Fans demand Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy's resignation amid The Acolyte cancellation outrage

Lucasfilm's recent challenges have fueled growing discontent among fans, leading to renewed calls for Kathleen Kennedy to step down as president of the studio. The latest blow came with the cancellation of Disney+'s The Acolyte, a series set in the Star Wars universe, which will not be returning for a second season.

The cancellation, reported by Variety, follows a first season that failed to capture strong viewership numbers and was met with criticism from many Star Wars fans. Despite its attempt to showcase the rise of the Sith and explore diverse perspectives, including a female-centric cast, the show struggled to maintain interest and quickly fell off the Nielsen charts after an initially strong debut.

Creator Leslye Headland, who has been vocal about her passion for the Star Wars franchise, faced backlash for her show's representation and her comments about it being the "gayest Star Wars" ever. Her remarks about flipping classic tropes and comparing the season's battle scenes to those in The Matrix did little to mitigate the criticism. Lead actress Amandla Stenberg’s response to critics, calling them "silly racists," and Kennedy’s defense of Headland, pointing out the personal attacks faced by the show’s creators, did not quell the growing frustration among fans.

The timing of The Acolyte's cancellation, coinciding with actor Manny Jacinto’s birthday, sparked even more ire from the fan base. Some critics have accused Kennedy of politicizing the series and using the franchise for personal agendas rather than focusing on its success. This sentiment was echoed in a variety of reactions on social media, with some fans calling for Kennedy’s resignation, expressing their dissatisfaction with the studio's recent direction and its impact on the beloved Star Wars franchise.

Amidst this turmoil, fans are expressing their frustration, with many on X (formerly Twitter) sharing their discontent and calling for change within Lucasfilm. One fan’s comment, “Congratulations Amandla Stenberg, Leslye Headland, Kathleen Kennedy for making The Acolyte the biggest flop series ever,” reflects the sentiment of many who are disappointed with the studio's recent track record. Another fan criticized the timing of the news, while others lamented the perceived politicization of the franchise, questioning whether personal agendas have overshadowed the franchise’s legacy.

As Lucasfilm continues to navigate its recent setbacks, the future of Star Wars remains uncertain, and the calls for new leadership reflect the ongoing frustration among its dedicated fanbase.