This article includes spoilers for “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” specifically episodes one and two. Reader discretion is advised.
Fans are eager to determine the placement of “Star Wars: The Acolyte” within the extensive Star Wars chronology. This new Disney+ series introduces a previously unexplored period. Despite the scant details revealed in the trailer, Lucasfilm officials have disclosed that the series unfolds towards the conclusion of the High Republic era, situated roughly 200 years before “The Phantom Menace.”
Some enthusiasts attempted to pinpoint the show’s timeline by referencing Vernestra Rwoh’s age—a Mirialan character from the High Republic books that also appears in “The Acolyte.” It was initially theorized that the program is set around 20 or 30 years after the events of the “High Republic” series.
However, this assumption was incorrect.
The start of the show explicitly indicates its timeline, surprising many fans with its placement.
An Era a Century Before the Empire’s Reign
The premiere of “The Acolyte” begins with text revealing that the events occur 100 years before the establishment of the Empire, an event coinciding with “Revenge of the Sith.” So, where does this place the series within the larger Star Wars chronology, including the possibility of encounters with established characters?
“The Phantom Menace” is set 13 years before “Revenge of the Sith,” which puts “The Acolyte” approximately 87 years before the earliest live-action Star Wars narratives. This alters prior assumptions about Mirialans’ lifespan. Since “The High Republic” begins 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” “The Acolyte” occurs around 113 years after the start of “The High Republic” and 119 years before the Battle of Yavin, a significant chronological anchor in the Star Wars universe.
With such a significant gap between “The High Republic” and the show’s era, “The Acolyte” has a broad narrative canvas virtually open for anything to transpire.
Potential Familiar Faces
Considering the proximity of “The Acolyte” to the Battle of Yavin, several long-lived characters may appear in the series. Notable Jedi such as Yoda, Yaddle, Oppo Rancisis, and Yarael Poof could be present, as they were on the council before and during the Jedi’s demise.
Chewbacca, a companion of Han Solo, might also make an appearance, as would the notorious Jabba the Hutt, who’d be well into his criminal reign. References to the Hutts have already surfaced in the series. Additionally, the Ninth Sister of the Inquisitorius could possibly appear due to her species’ extended lifespan.
Characters from “The High Republic,” like dark side adept Azlin Rell or the Wookiee Jedi Burryaga, might also be integrated into the story if they survive earlier events.
Showrunner Leslye Headland has creative freedom to blend established canon with new stories, adding to the series’ intrigue. The initial two episodes of “Star Wars: The Acolyte” are streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released on Tuesday evenings at 9:00pm ET.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does “The Acolyte” take place?
“The Acolyte” is set approximately 100 years before the rise of the Empire, roughly 87 years before the events of “The Phantom Menace.”
Are there characters from other Star Wars media that could appear in “The Acolyte”?
Yes, due to the timeline, characters like Yoda, Chewbacca, and Jabba the Hutt could potentially appear, as well as others from “The High Republic” era or long-lived species.
How is “The Acolyte” connected to “The High Republic”?
“The Acolyte” takes place around 119 years after the beginning of “The High Republic” storyline.
Where can I watch “The Acolyte”?
The series is available on Disney+ with new episodes premiering on Tuesday nights at 9:00pm ET.