‘The Acolyte’ Season 2 Could Be the Ideal Opportunity to Canonize Darth Plagueis’ Story

Disney’s latest Star Wars project, The Acolyte, has recently concluded. Despite the controversies and review-bombing, the series generated significant buzz online, and fans continue to discuss it and theorize about its characters, demonstrating its lasting impact and popularity, whether one admires it or not.

While the show had its share of highs and lows, even its critics can’t deny that it featured some standout moments and contributed meaningfully to the expansion of the Star Wars canon. One notable example is the live-action debut of Darth Plagueis, a character previously mentioned by Palpatine in Episode III, which holds considerable potential for the franchise.

Our friends at ScreenRant have crafted an insightful article on how Darth Plagueis could be integrated into future Star Wars projects. They suggest that The Acolyte Season 2 (if it proceeds) could serve as an excellent platform for reintroducing Plagueis’ currently non-canon storyline into the official canon.

“He became so powerful, the only thing he was afraid of was…losing his power, which eventually of course he did.” These are the words that Chancellor Palpatine used to describe Darth Plagueis in Episode III, when he first mentioned the character to Anakin. And while it was Palpatine who ultimately killed Plagueis, his former master, his description was not an incorrect one. This is why we must ask you: “Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?“

Darth Plagueis the Wise is a legendary figure in Star Wars lore, recognized as the most powerful Sith Lord before Palpatine. While he was only mentioned in the original movie canon, James Luceno’s acclaimed novel Darth Plagueis (2012) delves deeper into his story and background, and remains a significant reference for many Star Wars fans. Here’s a summary of the novel’s storyline:

Plagueis has just murdered his master in cold blood and has become the dominant Sith so he begins to look for an apprentice of his own to advance his goals of becoming an immortal Sith Lord. Soon enough, he encounters his Master’s secret apprentice who he swiftly defeats and uses to locate someone powerful in the Force but each person he finds is not good enough for his plans. One day, Plagueis finds himself on Naboo and takes an interest in a young Palpatine who he eventually finds out controls the powers of the dark side on such a level that he was able to hide his abilities until Plagueis was able to draw them out.

Soon after, Plagueis takes his new apprentice now named Sidious to the planet of Mygeeto to begin his training and once he is ready teaches him how to become even more powerful than he currently is. Plagueis helps Sidious rise to the rank of senator of Naboo while Sidious trains a secret apprentice behind Plagueis’ back and begins to create the perfect Sith as a young boy from Tatooine is brought before the Jedi Council to be trained in their ways. However, Plagueis has his own plans for the boy.

Source: Wookiepedia

This book is crucial for understanding Darth Plagueis and richly expands on the hints provided by Palpatine. Unfortunately, after Disney’s acquisition, it was no longer considered canon, but The Acolyte offers a potential solution.

If the series is renewed for a second season, it could provide an excellent opportunity to reintroduce elements from Luceno’s novel into the canon. While a direct adaptation isn’t necessary, incorporating key aspects—such as Plagueis’ “Grand Design” and his actions leading up to and during the early days of the Skywalker saga—would be both fitting and desirable.

Fans would definitely appreciate this, as it would demonstrate that Lucasfilm values them and acknowledges the former Legends canon. The series has already made strides in this direction by confirming that Plagueis is a Muun—a detail from the Legends universe. We hope the writers will listen to the fans and deliver what they truly desire.

Of course, everything hinges on the future of The Acolyte, so it will be a while before we have all the answers. In the meantime, stay tuned with us for all the latest news and updates.

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