Los Angeles, CA – Kevin Jenkins, a veteran in the world of “Star Wars” design, recently tackled a new challenge as the production designer for the Disney Plus series “The Acolyte.” Departing from the familiar elements of Stormtroopers and Star Destroyers, Jenkins and his team had to create a fresh look for a story set in a time period preceding “The Phantom Menace” by a century. This new series is the first live-action project to explore the High Republic era, characterized by peace and prosperity with no galactic war, evil empire, or rebel opposition.
The shift in timeline provided an opportunity for Jenkins and costume designer Jennifer Bryan to reimagine the visual aesthetics of the “Star Wars” universe without being constrained by existing templates. Bryan described the Jedi robes in the series as being more refined and meticulously thought out, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the era. The absence of iconic “Star Wars” visuals presented a creative challenge, requiring the team to establish a visual identity that still felt authentic to the franchise.
One of the anchor points in the show is the city-planet of Coruscant, home to the Jedi Temple, offering a familiar setting for viewers. The Jedi themselves also make an appearance in “The Acolyte,” sporting a slightly different look that aligns with the time period. Bryan’s design process involved reverse engineering many of the show’s costumes and props to establish a cohesive connection with later films and shows in the franchise.
The technology and vehicles featured in “The Acolyte” also underwent a redesign to reflect the less advanced state of technology in that era. For instance, droids are scarce, and characters rely on simpler tools like Pip, a versatile handheld device. The unconventional blending of historical influences, such as the Roman Empire and samurai warriors, brought a unique flair to the show, as seen in the character Mae’s armor made from chainmail and bamboo.
Overall, “The Acolyte” presents a fresh and accessible take on the “Star Wars” universe, paying homage to the franchise while offering a new narrative that stands on its own. Jenkins emphasized that the series requires no prior knowledge or background information to enjoy, making it a welcoming entry point for both newcomers and long-time fans of the iconic franchise.