During the media preview of Disney+’s new series “The Acolyte” on June 5th at Seoul’s CGVA Yongsan I’Park Mall, esteemed actor Lee Jung-jae made an appearance, speaking about his groundbreaking role and the evolving industry.
Set in the Star Wars universe during the tail end of the High Republic era, a century prior to “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” “The Acolyte” follows a storied Jedi Master as he unravels crimes unveiling a shadowy threat, alongside his former Padawan.
In a historic casting, Lee Jung-jae becomes the first Korean to portray a Jedi Master named Sol, celebrated for his profound wisdom and command of the Force.
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The Star Wars saga, while globally beloved, faces a smaller fan base in Korea, which some attribute to its intimidating lore. Lee Jung-jae proposes “The Acolyte,” as an origin narrative, serves as an accessible entry point to newcomers of the franchise, unaffected by one’s history with previous chapters.
Lee noted, “As a fresh tale, ‘The Acolyte’ offers freedom in acting and expression, making it an approachable series for those unacquainted with Star Wars lore.”
He continued, “Sol’s presence may leave a lasting impact, potentially linking to future installments. While the Star Wars following in Korea might be modest, with subsequent projects on the horizon, I’m hopeful for growing interest.”
Discussing the surge in opportunities following the success of “Squid Game,” the actor acknowledged, “Aside from increased project prospects like ‘Star Wars’, there’s been little change, except for the remarkable expansion of my professional landscape.”
As a creative in Hollywood, Lee highlighted similarities between Korean and American production systems, albeit distinct technological aspects, especially in genre-specific areas such as those needed for space narratives like “Star Wars.”
He revealed his admiration for the seasoned finesse of the Star Wars franchise, citing the seasoned history and intricate attention to detail in the costumes and props as a distinctive hallmark of the series.
“The Acolyte” streams exclusively on Disney+ starting June 5th, with the initial two episodes dropping concurrently, followed by weekly releases for a total of eight episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lee Jung-jae and “The Acolyte”
- Who is Lee Jung-jae?
- Lee Jung-jae is a South Korean actor who has gained international acclaim for his role in the Netflix series “Squid Game.”
- What is “The Acolyte” on Disney+?
- “The Acolyte” is a Star Wars series set at the end of the High Republic era, following a Jedi Master and his former Padawan as they encounter dark forces.
- What character does Lee Jung-jae play in “The Acolyte”?
- Lee Jung-jae portrays Sol, a Jedi Master known for his wisdom and strength in the Force, marking the first time a Korean actor has taken on such a role in the Star Wars universe.
- Do you need prior knowledge of Star Wars to watch “The Acolyte”?
- No, “The Acolyte” is designed to be accessible to viewers without previous exposure to Star Wars films or series, as it serves as a prequel story.
- How has Lee Jung-jae’s career changed since “Squid Game”?
- Post “Squid Game,” Lee Jung-jae has reported an uptick in offers, particularly from Hollywood, expanding his working environment significantly.
- When will “The Acolyte” be available on Disney+?
- “The Acolyte” premiered globally on Disney+ with the first two episodes on June 5th, and will release new episodes every Wednesday.