The latest installment in the Star Wars franchise, ‘The Acolyte,’ premiered a month ago and sparked considerable controversy. Even before its release, statements from the cast and showrunner were deemed scandalous by many, leading to significant fan backlash.

In my opinion, the show didn’t meet expectations, but the personal attacks directed at almost everyone involved were entirely unwarranted.

Amandla Stenberg, the star of the show portraying twins Mae and Osha, faced more criticism than other cast members. She even released a song addressing her “haters and racists” online. Despite this, she maintained a positive outlook on the true essence of Star Wars.

George Lucas has occasionally stated that Star Wars is about politics, while in more recent interviews, he described it as a kids’ movie. Nevertheless, fans have consistently found deeper meanings in the source material. Stenberg chose to blend both politics and spirituality, explaining her interpretation of the true message of Star Wars on her private social media:

I believe the Star Wars universe is really about spiritual force and how different communities, including the community of monks called Jedi, relate to the spiritual force that governs the universe. Star Wars also explores how politics engage with spirituality and how spirituality can be corrupted by political systems and groups trying to enforce particular ideas of how ‘The Force’ should be used.

Stenberg’s perspective is likely shaped by the overarching themes of ‘The Acolyte.’ Showrunner Leslye Headland had cautioned fans that the series might portray the Jedi in a negative light, a point reinforced by the latest episode. Headland argued that while the Jedi don’t have a monopoly on the Force, their systemic power allows them to dictate its use, potentially casting them as antagonists.

Stenberg’s comments likely reflect this idea, suggesting that politics truly corrupted the Jedi. During the High Republic era, the Jedi Order fell into disarray due to politicization, corruption, and an overconfidence that no new threats could arise.

As the Jedi Order became an extension of the Republic, they pursued political objectives instead of maintaining balance and peace. What do you think? Do you agree with Stenberg? Let us know in the comments