Summary
Warning! This article contains SPOILERS forThe Acolyteepisodes 1 and 2.The Acolytepremiere on Disney+ fixed a 25-year-old problem fromStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Lucasfilm has long advertisedThe Acolyteas a prequel to the prequels, with a focus on theSith Rule of Two. What nobody expected, though, was for the Disney+ TV show to fix a massive problem withThe Phantom Menace.
Back in 1999,The Phantom Menacewas accused of racist stereotypes. Jar Jar Binks was seen as particularly problematic, but there were also issues with the Neimoidians; asThe Independentput it at the time, there was intense debate over “the wholesomeness of noseless baddies who speak in high-pitched Japanese accents.” Nute Gunray and the otherTrade Federationleaders were seen as an offensive stereotypes of Asian people as a whole.
All 35 Star Wars Easter Eggs In The Acolyte Episodes 1 & 2
The Acolyte has finally premiered on Disney+, featuring a massive collection of exciting Easter eggs and references in the first two episodes.
The Acolyte Drops The Phantom Menace’s Problematic Accents
The Neimoidians Were Seen As Stereotypical And Offensive
In their originalThe Phantom Menaceappearance, each Neimoidian has a thick Thai accent. According to Silas Carson, who played Nute Gunray, thebacklash againstThe Phantom Menacefailed to understand Lucas' purpose; Lucas felt the accent “sounded like they were blocked up, nasally,” and this was perfect for the noseless Neimoidians. Whatever Lucas' motivations,the decision was tone-deaf at best.
However, these accents are entirely gone inThe Acolyte,making for a more varied depiction of both the Neimoidians and the Trade Federation as a whole. Although they only appear for a few brief moments in the television series, it is the first time they have been seen in live-action since their role in the prequels. The subtle change could mean good things for the franchise’s future, both that they Lucasfilm is willing to bring back older parts ofStar Warsand fix older mistakes.
Star Wars’ High Republic Era Explained
The future of the Star Wars galaxy lies in the past - in the High Republic Era, featured in books, comics, games, audiobooks, and Disney+ TV shows.
It’s Great To See Star Wars Learning From Past Mistakes
This Change Shows The Mindset Of The Franchise Going Forward
It’s great to seeStar Warslearning from past mistakes. So many franchises are locked in the past, doubling down rather than adjusting, butStar Warsis willing to change for the better.It’s only a small adjustment, but it means a lot in the long run.
BecauseThe Acolytewas willing to make this change this small part of the franchise, it shows thatStar Warsas a whole is willing to change when it means improving the series as a whole. There was no need for the Neimoidians to have stereotypical characteristics in the prequel series, and there would have been no need for that to continue in future shows and films should the alien species make an appearance. All in all, this is a good precedent for the franchise to set.
The Acolyteepisodes 1 and 2 are now available. New episodes premiere every Tuesday at 9pm EST 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.
