Disney+ has today announced the cast for The Acolyte, the upcoming original Star Wars TV series from Lucasfilm. While the trades have previously reported on a few casting additions, the official list makes for impressive reading and includes a big surprise in the form of The Matrix icon, Carrie-Anne Moss!
Joining her and the previously announced Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), and Dean-Charles Chapman (1917).
A synopsis for The Acolyte has also been revealed, though it appears to both confirm and contradict some recent plot leaks.
The show is described as, "a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated."
Rumour has it the series would focus on a Dark Side disciple as she trains to become a Sith apprentice, but it sounds like the story will actually take place from the point of view of a Jedi. This could be a misdirect, of course, and the show - which takes place before The Phantom Menace - remains incredibly intriguing.
From creator, showrunner and executive producer Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), The Acolyte has now begun production in the UK. The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson are producing. Headland will also direct the series pilot.
The Acolyte will stream exclusively on Disney+, though a premiere date has yet to be revealed.