Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Acolyte episode 8.
Summary
The season finale ofThe Acolyteincluded a very familiar looking face as a cameo, and showrunner Leslye Headland confirmed that Darth Plagueis did, in fact, make his first live-action appearance.The finale ofThe Acolytehad some major revelations that finally defined some underdeveloped parts ofStar Warscanon. Those revelations includethe first live-action depiction of lightsaber bleeding, anexplanation for why the Jedi still thought the Sith were extinct, and two massive cameos.Master Yoda made one ofThe Acolyte’s biggest cameos, but the other, as Leslye Headland has now confirmed, was much darker.
When Mae and the Stranger were preparing to head to Brendok in the finale ofThe Acolyte, a mysterious alien was watching them from the shadows. Many viewers instantly recognized that character, and while speaking withCollider, Headland confirmed that the shadowy figure was in fact Darth Plagueis.
We are. I’m very proud of the character design. It took a long time. Like we were saying the last time, obviously, we were doing a Muun; their hands are different, so showing the hand first felt like a nice tell. But also, again, the Crimson Peak reference of: this should not feel like a display of power, this should feel creepy. I think we achieved that. I thought it was important that he be in the cave because, you know, the call’s coming from inside the house. He’s already there in a very intrusive way. So, that was the thought around that. But yeah, baby, Plagueis.
Bringing Darth Plagueis into live-action was an absolutely massive moment forThe Acolyte, and Headland clearly knew she had to get it just right. She talked about the thought process behind bringing the Muun Sith Lord into live-action, and how the creative team behindThe Acolytewas trying to make Plagueis look creepy rather than powerful. The finale ofThe Acolytedefinitely had the desired effect, as Plagueis has already cast a shadow overthe High Republic erawith just a few seconds of screen time.
11 Things Star Wars Has Revealed About Darth Plagueis, Palpatine’s Master
Darth Plagueis' story in Star Wars canon is largely shrouded in mystery, but 11 significant revelations have surfaced about Palpatine’s Sith Master.
Darth Plagueis, Palpatine’s Master, Has Finally Come To Life
Darth Plagueis has been one of the most enduring mysteries in all ofStar Wars, mostly because he’s had such a rocky history. Plagueis was first introduced in name only, when Emperor Palpatine told Anakin Skywalker about “the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise” inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Palpatine’s story introduced Plagueis and his obsession with eternal life, but that was almost all it did with the character.His story would be expanded upon years later, in James Luceno’s novel, “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis,” which provided a full explanation of Plagueis' story and revealed he was Palpatine’s Sith Master.
Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
The senator for Naboo, Palpatine rose to power and influence during the dying days of the Republic. In reality, his public persona was just a mask; he was really Darth Sidious, greatest of the Sith Lords, and he used his political skills and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi. Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for decades, until he was betrayed by his apprentice, Darth Vader. Even this wasn’t enough to stop the Emperor, however, as he was resurrected by his followers - only to be defeated once again.
Unfortunately, the “Darth Plagueis” novel was quickly categorized asStar WarsLegends, and is no longer considered canon. He was still considered canon because of Palpatine’s tale inRevenge of the Jedi, but he was only ever referenced, and had never actually made an appearance. That was noticeably odd, considering just how important Plagueis is to the entire Skywalker saga. He trained Darth Sidious, and Plagueis' obsession with eternal life indirectly helped create Anakin Skywalker and served as the basis of Palpatine’s resurrection plan.Plagueis is arguably one of the most important Sith Lords inStar Wars, andThe Acolytehas finally introduced him properly.
Almost 20 years after he was first mentioned, Darth Plagueis has finally arrived, not just inStar Warscanon, but in live-action. His cameo inThe Acolyteis a fulfillment of so manyStar Wars' fans long-held hope to see the Sith Lord in action, and Plagueis opens the door to so many interesting opportunities. IfThe Acolyteseason 2happens, it could explore Plagueis' backstory, his connection to Darth Tenebrous, his search for the key to eternal life, or a hundred other thrilling possibilities. Darth Plagueis' now confirmed appearance inThe Acolyteis just the exhilarating start of what’s sure to be an awesomeStar Warsstory.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
