The #RenewTheAcolyte campaign continues to gain momentum by the day. Less than a week since Disneymade the controversial decisionto cancelLeslye Headland’s High Republic-set series, the original Change.org petitionhas already passed 50,000 signeesas word continues to spread about the efforts to save the show. It’s an emphatic show of support from fans, especially when considering only just over 700 people had signed within the first 24 hours. Moreover, the movement only continues to grow as more outlets express criticism for the House of Mouse and defend what is arguablythe most unique show in theStar Warscanon.
The Acolytefans aren’t relying solely on Change.org to make their voices heard, as social media has been alight with support for the show over the last week. Mimicking successful campaigns of the past like the originalQuantum Leapor the rebootedOne Day at a Timeat Netflix, a massive letter-writing initiative is underway with nearly 1,000 already supplied to more directly show Disney the impact of canceling the show. For anyone who wants to contribute to the cause, a hub is already set up encouraging more signatures, letters, social media buzz, and feedback on the official Disney+ site to get the company’s attention.
Set in the final days of the High Republic,The Acolytestands out fromStar Wars’s past projects in the eyes of fans for the period it presents, themurder mystery storylineit follows, andthe diverse cast it features. By all measures, it pushed boundaries for what has typically been featured in a galaxy far, far away, embracing the darker side of the Force and even giving viewers a chance to see things from the Sith perspective. The cancelation not only caught fans off guard but the stars too, asLee Jung-jaeandManny Jacintohave both spoken out about the disheartening move despitesome strong viewership numbersand reviews.
Fan Campaigns Have Saved Series From Cancelization in the Past
While success in these situations is rare, it’s far from impossible and another sci-fi juggernaut has proven that time and again. Fans ofStar Trekhave, on multiple occasions, shown the power of a coordinated fan campaign.The Original Serieswas rescued from the brink back in the 1960s after Trekkies coordinated to keep the show on the air, even getting support from sci-fi writers likeHarlan Ellison. More recently,fan action on social mediamanaged toreverse Paramount+’s decision to cancelthebeloved animated seriesStar Trek: Prodigyand secure it for a second season on Netflix. Even though its futureis now once again in question, getting major studios to reverse course even once is no small feat. Disney may not be as easily moved, but a continued, strong reaction, coupled with a lot of viewing hours to show how popularThe Acolyteis, still has the potential to pay off, even if it’s unlikely.
IfThe Acolytedoes get a miraculous reversal, it has plenty to build on with a second season. Thefinale saw Osha(Amandla Stenberg) finally embrace the Dark Side and kill her master, setting her on an ominous path as she further exploresher relationship with Qimir (Jacinto). Wherever she heads next is up in the air, especially after it was revealed that her twin sister Mae (also Stenberg) was not just a sister, but the other half of a Force dyad. Add in the teases of a young Yoda andthe mysterious Darth Plagueis, and it’s clear that Headlandhad plenty of threads to pull atbefore the show met its end.
All episodes ofThe AcolyteSeason 1 are streaming now on Disney+. Check out theChange.orgpetition andthe #RenewTheAcolyte pageto get involved in saving one ofStar Wars’most unique shows.
The Acolyte
The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.
Watch on Disney+
