Manny Jacinto Reflects on ‘The Acolyte’ Amid Backlash and Cancellation: “I Am So Proud Of What We Accomplished”

After the unexpected cancellation of The Acolyte six months ago, Manny Jacinto, who portrayed Qimir/The Stranger, recently offered his insights on the show. This series quickly became one of the most debated additions to the Star Wars universe, drawing comparisons to the controversy surrounding the sequel trilogy. Unfortunately, the backlash towards The Acolyte was intense, leading to its cancellation shortly after its finale aired.

At the recent MegaCon 2025 event, Manny Jacinto reflected on his experiences during the production of The Acolyte. During a panel discussion, he expressed his pride in the project, stating:

“I’m so proud of The Acolyte and what we were able to do, and it felt like we were taking a big risk, and there’s nothing like that feeling of trying to just create something special from the ground up.”

Despite the negativity surrounding the show, it’s clear that Jacinto possesses a positive memory of the work undertaken by himself and his fellow cast members.

Manny Jacinto’s Performance in The Acolyte

Qimir/The Stranger: A Bright Spot Amidst Criticism

Amidst a wave of criticism directed at The Acolyte, Jacinto’s portrayal of Qimir stood out as a significant highlight, earning respect even from some of the show’s harshest detractors. His performance imbued the character with remarkable complexity, skillfully showcasing the brutality of the dark side while delving into Qimir’s intricate backstory involving the Jedi and his former Master, Vernestra Rwoh. Particularly noteworthy were Jacinto’s impressive lightsaber skills and combat sequences.

Qimir’s spectacular defeat of multiple Jedi in the fifth episode has been hailed as one of the finest dueling scenes across the entire Star Wars saga. Unfortunately, with the cancellation of The Acolyte, Qimir’s character development was abruptly halted. The creatives behind the series had aimed to explore these rich narratives in future seasons, especially as the finale left several storylines unresolved.

Reflections on The Acolyte’s Cancellation

A Misplaced Backlash

While The Acolyte may not rank as the pinnacle of Star Wars television, it unequivocally did not warrant the extreme backlash it received. There were many elements to appreciate, as pointed out by Jacinto. Although the show did not resonate with all viewers, it took necessary creative risks and introduced fresh ideas that deserve recognition.

Jacinto, alongside his fellow actors, delivered performances that merited far greater appreciation than the dismal 19% audience score recorded on Rotten Tomatoes, especially when compared to the more favorable 78% critic rating. Every show has its flaws, and The Acolyte was no exception; however, the harsh criticism it endured often seemed unjustified. It’s encouraging to hear Manny Jacinto proudly reflect on the achievements made in The Acolyte despite the surrounding turmoil.

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