Manny Jacintois set to make a historic entry into the Star Wars universe. Jacinto will portray the first live-action Asian Jedi, a landmark in Star Wars diversity initiatives.
This history-making moment will be seen inThe Acolyte, an eagerly anticipated Disney+ TV series set about a century prior to the prequel trilogy.
Despite the secrecy surrounding his character inThe Acolyte, Jacinto has confirmed that he is playing a Jedi. The casting marks Jacinto as the inaugural Asian Jedi in live-actionStar Wars, an accomplishment that brings with it a great sense of responsibility and excitement.
The anticipation lies in the fact that Jacinto’s Jedi character will serve as a role model for a whole new generation of Asian children, inspiring them to dream big and embrace the iconic lightsaber themselves. During an interview withDagoba Dispatch, Jacinto said,
“If I’m being candid, this is the first time you’re getting to see an Asian Jedi. It’s a pretty big responsibility. Getting to see him inspire a new generation of Asian kids to like take up the lightsaber — it’s pretty incredible.”
It is notable that this representation has been long overdue in the Star Wars franchise, considering that Asian culture, particularly Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 film,The Hidden Fortress, greatly influenced George Lucas in the creation of Star Wars.
This significant Asian representation in Star Wars, however, has only been recognized during the Disney era.
Prior to Jacinto’s role, we saw inklings of this trend towards diversity in other Star Wars films. InRogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Force-focused Guardians of the Whills was introduced, with notable performances by Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen as Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus, respectively.
Similarly,Star Wars: The Last Jedibrought in Kelly Marie Tran and Veronica Ngo portraying Rose and Paige Tico.
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Stepping into Star Wars History as the Inaugural Live-Action Asian Jedi
Nevertheless, the milestone of finally having an Asian Jedi comes with Manny Jacinto’s casting inThe Acolyte. This crucial step affirms Star Wars' commitment to fostering diversity in its storytelling.
Moreover, Jacinto’s groundbreaking role plays a pivotal role in redefining the Star Wars storyline. It presents Asian children with a hero they can resonate with as they craft their own tales in the vast expanses of the galaxy.
Assuming the mantle as the inaugural live-action Asian Jedi, Manny Jacinto signifies a profound transformation in the Star Wars universe. This change represents a stride towards a broader, morediverse ensemblethat mirrors the diverse tapestry of its global fans.
It’s clear thatThe Acolyte, under the stewardship of showrunner Leslye Headland, is set to push the boundaries of representation, inspiring new generations of fans to see themselves as part of this iconic narrative.
This seminal casting signifies a crucial development in the franchise’s history, ensuring that Star Wars remains a source of inspiration and fascination for audiences from every walk of life.
