Star Wars Wasted These Two Hollywood Stars (But There’s Still a Chance To Fix It)

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The “Star Wars” films and series have served as a launching pad for numerous A-list Hollywood actors. Actors such as Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher honed their skills in the distant galaxy, while others like Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Pedro Pascal, and Adam Driver experienced significant career boosts due to their roles within “Star Wars.” However, it’s important to note that some well-known stars had already made a name for themselves before joining the Star Wars universe, including Samuel L Jackson, Liam Neeson, and Christopher Lee.

The new series titled “Star Wars: The Acolyte” has sparked excitement with its pledge to delve into the lesser-known corners of the High Republic era. This anticipation is further heightened by the addition of two esteemed actors, Lee Jung-Jae and Carrie-Anne Moss, to the Star Wars universe. Their roles as Jedi Masters Sol (Lee) and Indara (Moss) will not only leverage their globally recognized talent but also lend a sense of weightiness to their characters. Both these performers have impressive resumes and an uncanny ability to command attention, much like a true Jedi Master should. Lee Jung-Jae, fresh from the success of Squid Game, and Carrie-Anne Moss, who remains iconic as Trinity from the Matrix series, are renowned for their commitment to their craft and impactful performances. Their presence in “The Acolyte” suggests the potential for complex character development and emotional journeys that only actors of their caliber can bring to life, hinting at a more profound examination of the Jedi Order during its peak period.

As the story progressed in Star Wars, an unexpected turn of events emerged: The sudden demise of Moss’ Master Indara early on in the premiere (despite brief appearances in flashbacks) and the series finale with Master Sol’s death left many viewers questioning. This choice brings up a significant concern about missed potential and, most notably, how Lucasfilm can rectify this mistake and effectively utilize the star power they temporarily held, albeit unwisely and unhappily.

The Decision to Kill Off Master Sol and Master Indara Was a Monumental Miscalculation

In my humble opinion as a movie reviewer, the abrupt conclusions of Master Sol and Master Indara in “The Acolyte” seemed like a missed opportunity that squandered an almost limitless potential. Lee Jung-Jae’s portrayal of Master Sol, a veteran and insightful Jedi Master battling the resurgence of the Sith within him, was a character brimming with depth. His internal struggles, his guidance of Osha, and his journey to come to terms with his past and present were all elements that could have been further explored over multiple seasons.

In my perspective as a movie critic, Carrie-Anne Moss’ portrayal of Master Indara radiated an immediate aura of authority and quiet, potent power that suggested the true might of the Jedi Order. Her confrontation with Mae, though visually mesmerizing and brimming with heart-stopping suspense, was swiftly resolved, leaving viewers in shock. Although Indara’s journey came to an end as The Acolyte unfolded, her storyline was delved into further through flashbacks detailing the fateful mission she undertook with Master Sol, which eventually led to the events involving Osha and Mae decades later. Even in these flashbacks, Indara remained captivating, but Star Wars barely scratched the surface of her complex character, thus failing to fully capitalize on the immense talent that Carrie-Anne Moss brought to the role.

It’s a significant oversight to introduce accomplished actors capable of handling complex roles and captivating audiences, only to eliminate their characters within eight episodes. This decision denied viewers the opportunity to build a meaningful connection with these new Jedi, witness their development, confront obstacles, and make substantial contributions to the narrative. The High Republic era, characterized by a prosperous yet precarious Jedi Order, offered an ideal setting for characters like Sol and Indara to shine. Their roles could have been more than brief stories tied to twin characters who, in the grand scheme of things, seem insignificant to the broader story of the Jedi.

In my perspective, the High Republic era serves as a crucial moment in history, highlighting the unwavering strength and adaptability of the Jedi Order before the downfall depicted in the Skywalker Saga. Lee and Moss were undoubtedly exceptional choices to breathe life into this significant period. However, their premature departures left an emptiness, stirring a lingering curiosity: why bring on such seasoned actors if their impact was intended to be so brief?

Even if The Acolyte had not been cancelled, the stories of Indara and Sol had already reached their end. Therefore, a potential second season might have focused more on Qmir, Mae, and other promising Jedi characters like Vernestra.

Making this choice seemed unfair, not just towards the actors personally, but also to the spectators, as they missed out on experiencing the entire range of these actors’ skills showcased in the Star Wars universe.

Another High Republic Series is the Perfect Solution

The key to addressing this wasted potential is evidently a High Republic-era prequel series (or movie, given the global fame of the actors) that delves into the earlier exploits of Master Sol and Master Indara. This aligns perfectly with Star Wars’ continuing growth in its timeline.

Notably, for several years, Lucasfilm Publishing has been developing the High Republic novels, a series referred to as “the High Republic publishing initiative.” This series concluded in June 2025 with Charles Soule’s book Trials of the Jedi. However, neither Sol nor Indara are characters from this era, leaving their stories largely untold across any format including novels, comics, or television/film. Therefore, Lucasfilm has a ripe chance to keep up the enthusiasm and curiosity about this rich phase in Star Wars history by launching a new live-action project.

In simpler terms, instead of creating a show based on the story of Master Sol during the events of “The Acolyte,” we might consider a prequel series that follows his journey as a young Jedi Knight. This series could delve into how he climbed through the ranks, and the pivotal moments that transformed him into the wise yet burdened master we know from “The Acolyte.” Since Master Sol belongs to an era of the High Republic that comes after the publishing initiative (meaning the main threats like the Nihil and Marchion Ro have already been defeated), this series could focus on his early confrontations with new dangers that arose following the decline of the Nihil. This fresh phase within the High Republic era could then be set up, providing an intriguing backdrop for the story.

Regarding Indara, a prequel could delve deeply into her character instead of just her death and a single incident in her life, as depicted in The Acolyte. Such a series could portray her as a seasoned and revered Jedi Master, possibly engaged in crucial diplomatic negotiations or overseeing Jedi missions that demonstrate her wisdom and martial prowess.

In other words, if we develop a series featuring The Acolyte, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Indara and Sol, two formidable Jedi, collaborating at their peak abilities, embarking on dangerous missions, confronting dark side cults, or dealing with the complex politics of the High Republic. This series could serve as a perfect stage for Lee Jung-Jae and Carrie-Anne Moss to excel in the Star Wars universe, allowing their characters to have the depth and screen time they require. Furthermore, it would add layers to the High Republic lore, offering an innovative viewpoint on this era of the Jedi, highlighting their victories and hardships before darkness became prevalent. Essentially, this strategy could rectify a past mistake by transforming it into a future success, making full use of these two accomplished Hollywood actors’ talents and delivering the compelling High Republic content that fans are eagerly anticipating.

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2025-07-26 15:13