Star Wars: The Acolyte premieres on Disney+ on June 4, and the first reactions from critics have started finding their way online (via SFFGazette.com).
These are made up of a mix of people who attended a splashy premiere for a screening of the two-part premiere and reviewers who were sent the first four instalments to view online. It’s worth noting then that not everyone here will have been caught up in the excitement of yesterday evening’s event, meaning these verdicts may hold more weight than usual.
Regardless, the reactions so far are overwhelmingly positive. It sounds like the mystery elements work well, as do The Acolyte‘s practical stunts and the new ways this series utilises the Force. The cast, and particularly Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae, is also praised.
Despite taking place long before the Skywalker Saga began in The Phantom Menace, many critics have pointed out how interesting it is to explore the High Republic Era and made it clear that the show still feels like “classic” Star Wars.
We’ll see what the reviews say closer to The Acolyte‘s premiere as they tend to differ slightly from social reactions. For now, though, the series is off to a strong start and is likely to exceed expectations after initial uncertainty among fans.
THE ACOLYTE Eps 1-4 are superb. A captivating murder mystery that evokes the detective tales of Twin Peaks & Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Mature like Andor while fully embracing & thematically connecting to the prequels. Seeing the High Republic in live-action does not disappoint. pic.twitter.com/N7csXdW2mG
— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) May 24, 2024
Saw the first two episodes of #TheAcolyte — I loved that it felt so much like classic @starwars while at the same time feeling new, fresh and different from anything we’ve seen before. The action felt movie-level. So excited to see more! pic.twitter.com/lkOC5IPm4S
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) May 24, 2024
I’ve seen four episodes of #TheAcolyte and, thus far, it’s a *very* big winner. The cast of characters, the heavy emphasis on practical effects, the stunts, how they’re exploring what it means to be a Force-user and how the Jedi Order operates — it’s all working quite well for… pic.twitter.com/l8SVNTvSEG
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 24, 2024
Four episodes into Star Wars: #TheAcolyte & it’s a mixed experience. The lore hints at KOTOR potential, yet the pacing occasionally lags. While the fight scenes are engaging, they often feel misplaced. Hoping to see stronger performances and a clearer narrative direction soon. pic.twitter.com/m5V0EZskoc
— Anthony Gagliardi • The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) May 24, 2024
Star Wars: #TheAcolyte is a DREAM for fans of The High Republic era and a fresh experience for everyone else. 4 eps in and it’s taking its time layering in the dark mystery. RIVETING fight choreography and SUPERB performances from Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae. I’m diggin it. pic.twitter.com/I0IRm1ZdNt
— nateplaysgames – Geekcentric (@n8playsgames) May 24, 2024
Beholden to nothing except being “Star Wars,” #TheAcolyte soars.
It’s an interesting, fun, character driven mystery with real stakes that you care about bolstered by all the fixings that make it Star Wars.
Saw the first two episodes and LOVED THEM. pic.twitter.com/XY29LSVcfX
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 24, 2024
#TheAcolyte is a blend of murder mystery with Star Wars charm. 4 episodes in, and it’s clear that this new timeline will add to the lore of the galaxy in BIG ways. The Kung Fu force fighting is MAGICAL! JJ as Sol is the COOLEST Jedi since QUI GON! Can’t wait to see where it goes pic.twitter.com/STbdMUBbFS
— Justin Lawrence | Geekcentric (@helloimjlaw) May 24, 2024
#StarWars #TheAcolyte gives me Kill Bill vibes. Every episode left me wanting more, in a good way. We’ve seen so much about the fall of the Jedi but this show explores what the Jedi we’re like during peace time, which is quite fascinating. @AmandlaStenberg is outstanding! pic.twitter.com/67weNyvcdN
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) May 24, 2024
Then first two episodes of #theacolyte are a #starwars homage to classic Shaw Brothers movies while also opening new doors to the larger universe. The characters are fun and the action is great. This show has a lot of promise. Super excited to see where it goes. pic.twitter.com/A71tit0NMR
— F.J. DeSanto (@FJDesanto) May 24, 2024
Beholden to nothing except being “Star Wars,” #TheAcolyte soars.
It’s an interesting, fun, character driven mystery with real stakes that you care about bolstered by all the fixings that make it Star Wars.
Saw the first two episodes and LOVED THEM. pic.twitter.com/XY29LSVcfX
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 24, 2024
#TheAcolyte is a blast. A gripping noir-style murder mystery in A Galaxy Far, Far away with the Jedi as space detectives. So much world-building and fleshing out of the mythology already in the first two episodes, punctuated by some pretty kick-butt fight sequences. #StarWars pic.twitter.com/NMEI9zMlqF
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) May 24, 2024
Yeah, I think #TheAcolyte is going to do well with fans. Especially those who want an easy entry point into new Star Wars stories.
Ironic, given the massive volume of High Republic books/comics released in the last three years.
— Ben Wasserman (@WassermanReview) May 24, 2024
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 next Star Wars TV series 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 Acolyte will premiere on Disney+ on June 4.
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