Star Wars, The Acolyte Lightsaber and What we Know So Far

Since Variety's 2020 report hinted at its inception, fans have eagerly awaited the arrival of The Acolyte. Now, after four years of anticipation, Lucasfilm's official announcement at the annual Star Wars Day celebration confirms what many have longed for.

As excitement mounts and speculation gives way to reality, the stage is set for a new adventure in the Star Wars universe. This marks a significant moment for enthusiasts who have followed the series' development. Welcome to The Acolyte, where a fresh journey into the heart of lore awaits.

What is The Acolyte?

“The Acolyte” is a new television series premiering on Disney+. This series, created by Lesley Headland, takes viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers during the final days of the High Republic era. Unlike previous stories, “The Acolyte” is set decades before “The Phantom Menace,” offering a fresh look at the Jedi at the peak of their powers. The eight-episode series centers on the hunt for an assassin with ties to the Sith, the dark-side enthusiasts who have supposedly been extinct for a millennium. This assassin is targeting a specific set of Jedi, setting the stage for a thrilling and mysterious storyline.

The show moves away from the familiar stories by pulling the franchise even further away from being a largely family-centric story about the Skywalkers. Instead, it deepens the saga with a galaxy’s worth of heroes and villains, expanding the universe beyond its traditional boundaries.

Some fans are speculating that Darth Plagueis, an influential Sith Lord, may be officially introduced in the series. We will have to wait and see!

Here is the trailer from Disney+.

When is Star Wars: The Acolyte Being Released?

“The Acolyte” is set to premiere on Disney+ on Tuesday, June 4th, with a two-episode debut. This release introduces fans to a new era in the Star Wars timeline, roughly 100 years before the prequel trilogy begins. The High Republic era, known for its relative peace and the Jedi's prominence, serves as the backdrop for this new adventure.

Who will appear in The Acolyte?

Disney Plus and Lucasfilm made waves on November 7, 2022, with the official unveiling of the main cast for 'The Acolyte'. The star-studded lineup includes Amandla Stenberg (known for 'The Hate U Give'), Lee Jung-jae (renowned for his role in 'Squid Game'), Manny Jacinto ('The Good Place' alum), Dafne Keen (best known for her portrayal in 'Logan'), Jodie Turner-Smith ('Queen & Slim' star), Rebecca Henderson ('Inventing Anna' actress), Charlie Barnett ('Russian Doll' standout), Dean-Charles Chapman ('1917' actor), Carrie-Anne Moss (famous for 'The Matrix'), and Joonas Suotamo (recognized for his role in 'The Rise of Skywalker'), who takes on the role of a Wookiee Jedi.

What Do We Know About the Acolyte Lightsaber?

One of the exciting elements of “The Acolyte” is its introduction of new lightsaber designs. The show features a plethora of new Jedi, each wielding sabers that look a bit different from those we've seen before. Comments on social media have noted that these sabers appear thicker. This change is partly due to advancements in lightsaber technology by Disney.

From an out-of-universe production perspective, Disney's continuous upgrades to lightsaber technology have resulted in more visually appealing designs. These improvements provide a more realistic glow and allow for the battery packs to be concealed within the hilts, making the lightsabers more versatile. The thicker hilts seen in “The Acolyte” are a reflection of these technological advancements.

In-universe, the thicker hilts might represent the changing fashions of the Jedi during the High Republic era. Jedi of this time favored showy, ostentatious hilts, which could explain the difference in design compared to sabers from later periods.

Get Your Acolyte Saber in Neopixel or Proffie from Saber X

For fans looking to emulate the new lightsabers from “The Acolyte,” Saber X offers custom sabers in both Neopixel and Proffie configurations. Neopixel lightsabers are known for their vibrant, customizable LED blades, while Proffie sabers offer advanced sound and light effects, providing an immersive experience for Star Wars enthusiasts.

Whether you're a collector or a cosplayer, Saber X has you covered with high-quality replicas that capture the essence of the sabers seen in “The Acolyte.” Embrace the latest in Star Wars technology and wield your own piece of the High Republic era.

As the Star Wars universe continues to expand with new stories and characters, 'The Acolyte' romises to be a significant addition, offering fresh perspectives and deepening the lore of this beloved franchise.