Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Acolyte episode 5.
Summary
Manny Jacinto’s true role inThe Acolytehas been shrouded in mystery since the beginning of the show, and he’s been keeping that secret since before the show had even premiered. Initially portraying Qimir, an unassuming drifter who helpsMae (Amandla Stenberg)carry out her instructions from the mysterious Master, the true identity of Jacinto’s character is much more sinister. Amazingly, he’s been keeping that incredible twist under wraps for years.
Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode Guide - Cast Members, Biggest Takeaways & Easter Eggs
Here’s everything you need to follow along with Star Wars: The Acolyte, from references and trivia to main takeaways from each new episode.
Star Wars’ official profile on X posted a video of Jacino poking fun at his character’s duplicity. After the revelations ofThe Acolyteepisode 5, his comment makes perfect sense.
“I’m passing the phone to someone who is… untrustworthy,” Jacinto says in the video as he pretends to think. The video changes swiftly to a clip of the mysterious masked dark side user before returning to Jacinto, who feigns confusion before pointing at himself.
Manny Jacinto Did Almost Slip Up Once
But He Still Managed To Keep The Secret
The idea of a mysterious masked supervillain is a pretty iconic aspect of theStar Warsfranchise. First started by Darth Vader inA New Hope, the trend continued with Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy. In a video re-shared byalexleonisfrom an interview done byVictor Lucasthat predates the show’s premiere,Jacinto talks about connecting with Hayden Christensen and being inspired by his performance in the prequel trilogy. Though Qimir’s role in the show - let alone his true identity - was a complete mystery at the time, Jacinto mentions taking up Christensen’s mantle.
I loved getting to meet the guy behind the mask, Hayden Christensen, because he kind of paved the way.
Jacinto covered it nicely, saying his tie to Christensen was being a Canadian in theStar Warsuniverse. However, now that Qimir’s identity has been revealed, the comment seems to have been more of a direct reference to both actors’ roles as masked villains in Star Wars. Amandla Stalberg can be seen slightly widening her eyes as she turns to Jacinto as he talks about his possible similarity to Darth Vader, but Jacinto’s calm demeanor keeps his comments from raising eyebrows. Still, the interview came pretty close to giving away one ofThe Acolyte’s biggest twists.
The Acolyteepisode 5 is now streaming. New episodes release Tuesdays at 9 PM ET on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
