We are one sleep away from the premiere of the next live-action Star Wars series, The Acolyte, on Disney+. In celebration, Anakin Skywalker (and Darth Vader) actor Hayden Christensen welcomed The Acolyte actor Amandla Stenberg into the Star Wars family in a heartwarming video.
The video, which was shared on the official Star Wars X (formerly Twitter) account, is a reaction video of sorts. In it, Amandla tries her best to “be cool” while Christensen welcomes her into the Star Wars franchise.
A surprise to be sure.
— Star Wars (@starwars) June 3, 2024
Hayden Christensen shares a special message for #TheAcolyte’s Amandla Stenberg. pic.twitter.com/UVr0Xd5hDP
“I just wanted to send you a quick message to say congratulations. And I’m very excited for the show, and wanted to wish you all the best and welcome you to our Star Wars family,” Christensen said in the video.
Christensen concluded his heartfelt welcome by suggesting that the on-screen Sith duo would one day meet in person at a Star Wars celebration event. Understandably star-struck, the former Hunger Games actor replied in kind, thanking Christensen for the warm welcome.
“It means the world to me, cause I’m so honored to step into this universe. And the path that you’ve carved in it means so much to me,” Stenberg said before replaying Christensen saying her name a bunch.
Star Wars: The Acolyte is an eight-episode crime drama set in the era of the High Republic (AKA years before the Phantom Menace). It follows the perspective of the Sith in its ongoing battle against the Jedi. Showrunner Leslye Headland has described the series as "Frozen meets Kill Bill" with homages to director Akira Kurosawa and teased the series featuring more Jedi than any other Star Wars film or TV show. Stenberg— whom Headland has gone on record to say the show was designed with her in mind—will star alongside Squid Game actor Lee Jung-Jae.
Star Wars: The Acolyte premiers on Disney+ on June 4.
Isaiah Colbert is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow them on Twitter @ShinEyeZehUhh.
