Lucasfilm Starts Secret ‘Star Wars’ Production Amid ‘The Acolyte’ Backlash

The Star Wars universe has long been a source of both fervent devotion and intense scrutiny from its dedicated fan base. Recently, Lucasfilm’s venture into the realm of Star Wars with the creation of “The Acolyte,” a series helmed by Leslye Headland, faced a wave of backlash from fans, leading to a reevaluation of the show’s future.

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm and its valuable intellectual property from George Lucas in 2012, the Star Wars franchise has been a mixed bag of successes and setbacks. While the sequel trilogy featuring Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver brought in significant box office revenue, they also incurred substantial production costs and received a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics alike. The shift to streaming with Disney+ saw initial success with “The Mandalorian,” but subsequent series failed to maintain the same level of engagement after deviating from the original gritty premise.

“The Acolyte,” Disney’s latest foray into the Star Wars universe, has been met with polarizing reactions. While the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects a negative sentiment, critical reviews have been more favorable. The discrepancy highlights a recurring pattern within the Star Wars fandom, where projects focusing on female characters and actors from diverse backgrounds often face undue criticism.

Despite the mixed reception, Lucasfilm has yet to announce a second season for “The Acolyte,” leading to speculation about the show’s future. Creator Leslye Headland has openly discussed plans for the ongoing narrative, but the studio’s cautious approach suggests a potential pivot towards a different direction.

A recent job posting on Disney Careers indicates that Lucasfilm is gearing up for a new animated series, signaling a possible return to the beloved format of shows like “The Clone Wars” and “The Bad Batch.” The job listing hints at a focus on animation and lighting services, aligning with the studio’s past successes in the animated realm.

With only the upcoming “Young Jedi Adventures” and its related micro-series on the immediate horizon, fans are left to wonder about the direction Lucasfilm will take next. Will they explore the High Republic Era or delve into the post-Empire era of the Mandoverse? The possibilities are vast, and only time will reveal the studio’s next move in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.

As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, the question remains: What animated series would you like to see next in the galaxy far, far away?