Actress Amandla Stenberg expressed her hope that the upcoming "Star Wars" series, "The Acolyte," will foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging for Black science-fiction enthusiasts. In a recent interview on Entertainment Weekly's "Dagobah Dispatch" podcast, Stenberg, along with co-star Lee Jung-jae and showrunner Leslye Headland, hinted at the series' potential impact. While remaining tight-lipped about plot details and her character, Stenberg emphasized the show's contribution to creating a more welcoming environment for people of color within the sci-fi and fantasy genres.

Stenberg shared her personal connection to these genres, noting that they haven't always felt inclusive. She sees "The Acolyte" as part of a broader movement within "Star Wars" to create a haven for Black fans, a development she considers a "dream come true." She highlighted the progress being made across various "Star Wars" streaming series in terms of representation.

Other cast members, including Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Charlie Barnett, echoed Stenberg's sentiments about the significance of diversity in "The Acolyte." Keen praised the diverse atmosphere on set, emphasizing the collaborative effort of individuals from various backgrounds. Barnett expressed his excitement about the show's potential impact, noting the lack of representation in past "Star Wars" films and the personal significance of seeing a diverse Jedi. Turner-Smith agreed with Stenberg's assessment of the show as part of a wave of more inclusive "Star Wars" projects, highlighting the excitement surrounding its potential impact on a wider range of fans.

Turner-Smith underscored the diversity of the "Star Wars" fanbase, emphasizing that the show's representation resonated with fans who don't necessarily fit the traditional image of a "Star Wars" enthusiast. The conversation around diversity in "Star Wars" follows recent controversies surrounding the franchise's handling of politically charged situations, including the defense of "The High Republic Show" host Krystina Arielle after past tweets targeting white people resurfaced, and the dismissal of actress Gina Carano from "The Mandalorian" following a social media post comparing contemporary political divisions to Nazi Germany.