“The Acolyte’s” addition as the latest live-action series in the “Star Wars” franchise on Disney+ marks a significant milestone in Asian representation within the universe first imagined by George Lucas. Korean actor Jungjae Lee, renowned globally for “Squid Game,” breaks new ground as the first Asian Jedi Master. The series also features Filipino Canadian heartthrob Manny Jacinto (“The Good Place”) as the Stranger, who delivers a nuanced, emotionally complex performance, challenging the stereotypical, one-dimensional roles typically given to Asian American actors.
While this casting is a significant leap forward for “Star Wars” representation, the road hasn’t been smooth. In 2018, Kelly Marie Tran, who portrayed Rose Tico in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, endured severe harassment from fans who directed racist and sexist comments at her online.
The actress later penned an op-in in the New York Times reflecting on her journey navigating the ups and downs of newfound publicity, writing, “And it was in this realization that I felt a different shame — not a shame for who I was, but a shame for the world I grew up in. And a shame for how that world treats anyone who is different.”
Tran went on to achieve further success, including voicing the titular character in Disney’s animated film “Raya and the Last Dragon” and becoming the first Asian woman on the cover of Vanity Fair. While Tran’s dedication and remarkable talent enabled her to rise above harassment and achieve success, the harassment she experienced underscores the ongoing need for progress within the “Star Wars” franchise.
The absence of Asian actors in “Star Wars” is a paradox — especially in pre-2000s films — given the deep influence it received from Asian culture. For many viewers, these cultural references may be subtle, particularly those linked to ancient dynastic traditions.
The Jedi Order, for instance, mirrors the Samurai tradition with its…
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