The creator of the series “The Acolyte” Leslye Headland commented on the controversy surrounding Ki-Adi-Mundi

Mar 10, 2026

Almost two years after the premiere and subsequent closure, the series “The Novitiate” still manages to appear in the news.

In a candid and funny interview on George Lucas' talk show, The Acolyte creator Leslie Headland finally addressed the controversial topic of Ki-Adi-Mundi, clarified Kimir's status as a Sith, explained the role Yoda could play in Season 2, and more.

Ki-Adi-Mundi

One of the (many) ridiculous controversies surrounding the Acolyte series was the inclusion of Ki-Adi-Mundi, the Cerean Jedi introduced in The Phantom Menace. Some Star Wars fans have argued that Ki-Adi-Mundi's appearance in series is inconsistent with canon as the character would not have been alive at the time, citing his birth year given in an obscure non-canon entry from Legends.

Headland chuckled when asked about Ki-Adi-Mundi's age and went on to explain how his appearance in the series is canon.

“I asked Pablo Hidalgo,” Headland said. “I don’t remember what he said about the date of birth or life expectancy, but Pablo said it was cool.” A lot of people read the script.”

Headland went on to explain that the controversy surrounding Ki-Adi-Mundi's status as a member of the Jedi High Council was also unfounded. "In that scene they mention, 'We should warn the High Council,'" Headland explained. “He says this and because of it you assume he is not on the High Council unless he is."Should we warn ourselves?" [Pablo Hidalgo] said that if he is not on the High Council, then he can be used."

Kimir: true Sith or impostor?

There is much debate about whether the mysterious dark side user played by Manny Jacinto is actually a Sith or a SINO (Sith in Name Only). There is conflicting information circulating about this, especially in light of the release of the book The Art of the Acolyte, which essentially confirmed that Kimir will create the Knights of Ren.

However, when asked whether Kimir is a real Sith, Headland succinctly replied: “No.”

How does this fit with the information that Kimir was Plagueis' student before he became Palpatine? It's unclear. As well as why Kimir called himself a Sith among the Jedi, if he actually was not one.

Yoda and Vernestra Rvo in season 2

In the final episode of the series, "The Acolyte," Vernestra Rooh visits Yoda shortly after making the decision to cover up Kimir's crimes and pin the blame on Sol.

Headland confirmed that if the series had continued, Yoda would have helped Vernestra cover up the truth. "Certainly. Yes,” Headland said. "Don't attack me in the comments because he does that in The Clone Wars."So I don't want to hear about it."

Kimir's injuries

One interviewer asked Headland, "Did the light whip cause Kimir's scar?" Headland replied: “Yes.”

This confirms a long-standing fan theory that the injuries on Kimir's back shown in Episode 6 of the series were caused by a duel between Kimir and his former teacher Vernestra Rvoh.

Did Mother Coryl survive?

The fate of Coryl's mother was left up to interpretation in episodes 3 and 7 of The Acolyte. However, Headland confirmed in a new interview that Coryl did indeed survive.

This means that the Zabrak witch, played by Daredevil Rebirth star Margarita Levieva, lived to see another day and, given her already hostile attitude towards the Jedi, is likely even more angered by the actions of Indara, Sol and their associates that led to the death of her clan.

The atmosphere of George Lucas' original Star Wars' is recreated on set.

In an effort to ensure her series captured the essence of George Lucas' original ideas for a galaxy far, far away, Leslye Headland revealed that she shouted out "Modesto," George Lucas' birthplace, on set to remind everyone to always remember what George Lucas envisioned in Star Wars.

“I would shout to everyone: “Are you ready?Let's go!”… I just started shouting: “Modesto!”

A Plague Question for George Lucas

Leslye Headland asked George Lucas (or rather, not George Lucas himself, but his double) a question on the program about the iconic opera scene from the film Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

“Do you think in Revenge of the Sith, during the Sperm Opera, when Palpatine says that Plagueis could create life, is he lying or telling the truth?” - Headland asked.

In The Acolyte Headland certainly toyed with the idea of creating life through the Force . The origins of the twins Osha and May were shrouded in mystery, but it was clear that they were born without a father and through the intervention of the Force, like Anakin Skywalker. If the series had continued, we imagine Headland would have eventually connected Osha and May's origins to Anakin's and perhaps explained that Darth Plagueis learned about the ability to create life by studying Osha and May.