Dafne Keen Speaks Out on The Acolyte’s Cancellation: “It’s Overwhelming, But I’m Proud”

Dafne Keen, who played Jecki in The Acolyte, has shared her thoughts on the series’ unexpected cancellation. In an interview with Screen Rant, the actress expressed a mix of emotions—pride for what the cast and crew accomplished and disappointment that the show’s journey ended so soon.

“It’s definitely, I think, overwhelming for all of us,” Keen said. “I think we were all very proud of what we created. I know I’m very proud [of my character Jecki], I was very proud of how my friend Amandla [Stenberg] handled the situation. And honestly, I’m a huge nerd myself, so I was just really happy that I got to play a Jedi. Bucket list ticked.”

Though the series was short-lived, Keen remains grateful for the opportunity to wield a lightsaber and be part of the Star Wars universe.

A Controversial and Costly Cancellation

The cancellation of The Acolyte came as a surprise to some but not to others, particularly given the show’s mixed reception and production costs. While the series had a 78% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, audience ratings told a different story, with an 18% approval rating. Many fans accused the series of prioritizing diversity over storytelling, while others defended it as a fresh take on the Star Wars mythology.

Beyond the discourse, money played a significant role. Reports indicate that The Acolyte‘s production budget ballooned to $230.1 million, a staggering amount for a single season. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman pointed to these high costs as a major factor in pulling the plug.

Amandla Stenberg’s Perspective: “Not a Huge Shock”

Amandla Stenberg, who played the lead roles of Osha and Mae, also weighed in on the show’s cancellation. Unlike Keen, she wasn’t entirely surprised, citing the backlash the show faced from certain sections of the Star Wars fandom.

“The hatred, the prejudice, the bigotry—it was very present,” Stenberg said. “So The Acolyte being canceled was not a huge shock.”

She went on to say that despite the negativity, she was proud of what they achieved and grateful for the opportunity to bring her characters to life.

The Future of The Acolyte Cast and Crew

While The Acolyte may be over, its stars are far from finished. Dafne Keen has already made a name for herself with her breakout role in Logan and continues to take on exciting projects. Amandla Stenberg, known for The Hunger Games and Bodies Bodies Bodies, remains a prominent figure in Hollywood.

As for Star Wars, this cancellation may signal a shift in Disney’s approach to its galaxy far, far away. With upcoming projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu and The Dawn of the Jedi, the franchise is still expanding—just perhaps in a different direction.

A Show That Took Risks

Despite its premature end, The Acolyte was a bold experiment. It took Star Wars into uncharted territory, exploring a period before The Phantom Menace with an almost entirely new cast of characters.

Dafne Keen, Amandla Stenberg, and the rest of the cast delivered performances that resonated with many, even if the show ultimately struggled to win over the wider fanbase.

For Keen, one thing is certain—playing a Jedi was a dream come true. Whether or not she gets another chance to swing a lightsaber on screen, she’s left her mark on the Star Wars saga.