Star Wars: The Acolyte’s Manny Jacinto Weighs in on Review Bombing and Backlash

Star Wars: The Acolyte's Manny Jacinto Weighs in on Review Bombing and Backlash

As a long-time Star Wars fan and avid gamer, I can relate to Manny Jacinto’s perspective on the passionate fanbase and the cycle of love and criticism that follows every new addition to this iconic universe. The anticipation and excitement leading up to the release of “Star Wars: The Acolyte” were immense, but unfortunately, some fans let their biases and preconceived notions cloud their judgment before even giving the show a chance.


Prior to its official debut, the new Star Wars series “Star Wars: The Acolyte” drew a multitude of unfavorable critiques on several platforms, possibly instigated by internet trolls aiming to influence insignificant ratings. However, critics responded more positively, and Manny Jacinto, the leading actor, acknowledged the origins of the backlash but also recognized Star Wars’ past trend of releasing productions that gain significant fan bases as time passes. The inaugural season of “Star Wars: The Acolyte” is now available on Disney+.

In simpler terms, Jacinto explained to GQ that Star Wars fans go through recurring stages. Some fans cling to the past, longing for the same sensation they felt as children, while others have evolved and developed more discerning tastes. These mature fans are now more critical of new art or changes in the franchise, valuing their early experiences even more deeply.

Regarding the contrast between current fan affection for the prequels versus initial negative reactions upon release, the actor reflected, “It’s fascinating to look at it from this perspective. I can’t help but feel disappointed that recognition sometimes comes decades later. However, I find solace in knowing that many people appreciate it now. It may take longer for others to jump on board, but ultimately, I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished.”

As a passionate gamer, I wasn’t alone in feeling apprehensive about the potential backlash against the new series. Showrunner Leslye Headland had even shared her expectation of this outcome and her nonchalance towards it.

“Review bombing” is a common phenomenon where a large number of biased or manipulated reviews are submitted to a platform following the release of a product or media content. Headland expressed his skepticism about its significance during an interview with Collider, stating that those in the Star Wars fan community are already aware of this practice. Essentially, he believes that the average viewer might be put off by the low user rating but that avid fans have a good understanding of what review bombing entails.

If you’re a newcomer to this fandom and considering watching the show, my past work might have an impact on you. However, given my previous experience, word-of-mouth has always been a significant factor in my success. I believe that, while it’s not insignificant, it’s also something we’ve grown accustomed to behind the scenes. In summary, I would say…

The first season of Star Wars: The Acolyte is now streaming on Disney+.

Based on my personal perspective, I’m quite intrigued by the actor’s comments. If you’d like to delve deeper into their thoughts on Star Wars and horror, feel free to reach out to Patrick Cavanaugh personally. You can connect with him on Twitter or Instagram for an engaging conversation!

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2024-07-18 21:11