When is the Acolyte Set Star Wars Timeline? The Acolyte's High Republic Setting Explained

The Acolyte (TV series)

"The Acolyte," also known as "Star Wars: The Acolyte," is a new science fiction TV series created by Leslye Headland for Disney+. It's part of the Star Wars franchise and is set at the end of the High Republic era, before the events of the Skywalker Saga. The show follows Jedi who are investigating a series of crimes.

The series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Carrie-Anne Moss, Manny Jacinto, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, Margarita Levieva, Lauren Brady, and Leah Brady.

Leslye Headland, the creator, became interested in working on Star Wars at the end of 2019 and started developing the series for Lucasfilm by April 2020. The title was announced in December of that year.

Filming for "The Acolyte" took place in London and at Shinfield Studios in Berkshire from October 2022 to June 2023, with some scenes shot in Wales and Portugal. The series premiered on Disney+ on June 4, 2024, with its first two episodes, followed by weekly releases of the remaining six episodes.

When is the Acolyte Set Star Wars Timeline?

"Star Wars: The Acolyte" is set 100 years before the events of the Prequel Trilogy. The series will explore the rise of the Sith Order and is scheduled for release on June 4, 2024."The Phantom Menace." places it around the year 132 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). The series takes place during the High Republic era, a time when the Jedi and the Galactic Republic were very powerful and the galaxy was peaceful.

This is much earlier than most Star Wars stories we know. For example, it happens long before the original trilogy, which starts in 0 BBY with the movie "A New Hope." It is also before the events of "The Mandalorian," which happens from 9 ABY to 11 ABY, and the sequel movies that take place around 34 ABY to 35 ABY.

In simple terms, "The Acolyte" shows us a part of the Star Wars history that comes well before most of the famous movies and shows. It explores what the Jedi and the galaxy were like many years before characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker existed.

The Acolyte's High Republic Setting Explained

"The Acolyte" is set at the end of the High Republic Era in Star Wars. This period began about 500 years before the Skywalker Saga. During the High Republic, the Jedi and the Republic explored new parts of the galaxy, including the Outer Rim. They faced opposition from the Sith's old allies and space pirates who didn't like the Republic's expansion.

At the end of this era, shown in "The Acolyte," the golden age of the Jedi is ending. Some Jedi might be tempted by power and could use their Force abilities to show their dominance. Trailers suggest that some people in the galaxy are starting to resent the Jedi.

The Jedi and the Republic's relationship became closer during this time, leading to more political pressures on the Jedi. In "The Acolyte," the Jedi are still very confident and believe they are the top power in the galaxy. However, a series of Jedi killings in the show might shake their confidence significantly.

The Acolyte Plot

"The Acolyte" takes place at the conclusion of the High Republic era in the Star Wars universe, about 100 years before "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" (1999). The story follows a wise Jedi Master who is investigating a string of crimes. During his investigation, he encounters a former student who is now on a different path.

Together, they uncover dark and mysterious powers at work in the galaxy. This series explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force. It promises to reveal more about the Jedi Order and the challenges they face before the rise of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Darth Sidious.

"The Acolyte" aims to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, adventure, and the timeless battle between good and evil in the expansive world of Star Wars.