The recent buzz around The Acolyte has led rumors to circulate among the Star Wars community that showrunner Leslye Headland was fired. These incorrect rumors have raised questions about the Disney Plus series, so where did they stem from?
Here’s everything you need to know about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of The Acolyte and the origins of these rumors regarding Leslye Headland.
Was showrunner Leslye Headland fired from The Acolyte?
No, Disney has not fired showrunner Leslye Headland from The Acolyte.
Per Deadline, rumors about Headland’s dismissal likely started because of a breach of contract lawsuit filed by former producer Karyn McCarthy. She claimed she chose The Acolyte over the Apple TV+ series Sugar. After several weeks on the project, Lucasfilm allegedly ended McCarthy’s deal and did not pay her for her work.
This legal dispute created speculation about Leslye Headland’s job security. Forbes states that the Acolyte had a strong debut, with Disney reporting 4.8 million views on the first day and 11.1 million in the first five days. These numbers made it the biggest series premiere of 2024 on Disney Plus. Some praised its fresh take on Star Wars lore, while others criticized the plot and character development.
Moreover, Rotten Tomatoes showed an 85% positive rating from 150 critics. However, audience reviews were less favorable, reflecting disappointment in the story and characters. Negative audience ratings, partly due to a review bombing campaign, added to the controversy. Despite the mixed reception, Leslye Headland remains the showrunner for The Acolyte. The focus now shifts to addressing feedback and improving the series, especially if it gets renewed.
