Acolyte comes from creator and showrunner Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), who also serves as executive producer alongside Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King, and Jason Micallef. Charmaine DeGraté and Kor Adana are the co-executive producers, and Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson are producing.
The next Star Wars TV series will premiere on Disney+ on June 4.