Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy shares her thoughts on the new series The Acolyte and the controversy surrounding the male-dominated universe.
A new wave is brewing in the wider Star Wars universe, not in a galaxy far, far away but in the here and now, within our own social networks. In an interview with The New York Times (via Variety ), Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy shared her insight into a troubling incident surrounding the arrival of new series The Acolyte. This legendary cosmos.
The challenge of being a woman in the galaxy
Kathleen Kennedy, who has been at the helm of the Star Wars saga for years, has seen more than just conflict on and off screen. But what is alarming this time is the blatant and serious online harassment of women, which is often perpetuated by men. Stars like Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran have already come under attack upon the release of the latest trilogy, being the target of hatred that, unfortunately, casts a constant shadow over the franchise’s female cast.
Acolyte isn’t just another series in the wider Star Wars realm. Created by Leslie Helland, best known for directing Sleeping With Other People and co-creating the popular Netflix series Russian Doll, it marks the first time a woman has acted as a show runner for a Star Wars series. Set long before the events of The Phantom Menace, the series aims to bring fresh new female characters played by talents such as Amandla Stenberg, Carrie Ann-Moss and Jodie Turner-Smith.
Fighting with tradition
However, the introduction of these new characters and Helland’s vision has sparked controversy among certain sectors of the fanbase. “Why do so many women, girls and minority characters join the Jedi?” Says a comment on The Acolyte trailer, while others share the same view. Some trolls have dubbed Helland’s series “The Wakelyte,” a disparaging attempt to criticize his progressive approach.
Kennedy strongly supports Hedland’s vision, arguing that narrative should be representative of all audiences, a simple decision for her contemporary social developments. However, he admits that moving into these big franchises can be intimidating, especially with the ubiquity of social media and high expectations. Headland, meanwhile, began limiting exposure to online comments to curb toxic fans, an unfortunate but necessary step even before the series premiered on Disney+.
Fanaticism for fans
Headland considers herself a fan, and understands the frustration that some Star Wars pasts have generated. “I stand in solidarity with Star Wars fans, but anyone who engages in bigotry, racism or hate speech… I don’t consider them fans,” he explained. She insists that the true spirit of Star Wars is inclusive and respectful of diversity, a principle she aims to reflect in every class of Acolyte. This perspective seeks to change the narrative of the franchise by inviting deeper commentary among followers.
The Acolyte premieres June 4 on Disney+, and with its arrival, new conversations about the role of women in film and geek spaces are sure to be ignited. Meanwhile, the galaxy is still waiting, watching to see if we can finally balance the power between all its inhabitants. The series promises entertainment, but poses a cultural challenge that could redefine gender dynamics in the industry. The hope is that this release will inspire other creators to follow suit, creating a significant shift in gender representation in global entertainment.