The latest live-action Star Wars series, The Acolyte, has debuted its first two episodes on Disney+. Set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the show follows four young residents of a peaceful planet who are thrust into galactic danger and encounter a mysterious Force user played by Jude Law. Created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford—the team behind the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy—the series takes an adventurous, youth-focused approach reminiscent of classic family films.
So, how did it fare with critics?
IGN reviewer Sam Barsanti praised The Acolyte, calling it "good fun with plenty of great moments," thanks to its “Goonies in space” vibe. However, he noted that for the series to be truly memorable, it will need to pay off the mysteries it teases. “The nostalgic '80s aesthetic isn’t just bait; it feels justified by the story, which bodes well for what’s to come,” he wrote, scoring the first two episodes 7/10.
Writing for Empire, John Nugent found the show "perfectly enjoyable" as part of the expanding Star Wars canon. “It’s intentionally light-hearted, driven by its genuinely charming young cast. After three episodes, it’s still finding its place, but it’s promising,” he said. Nugent rated it 3/5, noting that while it doesn’t feel particularly significant, its lighter tone is a refreshing break after the intensity of Ahsoka and The Acolyte.
In contrast, The Daily Telegraph’s Ed Power was more critical of Disney’s handling of the franchise, suggesting that more than a wholesome kids’ show is needed to fix Star Wars. Still, he called The Acolyte a “successful attempt” that evokes Spielberg classics like E.T. and The Goonies, awarding it 4/5 stars. The Times’ Jake Helm echoed this sentiment, adding that while the leads are children, the adventures are engaging for adults as well.
Not everyone was impressed, though. IndieWire’s Ben Travers gave The Acolyte a C+ rating, criticizing its adherence to Star Wars tropes. “When a new Star Wars project comes along, the question isn’t the creators’ talent but whether their ingenuity can break free of Disney’s heavy hand. The more Star Wars expands, the more it stays the same,” Travers wrote, lamenting the formulaic approach that drives the show.
On a brighter note, Variety’s Alison Herman found the series’ youthful charm appealing, noting that “the lack of lethal danger in the first three episodes isn’t a flaw but a feature, especially given the young ages of the protagonists.” Herman appreciated the focus on smaller stakes, stating that not every Star Wars story needs to be about saving the galaxy.
Finally, The Hollywood Reporter’s Daniel Fienberg praised the series for leaning into its kid-friendly roots, calling it “a show about bold kids for bold kids—and for those young at heart.” He added, “If you can accept that not every Star Wars series has to be like Andor, this might be my favorite Star Wars show outside The Mandalorian’s first season.”
In conclusion, The Acolyte seems to have struck a nostalgic, adventurous tone that appeals to some viewers while leaving others longing for more innovation. With Jude Law’s charismatic presence and a likable young cast, it’s an intriguing addition to the Star Wars universe.
