Star Wars: The Acolyte showrunner Leslye Headland recently shared in an exclusive interview with Screen Rant that the Star Wars Expanded Universe had a direct influence on the show. The Acolyte is the next of Star Wars’ upcoming TV shows to be released and, as it’s set in the High Republic Era, approximately 100 years before the prequel trilogy, the show will cover brand-new territory in the Star Wars timeline. Because of that, The Acolyte will undoubtedly introduce thrilling new characters, storylines, and concepts; however, the show also draws from Star Wars history.

Excitingly, Leslye Headland took direct inspiration from the Star Wars Expanded Universe when creating The Acolyte. In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Headland explained:

“What I would say is there were so many things that I read about or thought about over the years that – if I were ever allowed to make a Star Wars show or movie, or write a book, or whatever they would let me do – I thought, ‘Gosh, it would be so cool to take this from legends or take this from canon into live-action.’ I can’t answer it directly, but it’s just been little Easter eggs that I’ve been crossing my fingers to get the chance to use.”

It’s clear that Headland is familiar not only with Star Wars canon but also with Legends, which bodes extremely well for Star Wars’ newest show.

Leslye Headland Is A Long-Term Star Wars Fan, & It Shows

It’s clear that showrunner Leslye Headland is very familiar with Star Wars and has been for quite some time, which can only mean great things for The Acolyte. Based on her comments regarding Legends’ influence on the show, it seems Headland has long had in mind what Star Wars stories she would tell if given the opportunity, suggesting that The Acolyte will be incredibly well-thought-out and well-researched. This is especially exciting when it comes to incorporating Legends concepts and storylines.

Since Lucasfilm reorganized the Star Wars canon in 2014, audiences have been divided (to say the least) on the decisions made regarding which stories were canon and which were Legends. However, in recent years, Star Wars has re-introduced many beloved Legends characters into the canon, such as Grand Admiral Thrawn, a Legends villain who has become pivotal in the future of the franchise. Now, it seems The Acolyte may be using this very same approach, leaving the door wide open for countless possibilities.

Although Headland didn’t share any precise connections to Legends, her wealth of knowledge alone sets The Acolyte up to be an incredible addition to Star Wars movies and TV shows. Her clear level of familiarity with both Star Wars canon and the Expanded Universe suggests that The Acolyte will be innovative while remaining respectful of the books, shows, and movies that have come before it. Moreover, many of the actors in The Acolyte have shared a similarly impressive level of love and knowledge of Star Wars, which truly sets this newest Star Wars show apart.

Of course, many details about The Acolyte remain under wraps, but the wait is nearly over. The show will begin with a two-episode premiere on June 4th on Disney+. For now, however, showrunner Leslye Headland has made it clear that Star Wars: The Acolyte will be an incredible addition to the Star Wars franchise, bringing both Legends and canon into this new era.

The Acolyte premieres on June 4 on Disney+.

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