Part 6/10:

The cast further emphasizes this shift. Amandla Stenberg, a non-binary and Black actress, has highlighted that her role in The Acolyte represents the franchise’s “most diverse project” aimed at marginalized groups. She has described it as a "dream come true" for Black nerds and emphasized her own identity politics-driven narrative. Jodie Turner-Smith, another cast member, echoed similar sentiments, giving interviews that prioritized diversity, inclusion, and social activism over the story itself.

This focus on identity politics marked a clear departure from the traditional Star Wars narrative, which had historically centered around myth, heroism, and adventure. Instead, the promotion and early content heavily revolved around themes of representation and social messaging.