Happy Pride Month: The Acolyte is "the gayest Star Wars" yet

Happy Pride month from your very own queer writer! What better way to celebrate than with a deep dive into the most fabulous, inclusive, and downright fun Star Wars show to date: The Acolyte!

Star Wars: The Acolyte, which is what you need to be watching this summer, is set during the High Republic era - a golden age for the Jedi long before the events of The Phantom Menace. The galaxy is at peace, the Jedi are at the height of their power, and everything looks pristine. But what really sets this series apart is its groundbreaking representation and unapologetic embrace of diversity.

A Star Wars celebration of diversity and inclusion

Leslye Headland, the brilliant The Acolyte showrunner, and Amandla Stenberg, the charismatic lead, have crafted a narrative that resonates with the LGBTQ+ community and its diverse fan-base like never before. When asked by The Wrap about The Acolyte being dubbed "the gayest Star Wars yet," Headland didn't shy away. Instead, she embraced it with humor and pride, even joking about beloved droids R2-D2 and C-3PO's long-rumored "relationship."

You can check out the entire clip below:

"Are you telling me, with a straight face, that C-3PO is straight?" Headland quipped, adding that R2-D2 being a lesbian is now "canon." This playful banter highlights how The Acolyte isn't just about ticking diversity boxes: it's about celebrating it in the most Star Wars way possible. Also, the thought of R2-D2 being a curse-word-loving lesbian lives rent-free in my head now.

The Power of Representation

In the vast expanse of the Star Wars universe, representation matters. As with any fandom, fans have looked for characters who reflect their experiences, and The Acolyte delivers. The inclusion of diverse characters isn't just a token gesture - it's woven into the fabric of the story. This show is a beacon of hope, showing that everyone, regardless of who they are and what they look like, has a place in the galaxy far, far away.

The cast of The Acolyte is as diverse as it is talented. Amandla Stenberg, known for her powerful performances, leads a stellar ensemble that includes Lee Jung-jae (in what I consider his best performance yet), Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their roles, creating a rich tapestry of characters that reflect the real world. But what truly makes The Acolyte special is its ability to balance serious themes with a sense of fun. Star Wars has always been about adventure and excitement, and this show doesn't disappoint. From thrilling lightsaber battles to mysterious dark side intrigues, The Acolyte has kept viewers on the edge of their seats after the recent two-episode premiere.

Of course, with groundbreaking representation comes inevitable, predictable, and idiotic backlash.

Some corners of the internet have labeled The Acolyte as "woke" and criticized its diverse cast. But Headland and Stenberg aren't fazed. They stand firm in their vision, knowing that true fans of Star Wars will appreciate the inclusive storytelling. The Acolyte is more than just a TV show - it's a statement. It's a bold declaration that Star Wars is for everyone. By embracing LGBTQ+ themes and characters, the series paves the way for future stories that are even more inclusive and representative.

Needless to say, you have got to be kidding me if you expect every single character in this franchise, which takes place in a galaxy far, far away (a.k.a., not here), to be a straight, white male. Get outta here with the bigotry and entitlement, yeah?

In a galaxy where hope, courage, and diversity reign supreme, The Acolyte shines as a beacon of inclusivity. So, this Pride month, let's celebrate The Acolyte and all the wonderful ways it brings the wonderfully diverse fanbase into the Star Wars universe.

May the Force be with you, always – no matter who you love or what you look like.