The Star Wars spin-off series The Acolyte has officially arrived to Disney Plus. Fans are excitedly binging the new episodes of the series, hoping to see the storylines that take place so many years before the Skywalker Saga. During an interview to promote the series, however, showrunner Leslye Headland made some interesting comments to concur that The Acolyte is the “gayest Star Wars“ and that R2-D2 is a “lesbian.”
The interview took place with The Wrap and naturally the topic of LGBTQ themes in the Disney Plus series came up. The interviewer noted that these themes would be “a talking point,” while Headland seemed surprised because they’re something that come naturally to her being a gay person. Actress Amandla Stenberg then chimed in:
“Because nerds are gay.”
The interviewer then tried to mention that “some nerds are very not gay and are very threatened by gay stuff.” While Stenberg agreed, she said, “Well, that’s true. But in my world nerds are gay.”
At that point, the interviewer asked whether or not the LGBTQ themes were included to be a “fun element.” Headland seemed mixed on that aspect for The Acolyte but does concur that she’s “into it” being the “gayest Star Wars.”
“No, I don’t think so, and yet people have told me it’s the gayest Star Wars, and I am frankly … into it.”
They then started having fun discussing what they feel were gay elements already included in Star Wars. This included the franchise’s costumes and characters like C-3PO and R2-D2.
“I think Star Wars is so gay already. I mean, have you seen the ‘fits? We’d be like, ‘Look how gay this is,’ and send each other a reference photo,” Stenberg said.
Headland then mentioned C-3PO:
“And are you telling me with a straight face that C-3PO is straight?”
While joking, the interviewer agreed:
“They’re a couple. That’s what I think.”
At that point, Headland shared her own “canon” feelings about R2-D2:
“I think it’s canon that R2-D2 is a lesbian.”
We are happy to report that #TheAcolyte is “arguably the gayest #StarWars” yet. 🌈 Happy Pride Month! 😉 pic.twitter.com/3oJSykc4Kq
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) June 4, 2024
Of course, it’s been known for awhile that The Acolyte would incorporate some LGBTQ themes in its storytelling. Headland had made it clear that those themes are part of her personal experiences and something that would naturally find its way into her work.
The Acolyte is currently streaming on Disney Plus with new episodes being added weekly. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional Star Wars news as we have it.