Summary
The Acolyte’sshowrunner Leslye Headland confirmed in a recent interview that there will be aKylo Renconnection in theStar Warsshow’s upcoming episodes—but what that is remains a mystery.The Acolyteepisode 5was packed with shocking twists and turns, from the reveal ofThe Acolyte’sSith Lord tothe many character deaths in episode 5. Now, it seems, the revelation that Qimir is the Sith Lord, officially named the Stranger, will have still more secrets to unveil, having to do withStar Warsfan-favorite character Kylo Ren.
In an interview withInverse, showrunner Leslye Headland confirmed thatThe Acolytewill have a Kylo Ren connection, which many had suspected due to the Stranger’s mask. In response to a question about the Kylo Ren themes evident inThe Acolyteepisode 5, Headland explained:
Ah, wish I could. It is there on purpose, but I can’t tell you why, and I can’t go into what it is. But you shall see.
Although this is quite vague, current theories suggest what this connection could be.
5 Ways The Acolyte’s New Sith Lord Mirrors Darth Maul (And 5 Ways He Mirrors Kylo Ren)
The Acolyte’s new “Sith” mirrors Darth Maul is a few key ways, though he also shares parallels with the sequel trilogy’s Kylo Ren as well.
Is Qimir The Real Founder Of The Knights Of Ren?
SinceThe Acolyteepisode 5, theories have been running wild regarding who the Stranger could really be. There were a number ofclues Qimir isn’t the true Sith Lord, most notably his explanation to Master Sol that the Jedi would consider him a Sith (rather than him claiming the identity himself). One of the most prominent theories is thatQimir is really the first Knight of Ren.
This would make a great deal of sense for a number of reasons. For one, Qimir’s mask is so reminiscent of Kylo Ren’s in theStar Warssequel trilogy that he earned the nickname ‘Smilo Ren’ on social media (nodding toward the creepy teeth on his mask as well). For another, this would also address the inconsistencies between Qimir’s character and a typical Sith.
This twist would also avoid a prequel trilogy retcon, as many viewers have been worried that a Sith during this era would undermine Ki-Adi-Mundi’s assertion inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacethat the Sith had been extinct for a millennium. Perhaps even more critically, though, having Qimir be the first Knight of Ren would create continuity between the sequel trilogy and the rest of theStar Warstimeline. Sadly, the sequels are still considered some ofStar Wars’worst movies, so they could certainly use this connection.
Having Qimir be the first Knight of Ren would create continuity between the sequel trilogy and the rest of theStar Warstimeline.
Of course, this is just one possibility, and Headland undoubtedly responded vaguely on purpose.The Acolyteis meant to be a mystery thriller, and it has already proven to prioritize plot twists and surprising the audience. In light of that, the real connection between Qimir and Kylo Ren might not be something that many viewers have so easily guessed. No matter the real connection, though, it will be fascinating to see howThe Acolytebridges the distance between Kylo Ren andStar Wars’newest villain.
New episodes of The Acolyte release on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
