Over a year after being canceled, The Acolyte creator speaks out over "completely valid" criticisms: "The first one through the wall is the bloodiest"

The Acolyte creator Leslye Headland has spoken out about the criticism of her canceled Star Wars show.

In an interview with The Wrap, Headland admitted, "Any gripes creatively with the show are completely valid."

Headland, perhaps best known for her work on Netflix time loop drama Russian Doll, pointed to The Acolyte taking place away from established Star Wars lore on a "new part of the timeline" as a reason why The High Republic-set mystery was a "major risk."

"It’s the old adage of the first one through the wall is the bloodiest," Headland said. "It was just very much, 'Let’s shoot for the sky.'.. So I have no regrets, and I’m absolutely obsessed with Star Wars. I still am, and I love my show, and I know that it was wonderful."

However, Headland was at pains to note that while some of the vocal minority she had "respect" for, there were content creators she regarded as "snake oil salesmen" and "opportunists."

The Acolyte revolves around the murder of Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss), an act that sparks off an investigation involving Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) and Osha (Amandla Stenberg). From there, old wounds and hidden histories are re-opened – as the long shadow of the Jedi's most shameful days becomes apparent.

Despite launching to positive reviews (and a healthy 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes), The Acolyte was abruptly canceled after just one season a month after launch in August 2024. Reports at the time suggested The Acolyte was canned due to low viewership, with figures putting the Disney Plus show's cost at around the $230 million mark.

For more, check out our guide to upcoming Star Wars movies and a look at how to watch the Star Wars movies in order – if you want to spice up your latest marathon in a galaxy far, far away.