Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The Acolytewas heavily criticized for several aspects of its narrative. However, one thingStar Warsfans unanimously agreed upon was the characterization and portrayal of Qimir / The Stranger played by Manny Jacinto, who emerged as a fan-favorite. The latter episodes positioned Qimir as a thirst trap.
During an interview, creator Leslye Headland spoke about making the character a sx symbol. At the same time, she revealed what prompted the physically attractive and sensual depiction. Here is what Headland had to say about making Jacinto’s character a true sx symbol inThe Acolyte.
Leslye Headland Discussed Flipping Gender Tropes inStar WarsWith Qimir inThe Acolyte
ActorManny Jacintoplayed the role of Qimir / The Stranger inThe Acolyte, with the character becoming the ultimate thirst trap forStar Warsfans. Initially introduced as a smuggler, Qimir is revealed to be the mysterious Sith Lord training Mae.
Later, Qimir tries to seduce Osha to the dark side, with episodes showing off Jacinto’s impressive physique. During a conversation withGQ, creatorLeslye Headlandopened up about portraying the sensual and s**y side of the character.
The Stranger flips classic gender tropes of hypersexualization. But a true s*x symbol is someone who resonates emotionally with fans. Manny’s magnetism is rooted in his acting, not just his physique.
Headland made the above statement, explaining her reasoning behind making the character of The Stranger a s*x symbol.
“It makes me appreciate the final product even more”: The Acolyte Haters Have Been Real Quiet After Knowing What Manny Jacinto Endured for the Craziest Star Wars Fight in Years
However, Headland added that the character’s sensuality stemmed from Jacinto tapping into emotions such as vulnerability, empathy, and longing, resulting in a nuanced and compelling performance that did not simply rely onthe actor’s physical appearance.
Manny Jacinto Talked About Asian-American Representation inStar Wars
During the same interview, Jacinto also spoke about his character in the series, especially what it meant for him to be aStar Warsfan. Jacinto revealed that he watched the franchise’s films as a child alongside his parents.
While he admired them from afar, the films did not resonate with him primarily since there wasa lack of Asian-American representationin them. As a result, Jacinto admitted that he did not see himself appearing in the franchise.
“It just seemed like a cool reversal”: The Acolyte Creator Leslye Headland Actually Wanted to Show the Sith are the Underdogs and the Jedi Can be Evil
However, the actor revealed that the diverse cast ofThe Acolytewould help inspire even more people of color to feel represented in the galaxy far, far away. He said:
Even more people of color will be able to relate to and celebrate and see themselves in this entity that is Star Wars.
From Jacinto’s words, it is evident that Asian-American representation attracted him to the role of The Stranger in theStar Warsseries. As a result, it was important that the character was more than just a thirst trap for fans and had a deeper emotional resonance with the viewers.
The Acolyteis streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
