Lee Jung-jae, star of Netflix’s acclaimed series Squid Game, is officially joining the Star Wars universe as the male lead in Leslye Headland’s Disney Plus series The Acolyte.
The South Korean actor shot to fame last year, when he starred in the Netflix phenomenon. He played Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist of Squid Game who found himself stuck in a series of deadly playground games, competing for a vast cash prize. Now, Lee is set to become part of an even bigger franchise.
Little is known about The Acolyte, other than the fact it is set towards the end of the High Republic era and will explore the re-emergence of the dark side in the Star Wars galaxy.
Lee Jung-Jae Enters Star Wars‘ Galaxy
It is not yet known who Lee Jung-jae will be playing in The Acolyte, but a few of his co-stars in the Star Wars series have also recently been named.
Joining Squid Game‘s Lee Jung-jae are Amandla Steinberg, who will be playing the series’ other lead, and Jodie Turner-Smith in an as-yet unconfirmed role. Leslye Headland, whose previous credits include the Netflix series Russian Doll, is directing the series.
The High Republic is a new era for Star Wars, having been previously explored in various novels and comic books. The Acolyte will mark the first time this period, which takes place between 300 and 82 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, has been explored in live action.
Little is known about the upcoming Disney Plus series, but the term “acolyte” has previously been used in Star Wars lore to describe a follower of the Sith. Many are speculating The Acolyte will reveal the origins of the Sith’s rise to power, the pinnacle of which is seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Here is the synopsis for Lucasfilm’s next Star Wars series hitting Disney Plus, Andor:
“The ‘Andor’ series will explore a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.”
Andor stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, and Genevieve O’Reilly. Tony Gilroy, Dan Gilroy, Stephen Schiff, and Beau Willimon served as the writers of the Star Wars series while Toby Haynes, Susanna White, and Benjamin Caron directed the episodes.
Andor will premiere Disney Plus on September 21, 2022, with three episodes. Stay tuned for all the latest news on The Acolyte and Lee Jung-jae’s role in the series, and subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more great video content!
Source: Deadline
