With the release of the new series "Acolyte" on Disney Plus, many "Star Wars" fans are once again involved in the debate about the correct viewing order. The new show affects the original timeline, making the already complex "Star Wars" universe even more difficult to sort out. In this article, we'll explore The Acolyte's impact on the Star Wars timeline and try to provide a reasonable viewing order suggestion.
The classic debate: release order or chronological order?
For decades, the question of which order to watch the Star Wars films has been a hot topic among fans. Watching them in order of release, starting with the original trilogy, then the prequel trilogy, and then the sequel trilogy, is the most traditional way. Another approach is to watch them chronologically, starting with Anakin Skywalker's story and seeing Luke Skywalker and the latest trilogy in sequence.
The debut of "The Acolyte": a new beginning
Things got even more complicated after "Acolyte" premiered on Disney Plus. The eight-episode series tells stories that take place before the canon of Star Wars, even before 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The main plot of the show is the hunt for an assassin who is trying to assassinate a specific Jedi and may have ties to the Sith.
The influence of "The Acolyte"
Because "The Acolyte" is set decades before "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," it redefines the beginnings of "Star Wars" and moves away from a storyline centered on the Skywalker family. The show shows what the Jedi were like in their prime and introduces more characters and concepts that further enrich the Star Wars universe.
The ever-changing Star Wars timeline
Ever since George Lucas created Star Wars, the timeline has been somewhat confusing. The original trilogy was released in the 1970s and 1980s and was the fourth, fifth and sixth episodes of the nine-part saga. The prequel trilogy from the late 1990s and early 2000s is part one, two and three. After Disney acquired the series in 2012, its new animated shows, spinoffs, comics, novels, and movies have further tweaked the timeline.
What is "The Acolyte" about?
"The Acolyte" tells the story of Osha, a former Jedi Knight who is falsely accused of killing a group of Jedi Knights. She has something in common with her killer, and the show revolves around the Jedi Order's investigation into these deaths. The show hints at the existence of the Sith, and these evil forces pose a new threat to the Jedi.
The Acolyte's connection to the Star Wars movies
While we currently know very little about Acolyte's specific connection to the Star Wars films, what is certain is that the show has deepened our understanding of the history of the Sith and Jedi. Parts of the plot were inspired by moments in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, further expanding the Star Wars universe.
Are there any comics or books that I need to read first?
If you want to delve deeper into the world of Star Wars, you can read some of the Expanded Universe novels and comics. These pieces fill in the pages of the Republic era and provide additional background information. However, according to the series creators, even if you know nothing about this background knowledge, it will not affect your understanding and appreciation of "The Acolyte".
New Star Wars viewing order
So, after Acolyte, what’s the correct order to watch Star Wars? Order doesn't matter, just choose whatever you want. You can watch the original trilogy first, then the prequel trilogy, and finally the sequel trilogy. If you want to put "Acolyte" into your viewing order, you can watch it before "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace."
Chronologically, you'd watch the prequel trilogy first, then some of the cartoons, then Andor, Rogue One, and Solo, and then watch the original. After a brief break in the Mandalorian universe (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett), it's time for the sequel trilogy. No matter how you feel about it.
in conclusion
The release of "Acolyte" makes the "Star Wars" viewing order more complicated, but it also provides fans with a new entry point. No matter which order you choose to watch, the most important thing is to enjoy this vast and rich sci-fi universe. Hopefully this article helps you better understand the Star Wars timeline and find the best viewing order for you. May the Force be with you!