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The Acolytehas proven to be arguably the most divisive media to be set in theStar Warsuniverse. Created by Leslye Headland, the series takes place during the High Republic Era and follows two twins embroiled in a string of Jedi murders. However, the series has been called out several times for its obvious LGBTQ+ themes.
Despite its underlying queer themes, Headland has remained steadfast in her claim that the series is not meant to be a representation of the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, Headland’s stance is actually hurting the series, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ representation in theStar Warsfranchise as a whole. Here is why Leslye Headland needs to acceptThe Acolyte‘s queer undertones.
The AcolyteCreator Leslye Headland Refuses to Admit the Show’s LGBTQ+ Themes
The Acolytehas been called out for its LGBTQ+ themes among the widerStar Warsfanbase, irrespective of whether the fans see it in a positive or negative light. A prime example of the show’s underlying queer themes isthe matriarchal witch covenresponsible for the birth of twins Osha and Mae.
However, during an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, creatorLeslye Headlandrefused to admit that the witch coven or some other aspects of the show were a representation of the LGBTQ+ community. She said:
I was surprised by the question. Amandla and I just burst out laughing because that’s our knee-jerk reaction to being asked that.
Headland revealed that she did not understand what the term “gay” meant in the context of her series, which has been described as the gayestStar Warsseries. She added:
I don’t believe that I’ve created queer, with a capital Q, content.
Headland’s comments confirm that the creator is reserved aboutThe Acolytebeing highlighted for its underlying queer themes.
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Headland’s refusal to commit to the show’s themes during promotional events might be representative of the previous instances of toxic backlash from the franchise’s fans. However, from lead actress Amandla Stenberg to actor Charlie Barnett, and even Headland herself all identify as queer.
Leslye Headland’sThe AcolyteComments Are Hurting LGBTQ Representation inStar Wars
Given the number of LGBTQ+ talentinvolvedwith the series, it would have been easy for Headland to lean into the queerness of the show. TheStar Warsfranchise isn’t exactly well known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and representation of the community has been few and far between.
The Acolyteprovided an opportunity to boldly embrace queer themes andrepresent them in the galaxy far, far away. However, Headland’s repeated insistence that her show isn’t queer has been efforts in the opposite direction. While the approach might have been to avoid any unnecessary backlash, it could alienate the show’s LGBTQ+ fans.
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During the aforementioned interview, Headland stated that she did not want to disown whatever queerness was in the show. Although that seems like a positive comment from Headland, denouncing the viewers’ inferences regarding the show’s queer themes is certainly not going to please the LGBTQ+ fans, especially because of the overall lack of representation in the franchise.
The Acolyteis streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1771
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
