The Acolyte showrunner Leslye Headland has teased a bigger role for Yoda should season 2 happen. For months, there had been rumors Grandmaster Yoda would cameo in The Acolyte. Ultimately, he appeared at the very end of The Acolyte, with Rebecca Henderson’s Vernestra Rwoh meeting with him – presumably to debrief him on the cover-up she was carrying out. This has naturally led to intense speculation Yoda will play a bigger role, should Lucasfilm renew the show for The Acolyte season 2.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, The Acolyte showrunner has confirmed the finale’s cameos were purposeful. “If I couldn’t do Plagueis or Yoda, I think that would’ve been a real heartbreak,” Headland says. “I think it sets up future storylines that could be really compelling.” The clear implication is that Yoda wasn’t just a fan-pleasing Easter egg, but rather was intentional setup for future plots.

What Role Could Yoda Play In The Acolyte Season 2?

Image via Disney+

It’s reasonable to assume The Acolyte season 2 will focus on Vernestra Rwoh’s quest for her former apprentice, the mysterious Sith Lord currently known only as the Stranger (and played so well by Manny Jacinto). The Stranger’s true identity remains a mystery right now, but he is confirmed to be Vernestra’s former Padawan, and it’s been strongly implied Vernestra turned on him with her lightsaber whip after he fell to the dark side. Vernestra sensed his presence on Brendok, realizing he was still alive, and has recruited the amnesiac Mae to help.

Vernestra is presumably reporting in now to Grandmaster Yoda, seeking his wisdom and counsel. She seems to be an important figure in her own right – there are implications she is the Master of the Order, the role occupied by Mace Windu during the prequels – so they likely work side-by-side a great deal. The partnership between Yoda and Vernestra surely explains why Yoda will turn up more in The Acolyte season 2.

The big question, though, is how much Yoda will learn. At present, it looks as though The Acolyte intends to resolve a longstanding mystery dating all the way back to Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace; namely, how the Jedi learned about the Sith Rule of Two when they believed the Sith were extinct. Yoda is likely to acquire this knowledge as a result of Vernestra’s quest for the Stranger, although he surely won’t learn too much; it’s vital the Jedi Grandmaster is left believing the Stranger was not a true Sith, and the Sith Order is still extinct.

Headland has no idea whether The Acolyte will be greenlit for a second season at this stage. Although The Acolyte performed at a satisfactory level for Disney+, it was an expensive show, and faced a strong backlash. If a decision is going to be made, it will probably be announced at this year’s D23 – so only time will tell whether Yoda’s story will continue in this way.