Just like the iconic Bat Signal calls to Batman, the Star Wars universe has a magnetic pull for creative talents. With Disney Plus’ growing lineup, many actors have found their way to this legendary galaxy.
The latest addition is The Acolyte, an 8-episode series that explores the Star Wars universe a century before The Phantom Menace. This show delves into the trials of Jedi during the High Republic era. Amandla Stenberg stars as a dark character aiming to topple the Jedi Order, along with her twin sister, Osha. Lee Jung-jae, known from Squid Game, plays a Jedi master who trains younglings. However, the real treat for sci-fi fans is Carrie-Anne Moss’s role as Jedi Master Indara. Her performance evokes memories of her role as Trinity in The Matrix, but with a Jedi twist.
Who is Carrie-Anne Moss in The Acolyte?
Indara, portrayed by Moss, is a significant figure in the series, though her role takes a tragic turn early on. She is killed in the first moments of the series, but her character reappears throughout the season in flashbacks. These sequences gradually unveil the deeper story of the Jedi. Indara’s character is involved in a gripping fight sequence where she uses minimal lightsaber action, highlighting her unique role in the plot. Her story reveals the complexities and flaws within the Jedi Order, suggesting that their strict code and suppression of emotions contribute to the rise of Mae, the main antagonist portrayed by Manny Jacinto.
Entertainment Weekly notes that Mae is not exactly a Sith but has a morally ambiguous nature. Showrunner Leslye Headland aimed to present a new kind of Jedi narrative. She wanted to explore how the Sith transitioned from being nearly extinct to gaining power without the Jedi’s awareness. This backdrop sets the stage for a fresh perspective on the Star Wars lore.
In the series, Master Sol, a Jedi who makes grave errors, and many of his colleagues are complicit after discovering a group of Force-sensitive witches. They attack the witches’ community, leading to dire consequences. Indara stands out as the only one not guilty of wrongdoing. As the head of the Jedi team investigating the Force presence, she advocates for patience and caution. She tries to prevent Sol from taking extreme actions that would destroy the witches’ community, showing a more nuanced and restrained approach compared to Sol’s rash decisions.
Indara’s character embodies the ideal Jedi, resisting the corruption often seen in the Order. If The Acolyte gets renewed for a second season, it’s unlikely Indara will return, which is a loss given how Moss’s portrayal added depth to the series. Fans can explore this unique take on the Jedi and Sith by streaming The Acolyte on Disney Plus.
