When seeing Amandla Stenberg's commanding and intense presence in promotional photos or trailers for the upcoming Star Wars: The Acolyte series, it's hard to imagine that this is the same actress who tragically captured the hearts of The Hunger Games fans as Katniss Everdeen's ally, Rue. She's certainly made her mark in other genres, from headlining The Hate U Give to voicing Margo Kess, AKA Spider-Byte, in Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse.
It is easier to remember her growth into the powerful actor they are, especially in a recent video from Star Wars' social media where she plays a new arrangement from John Williams on her violin.
It must be a phenomenal opportunity to engage in the Star Wars franchise and all indications are that Stenberg's character of Mae will be part of a memorable legacy. Stenberg's enthusiasm for this music is infectious, though.
"The Force Theme," often associated with Luke staring into a binary sunset, is actually a bookending theme for the women of Star Wars. It plays as Princess Leia comes into sight in Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope. In the closing moments of Star Wars, Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Rey is asked for her name. As her Masters appear in the distance and she claims the name of Skywalker, the same music begins playing. The Jedi of The High Republic are heirs to the same legacy of a connection to the Force, so it's appropriate to associate John Williams' music with them as well.
But most violinists don't have a bespoke solo written for them. Stenberg's rendition of the theme in "Amandla and her violin" is at a faster tempo than its counterparts on Tatooine and the Tantive IV and nowhere as foreboding as the moment when war drums and the Force theme open Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Instead, it evokes a sense of purpose and adventure. Stenberg plays with admirable skill and attention to phrasing with such a unique piece of music.
The Acolyte premiers on June 4 on Disney+, but until then, we can enjoy the behind-the-scenes enthusiasm of its participants.