Disney's latest Star Wars series, "The Acolyte," has sparked significant backlash among long-time fans, leading many to abandon the franchise. The controversy stems from the inclusion of prominent LGBTQ+ themes, particularly the depiction of lesbian characters, which some fans see as a departure from the series' roots.

"The Acolyte," set during the end of the High Republic era, was promoted as "the gayest Star Wars" by its showrunner Leslye Headland. Headland, an LGBTQ+ activist, emphasized that her personal experiences as a queer woman would naturally reflect in the series​​. This direction has drawn mixed reactions from the Star Wars community, with some praising the inclusivity and others criticizing it as unnecessary politicization.

Star Wars The Acolyte – Make It Lame And Gay!

The Acolyte a 1 minute review!#StarWars #TheAcolyte #DisneyStarWars #LameAndGay pic.twitter.com/dXL0AY2oyx

— Raging_Ryno (@RynoRaging) June 13, 2024

A significant plot point involves characters who are lesbian witches, an element that many fans found jarring. Comments on social media reflect the discontent, with users expressing frustration over what they perceive as a betrayal of the franchise's legacy. One commenter described the series as "Communist trash," while others suggested that Disney has "jumped the shark" with its current direction​​.

The negative reception is not isolated to "The Acolyte." Disney's handling of the Star Wars franchise has been under scrutiny since its acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012.

RIP Star Wars

“Put a chick in it, make it Iame and gay” https://t.co/IXVkafZTGG

— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) June 16, 2024

The decline in viewership and engagement can be traced back to divisive releases like "The Last Jedi" and "The Rise of Skywalker," which faced backlash for their storytelling choices and perceived feminist messages​​.

Critics argue that Disney's focus on cultural and identity politics is alienating the core fan base. The Washington Examiner notes that the insistence on integrating these themes is seen by many as a deviation from the quality and spirit that originally defined Star Wars​​. This sentiment is echoed by other conservative outlets, which claim that the franchise is being ruined by left-wing agendas​.

Despite the backlash, "The Acolyte" has its defenders. Proponents of the series argue that Star Wars has always been about diverse stories and characters, and that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements is a natural evolution. Headland and the cast have been vocal about the importance of representation, hoping to inspire a new generation of fans who see themselves reflected in the galaxy far, far away​.

The series' impact on the broader Star Wars narrative is yet to be fully realized, but it is clear that Disney's approach to inclusivity in the franchise is a polarizing issue. Whether this strategy will pay off in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, the controversy surrounding "The Acolyte" highlights the ongoing cultural battles playing out in popular media.