Where are all the LGBTQ people in Star Wars ? They exist, but they’re on the periphery, in video games or comic books, like Juhani in Knights of the Old Republic or Doctor Aphra from the Doctor Aphra comics. The closest we’ve come in the live-action Star Wars universe to queer representation is a same-sex kiss hidden in the background of The Rise of Skywalker . Despite plenty of real-world evidence that queer people and queer animals exist all over the globe, there aren’t any queer folk in an entire galaxy? That’s absurd when you realize the live-action canon includes 11 films and six series, including The Acolyte .
Mercifully, this latest Disney+ series is finally giving space to queer people in the Star Wars universe. Episode 3 of the Acolyte is more than token representation. It’s the compelling story of a family of faith that conflicts with the Jedi way of life, leading us to question the motives of the typically magnanimous Jedi Order.
Episode 3 ushers audiences into the mysterious past of twins Mae and Osha (both played by Amandla Stenberg). Flashing back 16 years to their planet of Brendok, this episode, directed by Kogonada ( After Yang ), reveals their origin story, including a look at the fiery tragedy that defined both their lives, and particularly why Mae is hellbent on killing four Master Jedi. At the start, there's a sense of serenity on Planet Brendok.
Young Mae and Osha frolic through a vast, lush forest; the bond between sisters is immediately appar.
