In a move that surprised both fans and cast members alike, Disney and Lucasfilm have decided not to proceed with a second season of The Acolyte.
Among those taken aback by the news was Lee Jung-Jae, the Emmy-winning actor known for his role in Squid Game, who portrayed Master Sol in the series.
The show garnered attention for its diverse cast and its unique setting, which promised to delve into parts of the Star Wars universe that had been largely unexplored on screen.
On August 19, 2024, Lucasfilm decided not to move forward with a second season of The Acolyte.
While the decision may have been influenced by a broader strategy to cut down on streaming series costs, the cancellation still came as a shock to many involved in the production.
Although his character met a dramatic end in the first season, with his former Padawan Osha (played by Amandla Stenberg) Force-choking him to death, Lee expressed his disappointment at the show’s premature conclusion.
“I was quite surprised personally as well,” Lee admitted, reflecting the unexpected nature of the news.
He went on to praise Leslye Headland, the show’s creator, for her exceptional writing and direction. “I really loved Leslye’s writing. I thought that she was a great writer and director who was very talented in storytelling, as well as creating characters and meaningful structures within the story,” he added.
Despite knowing that he wouldn’t return for a second season due to his character’s death, Lee was genuinely looking forward to seeing where Headland would take the story next.