After a whirlwind summer, Lucasfilm is closing out 2024 with another Star Wars streaming chapter—but not without turbulence along the way.
This past May, The Acolyte, Disney+’s bold foray into the High Republic era, transported fans to a Star Wars timeline previously unexplored on-screen. Helmed by creator Leslye Headland, the series delved into the waning days of the Jedi’s Golden Age and the dark rise of the Sith, offering a fresh and daring perspective on the Force.
Despite its ambition, The Acolyte divided audiences. Much like Rian Johnson’s polarizing Star Wars: Episode VIII–The Last Jedi (2017), the series ignited debates over canon and representation. Starring a diverse ensemble led by Amandla Stenberg (Osha/Mae Aniseya), the show embraced a progressive narrative that many applauded as groundbreaking, but others dismissed as “woke.” From the moment it was revealed as “female-centric,” The Acolyte became a lightning rod for online controversy.
Although its nine-episode run teased monumental Star Wars lore—including Darth Plagueis and Yoda’s possible role in the Brendok disaster—the series was ultimately canceled. Reports cite low viewership as the cause, but fans argue that vocal detractors influenced Lucasfilm’s decision. Cast members like Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae (Jedi Master Sol), Manny Jacinto (Qimir/The Stranger), and Jodie Turner-Smith (Mother Aniseya) spoke out against the backlash, standing by the project.
Speculation is now swirling about the series’ future on Disney+. Fans fear The Acolyte may face the same fate as Willow, which was quietly removed from the platform. For now, it remains available to stream, though its legacy hangs in the balance.
In a recent interview, Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman addressed the decision to cancel The Acolyte, shedding light on the franchise’s current trajectory.
“As it relates to Acolyte, we were happy with our performance, but it wasn’t where we needed it to be given the cost structure of that title, quite frankly, to go and make a season two,” Bergman told Vulture.
Bergman also discussed Skeleton Crew, Jon Watts’ coming-of-age Star Wars series set in the New Republic era. Debuting December 2 on Disney+ and in select theaters, the Jude Law-led show introduces audiences to a group of children who become lost in the galaxy. However, early viewership numbers aren’t promising.
“It may be too early to know anything for certain about viewership, but it seems that the double-episode premiere did not break into Luminate’s top 10 streaming list for that week when The Acolyte’s premiere at least was at #7,” Forbes wrote. “That may not tell the whole story, but it’s certainly not an ideal start.”
Dubbed “The Goonies in space,” Skeleton Crew stars Ravi Cabot-Conyers (Wim), Ryan Kiera Armstrong (Fern), Kyriana Kratter (KB), and Robert Timothy Smith (Neel), alongside Jude Law’s enigmatic Force user, Jod Na Nawood. With a reported $136 million budget—slightly less than The Acolyte—its future remains uncertain.
Looking ahead, Lucasfilm has little officially announced on TV beyond Ahsoka Season 2 and Andor Season 2. Meanwhile, on the big screen, The Mandalorian and Grogu will arrive in May 2026, with Jon Favreau’s film continuation seemingly replacing Season 4 of the hit Disney+ series.
Bergman teased further projects, saying, “We’re looking at a number of additional series… they have to be great. When we’re in the position where we think we have what we want, we’re going to move forward.”
While fans eagerly await the next chapter of cinematic Star Wars storytelling, whispers of new trilogies continue to circulate. Simon Kinberg is rumored to be developing a feature for the studio, while Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-led “New Jedi Order” film is moving forward. However, Disney recently bumped the December 2026 Star Wars release to make way for Ice Age 6, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s big-screen slate.
Will Lucasfilm’s ambitious plans come to fruition? How will fans continue to respond to Skeleton Crew? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
