The Acolyte: Star Wars Actor Ahmed Best Shares Support For Amandla Stenberg

As a lifelong Star Wars fan who has witnessed both the highs and lows of the fandom, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the recent events surrounding “Star Wars: The Acolyte” and the treatment of its talented cast, particularly Amandla Stenberg. It’s a sad reminder that the Force, which is supposed to bind us together, can sometimes bring out the darkest aspects of our nature.


Recently, it came to light that Disney+ and Lucasfilm decided against renewing the second season of ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’. Despite a significant number of enthusiastic fans, there was also a substantial group of Star Wars aficionados who wished for its downfall. Remarkably, some even targeted the wrong show on Rotten Tomatoes with negative reviews. This week, Amandla Stenberg, the lead star of ‘The Acolyte’, spoke out on social media about the series’ cancellation and addressed the “bigotry, vitriol, prejudice, hatred, and hateful speech” aimed at the cast. Regrettably, such behavior is not uncommon within the Star Wars fanbase.

As a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, I’m deeply moved by Ahmed Best’s heartfelt account of the profound impact fan response had on him following the release of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Back then, he confided that the relentless backlash drove him to the brink, contemplating suicide due to the unforgiving harassment he endured. Today, Ahmed extends his empathy and support to Amandla Stenberg in a touching Instagram post.

I’ll consistently support artists who put their heart and soul into their craft, just like the amazing @amandlastenberg does. She shines brightly, as she always does! Here’s his post below: [Link to Post]

Ahmed Best Talks The “Strong Political Undertones” in Star Wars:

This past year, ComicBook had a conversation with Best during the inauguration of Bricks and Minifigs in Pasadena, California. Best discussed the re-release of The Phantom Menace, as well as elaborated on why the political aspects of Star Wars hold such significance.

When asked about his message on May 4th, Best said, “These movies carry quite powerful political overtones. Notably, Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Sith were produced during the George W. Bush administration. In fact, a line from Anakin in Sith, ‘You’re either with us or against us,’ mirrors sentiments that were prevalent during that time.”

He went on to explain, “There’s a purpose behind the existence of light, darkness, and the path connecting them. This trio mirrors our very nature as human beings. As we immerse ourselves in these movies, it’s essential to bear in mind that they don’t only depict ‘a galaxy far, far away, from long ago,’ but rather, they illustrate how past events recur. We possess the power to shape our own history, which can be perceived as either a repetition of dark chapters or a progression towards the light.”

“What he meant is, it’s not just movies that we adore that hold significance for us. They form a rich mythology with lessons we can apply in our lives. As more content is created, we have the opportunity to mold these stories into reflections of who we are currently and who we aspire to be. On this special May the 4th day, let’s remember that we have the power to create and inhabit our own universes, becoming the characters we admire. Moreover, we can make the concept of the Force a tangible force for good in our lives, inspiring us to grow as individuals.”

The Acolyte is now streaming on Disney+.

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2024-08-30 01:10