The upcoming live-action Star Wars series, The Acolyte, is creating a buzz with its recent casting news, particularly the inclusion of Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae. According to showrunner Leslye Headland, Jung-jae will be playing a "respected Jedi Master" in the Disney+ series, which is set to debut on June 4. The show's narrative centers on an investigation into a crime spree that connects Jung-jae's character to a dangerous adversary from his past, portrayed by Amandla Stenberg. Leslye Headland recounted how Jung-jae’s performance in the global phenomenon Squid Game caught her attention and led to his casting in The Acolyte. Despite initial concerns about the language barrier, Headland has praised Jung-jae's ability to perform stunts and deliver an emotionally resonant performance in English.

Star Wars: The Acolyte will explore dark and mysterious elements within the Star Wars universe, hinting at the rise of sinister forces. Along with Lee Jung-jae and Amandla Stenberg, the cast will feature Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Bennett, Dafne Keen, Manny Jacinto, Joonas Suotamo, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Carrie-Ann Moss.

Who is the male lead in Star Wars: The Acolyte?

The male lead in Star Wars: The Acolyte is played by Lee Jung-jae, known for his starring role in the Netflix series Squid Game. He will portray a respected Jedi Master.

The Acolyte is a part of the Star Wars expanded universe and takes place towards the end of the High Republic era, a relatively new addition to Star Wars lore that explores a time of relative peace and prosperity for the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order, hundreds of years before the events of the Skywalker saga. This era has been the focal point of a series of novels, comics, and now this upcoming Disney+ show, which aims to explore darker themes and introduce audiences to a prequel-like setting with fresh storylines and characters.