Just weeks after the first season finale, Disney shocked everyone by deciding to cancel The Acolyte. Fans have expressed their disappointment over the decision, as series star Manny Jacinto shared his reaction on social media.
Taking to Instagram today (August 23), Jacinto shared a photo of his character Kimir from The Acolyte, in which he stands next to Osha, played by Amandla Stenberg, holding hands, looking out at the horizon from the seashore. Since they both have their backs to the camera, only their silhouettes are visible against the picturesque sea and sunset backdrop, Jacinto expressed his feelings for his character and the show by adding a single love emoji in the caption of the post.
Many fans are upset with Disney’s cancellation of the show, with one of the most popular comments in the comments section stating, “You both deserved better than this.” Shangchi and The Legends of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu’s comment read: “Justice for Manny!! Bro you were so good on this show and your dedication was so evident. There’s going to be bigger and more amazing things to come. Always excited for you ❤️”
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While one user wrote, “Disney loses. There was so much potential for season 2,” another commented, “The best villain we’ve seen in Star Wars in years. Thank you! 🤍” Praising Jacinto and Stenberg’s performances, a fan wrote, “Manny- you and Amandla are a great gift to the Star Wars Universe. You gave a performance that had a profound impact on me and so many others. I will never forget The Acolyte. It will always be my favorite Star Wars story.”
“Your character was one of the most interesting Star Wars villains to appear in recent years. Not even Gideon or Kylo Ren. You deserved better 😭” one wrote while another commented, “You are a Sith…but at the same time, a hero…a hero to so many little Filipinos who are trying to find their place in the world…Thank you for your amazing performance as The Stranger…I hope this is not the end of your journey in the Star Wars universe!”
While The Acolyte has its fans, it’s no secret that the Star Wars series also has its vocal critics. Social media users have harshly criticized the series, and review bombing has been blamed for low viewership. Regarding the criticism The Acolyte has received, which began long before the film premiered, Jacinto recently said that he usually tries to ignore the hate on the internet. Having said that, Jacinto said he has come to terms with the fact that in such situations, sometimes good things come with bad things.
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“I try not to get caught up in it too much, because it’s just a black hole. I learned early on in my career that if you’re going to believe in the good, you have to believe in the bad too,” Jacinto said, according to Nuevo Magang.
Created by Leslye Headland, the Star Wars series stars Lee Jung-jae, Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Carrie-Anne Moss, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, Margarita Levieva, Lauren Brady, Leah Brady, Harry Trewaldwyn, and David Harewood. Set towards the end of the High Republic era, before the events of the Skywalker Saga, it is a part of the Star Wars universe and focuses on the Jedi’s investigation into a series of crimes.
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