The Acolyte, the largest Star Wars project of 2024, has faced criticism for its poor audience review scores and a hatred among fans. This is likely due to targeted review bombing and a lack of support for the series, which is primarily a female-led show with a predominantly female cast.
The show's social media presence also reveals a hive of scum and villainy, similar to what one would expect at a cantina in Mos Eisley. The series' lead showrunner, Leslye Headland, has been criticized for its portrayal of women and people of color.
Why are fans mad by Ki-Adi-Mundi's inclusion in The Acolyte?
The Acolyte controversy reached its peak with Episode 4, Day, on Disney+ on June 18, 2024. The episode featured a cameo by Jedi Ki-Adi-Mundi, a cool-looking member of the Jedi Council from prequel films. Most audience members are unaware of Ki-Adi-Mundi, as he has never been an important Star Wars character.
As The Acolyte takes place 100 years before the rise of the Empire, fans were furious at his inclusion. When the fan site Wookiepedia updated Ki-Adi-Mundi's birthday to address this new information, some fans sent death threats and even called for legal action. Fans have used this inclusion to show how the series is breaking canon or showing disrespect for the history of Star Wars when, in reality, it wouldn't crack the biggest retcons in the Star Wars franchise.