Part 6/8:
Apart from pacing, character development appears to be another weak area in Headland’s work. In The Bachelorette, protagonists are intentionally unpleasant, which alienates audiences. In The Acolyte, characters are described as bland and lifeless, lacking emotional nuance. This deficiency further compromises the audience's ability to become invested in the unfolding story.
The Broader Implications
Given her filmography—marked by humorless comedies, pacing issues, and underdeveloped characters—many critics question Leslie Headland’s capacity to successfully helm a major Star Wars production. The franchise's reputation for compelling storytelling and immersive world-building seems at odds with her demonstrated skills.