Part 2/12:
Before its release, The Acolyte was heavily promoted as a series that would explore new narratives within the Star Wars universe, but it also carried a distinct emphasis on its ideological messaging. Showrunner Leslie Headlin, known for her outspoken support of LGBT themes, openly declared that her own queer identity would be reflected in the series. This set the stage for a show that was not just a Star Wars adventure but also a vessel for particular social and political themes—most notably, the inclusion of lesbian characters and “lesbian space witches” as a core feature.