The quest to save The Acolyte continues for fans of the ill-fated Star Wars series. After it was reported that the show wouldn’t return for Season 2, a petition was launched to save the series, and it’s already picking up steam.
Just shy of a full week from its launch on Change.org, the petition to renew The Acolyte has reached over 47,000 signatures, fast approaching its next goal of 50,000. The number continues to rise as a social media campaign to save the show also grows with hashtags like #SaveTheAcolyte, some of which are diverting more attention to the petition. It remains to be seen how many signatures will ultimately be added, and if the fans are successful in their mission to continue the story in a potential second season.
“The Acolyte opened the doors for so many Star Wars fans, new and old, to feel seen,” petition creator Blue Smith said in the description, stressing the importance of the showcasing the series’ diversity. “To feel welcomed and accepted by an IP and fandom that hadn’t previously been so for anyone who didn’t check off certain boxes. Not only that, but The Acolyte became a beacon for representation that many fans have felt was lacking in the Star Wars universe for decades.”
The Acolyte opened the doors for so many Star Wars fans, new and old, to feel seen.
Smith added, “With both creators and actors that truly understood the world of Star Wars, The Acolyte quickly became a fan favorite because of the clear passion and love shown in the work, and the drive to give us something new and fresh to fall in love with. New characters with new stories that still existed within the same galaxies we cherished.”
Leslye Headland created the series, which is set during the High Republic era of Star Wars lore. Amandla Stenberg led the cast with her dual roles as twin sisters Osha and Mae, while other stars included Manny Jacinto (The Stranger), Lee Jung-jae (Sol), Charlie Barnett (Yord Fandar), Dafne Keen (Jecki Lon), Rebecca Henderson (Vernestra Rwoh), Jodie Turner-Smith (Mother Aniseya), and Carrie-Anne Moss (Indara).
Lee Jung-jae Was Surprised the Show Was Canceled
“As you know, my character had died already in the first season. So I wouldn’t have appeared in the second season if there was one anyway,” Lee recently said in response to the cancelation news, per Entertainment Weekly. “But personally speaking, I really loved Leslye’s writing. I thought that she was a great writer and director who was very talented in the storytelling, as well as creating characters and creating meaningful structures within the story. So I was actually personally really looking forward to watching a Season 2 with her at the helm.”
The first and only season of The Acolyte is streaming on Disney+, and fans can sign the petition for the show to continue at Change.org.