In the first two episodes of Disney+’s Star Wars show The Acolyte, a major surprise is revealed – leading lady Amandla Stenberg is playing twins. Mae is the titular acolyte of a mysterious Dark Side master, while her long-lost twin sister Osha is a former Jedi Padawan turned space mechanic. The two sisters find themselves on opposing sides as Mae hunts down Jedi while Osha tries to stop her. As Osha discovers Mae’s true nature, the stage is set for a dramatic confrontation between the two.
Stenberg’s portrayal of both Mae and Osha has been praised for its complexity and depth. While some viewers might see the sisters as representing the Light and Dark sides of the Force, Stenberg believes there is more nuance to their characters. Osha, in particular, struggles with inner turmoil and conflict, while Mae has a more established sense of self. The dynamic between the two sisters is central to the story of The Acolyte, as they are forced to confront their past and their connections to one another.
In Episode 2, Osha must impersonate Mae in order to gain information from Mae’s ally Qimir. However, her ruse quickly unravels as Qimir senses Osha’s true energy. Stenberg played the scene with humor, imagining Osha as a bad actor and a terrible liar. Despite this setback, Osha remains determined to bring Mae back to the Light, though Stenberg hints that their characters may not fit neatly into traditional Light and Dark categories.
As the series continues, viewers can expect to see more of the complex relationship between Mae and Osha unfold. Stenberg worked closely with creator Leslye Headland to explore the layers of trauma, pain, and insecurity that Osha carries beneath her facade. The ambiguity of Osha’s choices is intentional, reflecting her struggles to connect with herself and the Force. As The Acolyte delves deeper into the sisters’ past and motivations, the line between Light and Dark may blur even further, challenging traditional notions of good and evil within the Star Wars universe.
Stenberg’s co-stars, including Manny Jacinto, have praised her performances and the emotional depth she brings to both characters. The chemistry between Mae and Osha is a central part of the show’s narrative, driving the conflict between the two sisters and their respective paths. The Acolyte promises to explore themes of redemption, connection, and the gray areas between Light and Dark, offering a fresh perspective on the classic Star Wars dichotomy. Viewers can look forward to more twists and revelations as the series unfolds each week on Disney+.
