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Rotten Tomatoes scores reflect this reality, with The Acolyte sitting at just 27%, marking it as the worst-rated Star Wars project in over a decade. This poor reception has resulted in a gulf between Disney's marketing narratives and actual viewer response—prompting the studio to double down on damage control efforts.
The Studio’s Preemptive and Reactive Damage Control
In the wake of the series’ poor reception, Disney appears to be engaged in a calculated attempt to spin the narrative. Recurring preemptive strikes involved labeling critics and fans as sexist, racist, or bigoted—a typical tactic aimed at discrediting negative feedback before it gains traction. But the studio didn't stop there.