Amandla Stenberg on ‘The Acolyte’ Cancellation: “It’s Not a Huge Shock,” Blames Hyper-Conservative Bigotry

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As a gamer who has been around for a while, seen countless gaming adaptations, and witnessed the rise and fall of many franchises, the saga of “The Acolyte” is a tale as old as time. The series, though promising, was doomed from the start, much like my character in that one MMO where I got permanently stuck in a wall (still waiting for that patch).

“The newest addition to the franchise, titled ‘The Acolyte,’ has stirred up quite a bit of debate due to its contentious nature. In fact, it’s been embroiled in controversies long before its premiere, and these were further exacerbated when the initial episodes were broadcast, exposing noticeable flaws in quality.”

Regardless of its substantial funding, the series faced difficulties in capturing audience interest, causing a consistent drop in viewership numbers episode by episode. In the end, it met an early demise after airing only eight episodes.

Everyone expected the series cancellation; if you’ve tuned in once, it was evident that nearly all elements of the show, except for the action sequences, didn’t measure up. Not even Amandla Stenberg, the show’s main star, was taken aback by its termination, although her perspective on why it ended might vary significantly from most viewers.

Recently, Stenberg spoke out about the show’s termination on social media, explaining that intolerant conservatism, venomous attacks, bias, and hatred were likely the reasons behind its demise.

Ever since the announcement of our show, there’s been an outpouring of harsh criticism and intolerance – primarily from ultra-conservative groups – which I would describe as a wave of bitter, biased, hateful remarks directed at us.

Additionally, the actress extended heartfelt thanks to her faithful followers, acknowledging their steadfast backing during her career’s progression.

1. It’s been a profound privilege and long-cherished aspiration of mine to exist within this cosmos. The viewers who tuned into the program were not only captivated but also held in high esteem, which added immense value to my work experience.

Among the cast members, Stenberg likely comprehends the intense disdain and harsh remarks directed towards the show, given her role as both Osha and Mae. Due to this dual portrayal, she often faced racism and criticism regarding her acting abilities, with some viewers feeling that her performance did not live up to the expectations set by a franchise like Star Wars.

In reaction, Stenberg countered her critics by penning a song shared on social platforms, unintentionally inviting further harassment and valid concerns. However, amidst the criticism, she thanked Leslye Headland profusely, labeling it as one of the most rewarding experiences in her professional journey.

I am deeply grateful to Leslye Headland, for whom I hold great admiration. She is truly exceptional, both immensely gifted and exceptionally kind. Her talent and uniqueness make her one of the best people in the world, and my affection for her will endure forever. Similarly, this shared experience with her holds a special place in my heart that will last an eternity.

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2024-08-29 11:14