In episode 5 of “The Acolyte,” Manny Jacinto’s character is dramatically unveiled as a masked figure presumed to be a Sith Lord, a twist that has captivated fans. This episode features some of the most elaborate lightsaber battles in the Star Wars franchise, showcasing Jacinto’s extensive training. The behind-the-scenes footage is reminiscent of the training videos from the Star Wars prequel trilogy with Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen.
Jacinto’s preparation for “The Acolyte” was a closely guarded secret for two years, a challenge he found difficult to manage. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jacinto admitted, “I’ve been lying to people for the last two years to their faces…Some of them, they straight up call me out and they’re like, ‘I don’t trust what you’re saying.’ Some of them believe me. But I’ve been lying, and it gives me a lot of anxiety, having to lie to people.” This secrecy was crucial to preserving the major plot twist about his character.
Sith Lord Revelation Sparks Canon Debate
The revelation of Jacinto’s character as a potential Sith Lord has ignited curiosity about the show’s impact on the Star Wars canon. Set 100 years before the prequels, “The Acolyte” raises intriguing questions about the existence of Sith during this period, given the Jedi’s belief that the Sith had been extinct for a millennium. How the series will address this without conflicting with established lore remains to be seen.
Catch new episodes of “The Acolyte” every Tuesday at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
