Disney+ Cancels ‘The Acolyte’ After One Season

Disney+ has canceled the Star Wars series “The Acolyte” after one season, multiple sources confirmed to Deadline today. The show, which starred Amandla Stenberg and was set in the final days of the High Republic era, premiered on the streaming service in December 2023 to mixed reviews.

“We are incredibly proud of the entire team that brought ‘The Acolyte’ to life,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “Amandla Stenberg and the rest of the cast and crew delivered a compelling and exciting story that delighted Star Wars fans and newcomers alike. While we will not be moving forward with a second season, we are grateful to the dedicated community of fans who embraced the show and made it their own.”

“The Acolyte” followed the story of Stenberg’s character, Padawan Vernestra Rwoh, as she navigated the galaxy during a tumultuous time, facing emerging dark powers and a growing threat to the Jedi Order. The show also featured a diverse ensemble cast, including Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

The series was created by Leslye Headland, who served as showrunner and executive producer for the first season. Headland previously described the show as a “mystery thriller” that explored the “corrupting influence of power” and the “moral and ethical complexities” of the Star Wars universe.

Despite its ambitious storytelling and high production values, “The Acolyte” struggled to find a broad audience. Viewership numbers for the show’s first season were lower than expected, and the series failed to generate the same level of cultural buzz as other Star Wars properties, such as “The Mandalorian” and its spin-offs.

In addition, the show faced criticism from some fans for its pacing and narrative choices, with some viewers expressing disappointment in the show’s portrayal of the Jedi and the exploration of the High Republic era. However, the show also received praise for its diverse cast, stunning visuals, and its expansion of the Star Wars universe beyond the Skywalker saga.

The cancellation of “The Acolyte” comes as Disney+ continues to refine its content strategy and make tough decisions about which shows to renew and cancel. The streaming service has recently shifted its focus towards delivering content that appeals to a wider audience, including family-friendly fare and projects with broad name recognition.

While “The Acolyte” may not have resonated with viewers in the way Disney+ had hoped, the streaming service still has a robust slate of Star Wars content in the works, including the highly anticipated third season of “The Mandalorian,” the upcoming “Ahsoka” series, and the recently announced “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.”

As Disney+ moves forward with its Star Wars offerings, fans of “The Acolyte” can take comfort in the fact that the show exists as a self-contained story, providing a unique and compelling addition to the expansive Star Wars mythology.