Manny Jacinto Interview about The Acolyte Finale's Mysteries Unveiled
In the life beyond our terrestrial borders, a fresh villain has emerged, shaking the foundation of the galaxy far, far away. Since the recent unveiling of The Acolyte's hidden main antagonist, Manny Jacinto's manipulative smuggler Qimir openly reveled as the powerful Sith driving events behind the show's title character. After wrapping up its debut season, fans are left in a whirlwind of intrigue, anticipating hints of what might come in a potential second installment. io9 caught up with Jacinto himself to delve into the Stranger's intentions, the previously shocking revelations about the Jedi and Sith in the finale, and his feelings about extending the Sith legacy.
Without a doubt, it's been a relief to finally let loose about your enigmatic role, Manny. The strain of keeping this secret weighed heavily on your soul every time you'd been faced with inquisitive fans. Can you tell us how it feels now that the cat's out of the bag?
It's a tremendous weight off my chest, James. The sheer amount of times I've had to blatantly lie to thoughtful enthusiasts has taken its toll on my soul. It's marvelous to have the freedom to discuss the Stranger's story unfettered. I can't wait to share any insights people might have regarding the character now.
In the early stages of the finale, a mysterious figure stands hidden in the shadows. To our delight, this turns out to be Plagueis! How much knowledge did you possess heading into filming about his presence on the show and his connection to the Stranger?
I absolutely had no clue that was going to be the secret reveal. In fact, I didn't even recognize it on set. Perhaps it was green screen or black-out, but when the episode finally aired, that shock was genuine. I must speak with Leslye Headland, the showrunner, about this.
Moving forward, the Stranger encounters a fresh presence in his world-one that could potentially complicate his ambitions. How do you think he feels about having this other entity in hiscompany, especially as he gains a new apprentice in the finale?
I haven't considered the ramifications of having this other being around. In my performance, I approached the Stranger as a solitary figure, focusing on his desire for power. With this sudden arrival, a change is evident-I need to confer with Leslye about how we should proceed with this moving forward. It was a welcome surprise, to say the least.
In the wake of the confrontation between the Stranger and Brendok, the Jedi make their presence felt, led by the indomitable Vernestra. It's a remarkable moment when the Stranger and Vernestra acknowledge their hidden connection. How well versed were you in this bond between them while filming? Did you have a sense of their past history, and how did it feel for you to convey this shared past as the Stranger watches Vernestra from the shadows?
I wasn't aware of their connection until we began shooting episode eight. Leslye intentionally kept us actors in the dark to prevent our performance from being influenced. Fortunately, I was given some time to process it and discuss the dynamic with Leslye. I believe their relationship could mirror the bond between Osha and Sol.
Speaking of Osha, the finale wraps up with a significant role reversal-Qimir lets go of Mae and gains Osha as a new apprentice. How does Qimir's relationship with Osha differ from the one he had with Mae?
The relationship with Osha is markedly different. With Mae, their bond was more sibling-like; akin to two antagonistic siblings working to satisfy their master. Conversely, Qimir's connection with Osha is much more intimate and personal.
Many viewers have latched onto the unique chemistry between Qimir and Osha, naming the duo "Oshamir." Would you be open to exploring this romance in a second season?
If a second season were to happen, I believe it's a relationship worth investigating further. It's exciting to see fans embrace this dynamic, and I believe it could draw new audiences into the Star Wars universe.
The Stranger now finds himself among the lineage of notable Sith characters in the Star Wars universe. Looking back on this series, what do you think it is about the Stranger that sets him apart from these previous Sith, making him unique and intriguing for fans?
I've discussed this with Leslye on multiple occasions, and the Stranger stands apart in that he possesses no remorse. Other Sith characters grapple with internal turmoil, reflecting an individual struggling to reconcile their past with their present. Conversely, the Stranger is unrepentant and unapologetic in his villainy, and I'm grateful to bring a fresh perspective to the storied Sith history.
- "Now that the secret about my enigmatic role has been revealed, it's been a relief to discuss it openly," Manny shared.
- "I didn't have any knowledge about Plagueis' presence or his connection to the Stranger during filming," Manny admitted.
- "With the arrival of this other entity in the Stranger's world, a change is evident, and I need to discuss how we should proceed with this moving forward," Manny mentioned.
- "I Wasn't aware of the bond between the Stranger and Vernestra until we began shooting episode eight," Manny explained, adding, "The relationship with Osha is markedly different from the one he had with Mae."
