‘The Phantom Menace’ Reportedly A Strong Influence On ‘The Acolyte’

We might not have too much information about the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte, but thanks to a new interview with The Wrap, we now have semblance of what to expect.

In the interview, show-runner Leslye Headland said that the series would take place during the final days of the High Republic era. That essentially means that the show will take place approximately two centuries before the events of Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.

When asked why that period appealed to her, Headland claimed that the film played a significant part in her life because it came out at a time where she was truly discovering herself. She added:

“I actually was very intrigued by why George Lucas had started us at that particular point. I kind of wondered, but what happened to lead up to this? That’s kind of where my Star Wars fan brain went was like, ‘How did we get here?’ And why are the Jedi like this? When they are in power, why are they acting this way and how is it that they’re not having the reaction that you would think they would to Anakin’s presence and what Qui-Gon Jinn is saying about how passionately he feels about training him and bringing him into the fold. It’s like, even the discovery of Darth Maul is kind of met with this like, ‘Hm, interesting’ kind of feeling. So I just think for me, my brain has always buzzed around that area and wondered what’s going on here — or what has been going on here.”

Most might be surprised at Headland’s words, considering that The Phantom Menace isn’t the most popular – or even the most divisive – in the film in the series. Nevertheless, it could very well be that unique perspective and optimism that earned her a seat at the table.

While it’s unclear when the series will enter production, it is clear that the franchise is going literal places fans have never seen adapted before. And Headland just wants to create something fans, old and new, can empathize with and enjoy.

Source: The Wrap