Star Wars fans have had a whirlwind year, from the animated hit Maul — Shadow Lord to the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. But one of the most talked-about projects remains The Acolyte, the live-action series set centuries before the Skywalker Saga. Despite strong reviews and solid streaming numbers, Disney+ canceled the show after just one season, leaving fans clamoring for more. Now, one of its breakout stars has spoken out about a potential return under new Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni.
Manny Jacinto, who played the enigmatic Dark Side user Qimir—also known as the Stranger—was asked at the Indiana Comic Convention whether he'd reprise his role if Filoni came calling. His answer was immediate: “Oh, yeah.” But Jacinto was quick to share the credit, emphasizing that the character was a collaborative effort. “There is no Stranger without Leslye Headland,” he said, referring to the show's creator. “It’s the people that helped build this character—it’s not just me. It’s the costume designers, our writers, all that stuff. It took a team to build Qimir, to build the Stranger. I’d love to work with them again as well.”
Jacinto's enthusiasm highlights the deep connection he feels to the role and the team behind it. The Acolyte was a bold departure for the franchise, exploring the High Republic era and introducing a new generation of Jedi and Sith. The show followed Osha (Amandla Stenberg), a former Jedi padawan drawn back into her past after a series of murders linked to her twin sister. It also featured Lee Jung-jae as Master Sol and a brief but tantalizing appearance by Darth Plagueis, the master of Emperor Palpatine.
The cancellation of The Acolyte stung partly because the story was clearly set up for multiple seasons. Fans have since launched campaigns to revive the series, and Jacinto's comments offer a glimmer of hope. With Dave Filoni now at the helm of Lucasfilm, known for his deep love of Star Wars lore and his work on The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, the possibility of a resurrection isn't entirely off the table.
Jacinto's performance as the Stranger was widely praised for its physicality and menace, making him one of the most memorable new villains in recent Star Wars history. His willingness to return, paired with Filoni's track record, could be the spark that reignites the series. For now, fans can revisit the first season on Disney+ and keep hoping for a second chapter.
In the meantime, the Star Wars universe continues to expand with new projects, including the upcoming Ahsoka season 2 and the Dawn of the Jedi film. But for those who fell in love with the Stranger, Jacinto's words are a reminder that the Force—and the story—may still have surprises in store.
