“I think it’s very different”: The Acolyte Showrunner Leslye Headland Genuinely Believes Her Show is Better Than Pedro Pascal’s The Mandalorian in 1 Major Aspect

Showrunner Leslye Headland talks about how The Acolyte is different from other Star Wars universe shows, including The Mandalorian.

The Acolyte takes viewers to the High Republic era of the Star Wars franchise and introduces them to an entirely new set of Jedi Knights. The series revolves around a mystery surrounding two twins who were separated after an accident involving a group of Jedi on their home planet. It was created by Leslye Headland, who also serves as the showrunner for the series.

During an interview, Headland spoke about how her High Republic era series is different from other Star Wars streaming shows. In the process, Headland revealed that her series relied on one aspect of filmmaking that strongly differentiates it from Pedro Pascal’s The Mandalorian. Moreover, given the common criticism aimed at the latter series, Headland’s comments automatically make The Acolyte better in one aspect.

During an interview, Headland spoke about how her High Republic era series is different from other Star Wars streaming shows. In the process, Headland revealed that her series relied on one aspect of filmmaking that strongly differentiates it from Pedro Pascal’s The Mandalorian. Moreover, given the common criticism aimed at the latter series, Headland’s comments automatically make The Acolyte better in one aspect.

Leslye Headland Reveals How The Acolyte is Better Than Pedro Pascal’s The Mandalorian

The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller series created by Leslye Headland that takes place within the Star Wars universe. It is the latest addition to Disney’s slate of streaming shows set in the popular franchise, which also includes The Mandalorian, starring Pedro Pascal.

During an interview with IGN, Headland was asked about what differentiates her show from the other Star Wars entries. In response, the showrunner stated:

I think it’s very different. We’ve utilized practical sets much more so than the other shows.

Headland made the above statement explaining what makes The Acolyte unique in comparison to the other Star Wars shows.

At the same time, Headland also revealed that the show’s reliance on practical sets, when compared to The Mandalorian‘s use of the Volume technology, was partly a creative choice and partly out of necessity.

The third season of The Mandalorian was criticized for its over-reliance on CGI. Therefore, it is safe to say that The Acolyte is at least better than The Mandalorian when it comes to using practical sets and effects, limiting its reliance on CGI to as minimum as possible.

Leslye Headland Explains The Acolyte‘s Approach to Jedi-Centric Stories

During the same interview, Headland also touched upon some of the other differences between The Acolyte and other Star Wars shows. The showrunner pointed out that the series’ approach to action scenes was also very unique, with inspiration coming from samurai, musha, and martial arts films. As a result, the action in The Acolyte is stylistically different from previous Star Wars shows.

However, Headland stated that one major way her series was different from other entries was through its approach to telling a Jedi-centric story. She stated:

We’re looking at the Jedi as an institution, as a concept, as an entity that has amassed a lot of power.

Headland further explained that by changing the perception of the Jedi, the series aimed to question their use of the Force. As a result, the series aims to raise questions about the power imbalance in the Star Wars universe.

Headland added that the series examines the morality of those wielding the Force and the purpose they wield it for. Therefore, The Acolyte reexamines the power dynamics within the galaxy far, far away, especially since the good guys (Jedi) outnumber the bad guys (Sith) during the High Republic era.

The Acolyte is streaming on Disney+.