Summary
Despite this specific phrasing not being used forObi-Wan KenobiorThe Book of Boba Fett,The Acolytehas been canceled by Lucasfilm.The cancelation ofThe Acolyteis proving to be just as divisive as the show itself was. While one-half of theStar Warsaudience is frustrated that the teases forThe Acolyteseason 2’s storywill not come to fruition, there are those who did not care for the show for one reason or another and are somewhat celebrating its cancelation.
InThe Acolyte’s climactic ending, several elements were teased for the show’s future. It was expected thatStar Wars’mysterious Sith Lord Darth Plagueis would be part of the show after he was teased in the final episode of season 1, as would the iconic character of Yoda. However, these members ofThe Acolyte’s prospective castwill have no future now that the show has been canceled, with this word interestingly being used a lot regarding the show’s future when it was completely absent forObi-Wan KenobiandThe Book of Boba Fett.
Lucasfilm has not used the word “canceled” for The Acolyte, nor commented when reached out to, yet several major Hollywood trades have dubbed the Star Wars show as such.
The Acolyte Was “Canceled,” Unlike Obi-Wan Kenobi & The Book Of Boba Fett
The Usage Of This Specific Word Is Interesting
SinceStar Wars’TV shows properly began on Disney+,The Acolyteis the third to receive no future. The other two areThe Book of Boba FettandObi-Wan Kenobi, both of which will remain as limited series' rather than receive future installments. However,Boba FettandObi-Wan Kenobiwere never described as canceled by major Hollywood trades, instead just being listed as shows Lucasfilm has dropped. Even when speaking about the future of both shows, representatives from Lucasfilm have been more coy about them, saying any continuations are up in the air.
The word “canceled” has more negative connotations than the more tentative hiatus of production onObi-Wan KenobiandThe Book of Boba Fett…
WithThe Acolyte, this has not been the case. While it is worth noting again that Lucasfilm has declined to comment on the situation and not describedThe Acolyteas canceled, every major trade that has reported the news has used this word. This is interesting as the word “canceled” has more negative connotations than the more tentative hiatus of production onObi-Wan KenobiandThe Book of Boba Fett. Describing the show as one that was canceled makes it seem as though Lucasfilm did not believe in it either, rather than a result of lower viewership putting it on hold.
Why Was The Acolyte Canceled?
The Acolyte Was Not Renewed Due To Poor Viewership
It is worth exploring whyThe Acolytewas canceled in the first place. For one,the divisive reaction to the show could have played into Lucasfilm’s decision. It is no secret thatThe Acolytewas divisive for many reasons, some valid and some invalid. Those who criticize the show for the storytelling and sometimes poor execution certainly fall more under the former category of critics, while those who disregarded the show as simply “woke” due to its diverse cast and queer female showrunner are certainly the latter.
Regardless of the reasons for endless discourse, debates, and arguments that rang out online overThe Acolyte,it remains the case that these things happened. For that, Lucasfilm could have felt it was easier to simply move away from the show to less controversial projects. However,the more likely reason forThe Acolytenot being picked up for season 2 is its low viewership, withDeadlinereporting the season 1 finale had the lowest viewership of allStar WarsTV show finales. As is the case with a lot of Hollywood productions, money/viewership talks.
The Acolyte’s Cancelation Gives Power To Undesirable Vitriol Around Star Wars
The Acolyte Being Described As Canceled Gives Online Negativity More Strength
Unfortunately, the use of the word “canceled” forThe Acolytegives more power to the hatred being directed at the show. WhileObi-Wan KenobiandThe Book of Boba Fettwere not exactly home runs withStar Warsfans, the level of outright vitriol directed at them was small in comparison toThe Acolyte. To match this, both being described as shows that are simply on hiatus and could potentially have stories in the future seems more positive as the possibility of them returning remains.
The Acolyte’s story could continue in novels, books, and comics set in the High Republic era.
Conversely,describingThe Acolyteas outright canceled paints the show in a more negative light. In a way, it almost vindicates the actions of those being the undesirable aspects ofThe Acolyte’s discourse. By canceling the show without a second thought to future seasons that have been granted toObi-Wan KenobiandThe Book of Boba Fett, those who hatedThe Acolytenow have something to celebrate with the show being dismissed. This sets a worrying precedent for the future of filmmaking if divisive albeit interesting stories are going to be replaced by more formulaic, easily digestible content.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
