Lucasfilm embarked on an ambitious project when they launched The High Republic, a sweeping publishing campaign designed to set the stage for a new backdrop in the “Star Wars” mythos; one that predates the Skywalker saga by centuries. Unveiled in a 2020 announcement trailer, The High Republic is succinctly described:
“Hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga, the Galactic Republic is at its zenith, safeguarded by the Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice across the galaxy.”
Currently, this era is explored through three phases, with “Quest of the Jedi” being the earliest, situated around 350 years before the original films. Initially led by “Light of the Jedi,” set circa 200 years prior to the original trilogy, and followed by “Trials of the Jedi,” the phases revolve around similar times. This is depicted as a “golden age” where the Jedi are active peacekeepers, albeit facing formidable adversaries such as the Drengir and the Nihil in its first storytelling phase. These narratives stem from the intriguing notion, “What scares the Jedi?” which remains central to “The Acolyte.”
“The Acolyte” hearkens back to a line from “A New Hope” where Obi-Wan Kenobi reflects: “For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.” Lucasfilm has invested heavily in this era, recruiting concept artists and visual effects teams akin to those who work on major films. Among them, Ian McKay, known for creating Darth Maul’s iconic look, also contributed to this expansive initiative.
FAQs about The High Republic and The Acolyte
What is The High Republic?
It is an era in the “Star Wars” universe that takes place hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga during the apex of the Galactic Republic. This period is marked by peace, with the Jedi Knights serving as stalwart defenders of the galaxy.
How does The Acolyte fit into The High Republic?
“The Acolyte” is a storytelling venture that is part of The High Republic initiative, exploring the darker aspects and threats that challenge the Jedi during this otherwise prosperous period.
Who are the principal adversaries in The High Republic era?
The Drengir and the Nihil have been introduced as the principal antagonists in the first phase of The High Republic storytelling.
Will The Acolyte be a television show or a book?
Details on the format of “The Acolyte” have yet to be fully disclosed, but it is expected to be part of the multimedia initiative tied to The High Republic.
Did the same teams that work on “Star Wars” films contribute to The High Republic?
Yes, Lucasfilm recruited concept artists and visual effects teams, paralleling the resources utilized in film production. Notable among them is artist Ian McKay, who was involved in designing Darth Maul.
Conclusion
The Acolyte offers fans of “Star Wars” an opportunity to dive deep into an era of the galaxy’s history that was thriving yet fraught with its own unique challenges. The narrative ambition behind The High Republic is considerable, aiming to enrich the saga’s extensive lore through various phases of storytelling. This initiative resonates with the enduring theme of the Jedi’s enduring fight to maintain peace and justice in the face of emerging threats, providing a fertile ground for compelling narratives and characters that will surely captivate the franchise’s audience.