THE ACOLYTE IS DOING WHAT?!

[@ruthbennett7563]

I’m so glad to hear Dafne Keen is in this project. She is a talented actress with depth, as well as a solid action performer (she has been in several amazing things, but you likely remember her best in « Logan ») You’re right. We all just want good SW. I am hoping for the best.

[@michaelblackett8195]

Darth Maul was, and still is in my mind, the best thing in The Phantom Menace. To attempt to top the Duel-of-Fates is a tall order.

[@Lightsaber878]

Next to Podracing , yes .

[@hulksmash849]

Agree.

[@Rad0115]

Well, the choreography wasn’t perfect. It was really good, but there are a few goofy moments. I think Anakin VS Obi-Wan already topped it.

[@isaiasherrero7889]

Facts!

[@hulksmash849]

@@Rad0115 I would say it is a very close second to Duel of The Fates only due to what's at stake and the reveal of the Jedi's ancient nemesis. But both AMAZING. 👏

[@PrincessTiffie]

As far as action and choreography, both Duel of the Fates and Battle of the Heroes are equally stunning. We knew Battle of the Heroes was going to take place, so it was not the emotional jolt Duel of the Fates was. The emotional impact of Ahsoka vs Anikan made those fight sequences seem far more intense than the action alone. I hope the fights in The Acolyte are more than simply great choreography.

[@kendrathompson5207]

I went to the cinema to see The Phantom Menace with a friend. I hadn't seen any Star Wars at this point. I was almost falling asleep. Then the duel of the fates came on and that certainly woke me up and it was the moment I became a Star Wars fan.

[@MrAndymcginn]

I saw Phantom Menace with a group of 10 friends who all were around age 7 when Star Wars happened, at midnight, in Manhattan at the Zigfield ... ... ... we stood around outside the theatre slowly admitting to ourselves with great sorrow that the movie just sucked. We weren't angry, we were sad.

[@CarlosHenriqueXavierEndo]

Maybe seeing Hayden Chistensen again might be emotional for Ewan McGregor, but I cry my eyes out every time I watch Obi Wan talking about little Leia's parents under Princess Leia's theme.

[@artiemedley9369]

It is really unfortunate that The Acolyte has gotten so much negativity. I really feel like they're trying. Set during the approaching end of the High Republic, this will be my first introduction to this era. I've heard that Jedi have been uncontested by Sith for almost 1000 years. That tells me that using lightsabers to fight has probably gone by the wayside. Lightsaber usage has probably turned into something of an art form. I'm excited for this show. I'm excited for everything Star Wars. Thank you for all the great update videos, too!

[@derrick3913]

Its not about that. Its about the injection of her personal beliefs in a story that doesn't require it. People are tired of people trying to force Homosexuality on them. There is a way that seems right unto man but the end is death. And the ways of God is foolish to man. So stop trying to force Homosexuality down everybody's throat.

[@xcrowx8140]

It's not gonna be any of that. All you'll get is diversity and hate bcs the show's failing bcs of white men

[@biglawngnome]

Aside from Ahsoka vs Maul, duel of the fates is goated. The way Ewan is jumping up and down behind the rayshield before it opens and just blasts in there full force attacking is so intense. Iconic🎉

[@charlesbryant870]

I am old enough yo have seen all the movies in the theater from ROTJ on. Absolutely nothing beats the Duel of the Fates. the action. the music

[@davidreph5210]

The thing about Duel of Fates is that it was us learning about a character that we already know about, Obi, and seeing the coolest most hyped other sith to date fight with this awesome new saber and Qui Gon/ liam and Obi... it was the scene, the music, the actors, and 15 years of anticipation.... what other saber battle do people know by name? i guess apparently battle of the heroes.. but i didnt know the name of the fight ... ROTS is my favorite SW movie... but Duel of Fates is just POWERFUL.. does this mean we see yoda? because that is the only thing that might do it.. but we are also not talking about yoda vs dooku, which was awesome to finally see Yoda weild a saber.

[@Redfox_UK]

The statement about “topping” the Duel of the Fates battle in this series is just an enticement. It’s a bold statement to get everyone worked up and talking about it. I would rather see great acting and dialogue, an amazing storyline, believable characters, tone and pace to the series, rather than fine tune it to just “another lightsaber duel” Brilliant video. May the force be with you, always.

[@opwave79]

As you and others mentioned, Duel of the Fates was special not just for its choreography or dynamic filming (compared to the OT). It was the tension and setup. You could feel Obi-Wan’s anticipation, sense Maul’s cruel pride, and mourn Qui Gonn’s death since he was such a prominent character in the movie up to that point. That’s what really makes this fight epic.

[@GenjiAkira]

I have been watching Star Wars since 1990 and I am indeed interested in the Acolyte.

[@adrian0a.m.v028]

Honestly don’t know why people be hating on it it looks really interesting

[@jamesdheel1568]

Because we don't support insist. Let alone lesbian insist.

[@teejay1035]

I've been watching since 1977 and I can't wait to see the galaxy from this perspective.

[@dianesinger9729]

I think the black armor for Hunter is so they could fit in on the imperial base. Really hoping they take still do season 4 of Mandolarian. I really don't want it to end with just a movie. Will watch Acolyte before I judge it.

[@michellekraus9321]

Duel of the Fates is my favorite lightsaber fight to this day

[@TonyMidyett]

My fave is the final fight between Kenobi and Maul in "Rebels". It was just like real-life samurai duels---a couple of quick slashes and someone is dead.

[@danielnethanel9667]

Are we going to get behind the scenes of Ahsoka?

[@ianhenry1031]

Hi Meg, awesome news update, very interesting information and I hope the fight scenes are as good as phantom menace, it will be awesome, I hope they have a series of Mando and a movie aswell but I doubt it, thank you SWM

[@shamussilliker-vz6iz]

Awesome content!! Keep up the good work

[@TheRasta4ri]

By far the greatest individual fight scene is Ahsoka Tano VS Darth Maul animated final season of Clone wars while the rest of you can go protocol 13 Got to add greatest fight scene in marvel post Wesley Snipes would have to be Shiar Gladiator & the X men with Jean Grey as Phoenix animated Live action would be Winter Soldier VS Capt America, Falcon, Black Widow

[@Lure_01]

Wasn't that fight mostly done with motion capture?

[@KWW0321]

​@@Lure_01 I think so

[@KWW0321]

I agree!

[@Sussivan]

A little overrated imo but still very good

[@DayneWilson-y3p]

Let's hope the Mandalorian season 4 comes next year along with the second seasons of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka. Maybe we can get lightsaber duels in the acolyte trailer 2.

[@dansparkes6628]

Happy belated birthday Meg (pretty sure it's passed?) and hope you had a good one.

[@M2Mil7er]

Luke vs Vader on Bespin, and round 2 on Death Star 2 when Vader is redeemed aren't appreciated enough these days. What they lack in choreographed bombast, they more than make up for in dramatic tension and resolution. There's no way the Acolyte could top that. Cool dance moves are achievable, but the stakes are another thing altogether.

[@debbralehrman5957]

Will have to wait and see. I was thinking when you were talking about Darth Maul. I was thinking of how my feelings about him changed. Not most of his arc but at the end of his life. He went through a lot. Ok mostly because he was a prodigy of the Emperor. I guess when you work for the Bad Guy you really can't trust them. I did like the end with Obi-Wan.👍🏼 Thanks Meg👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dirtyhawkstv1575]

Duel of the Fates duel is the most underrated fight in all of Star Wars. Battle of the Heroes was undoubtedly the most intense duel in SW history, but the Fates is tops in choreography .

[@M2Mil7er]

Underrated? Not a chance. It's almost universally liked, even by those who wouldn't consider themselves prequel fans.

[@dirtyhawkstv1575]

Just seems like when I hear people debate the duels, they leave it out or don't put it at the top.

[@rogercookcouk]

I've haven't had the want to watch the Phantom Menace as much as now, since 1999!

[@johnscharnhorst3432]

May the force be with you Meg👽🖖

[@ZayaMillis]

I'm looking forward to day-to-day life at the Jedi temple in the Acolyte. We have seen glimpses, but I want to see the more mundane aspects. Like, do all the Jedi meet in a dining hall for meals? Dumb stuff like that is interesting to me.

[@debzh2011]

Agreed!!

[@matthewmiller4209]

The Acolyte fights just look like the Matrix. I suppose that's why Trinity is in it.

[@thestanleys3657]

Its good to have goals but based on the quality of the lightsaber duels when comparing from Disney era to Lucas' era theres a massive difference and the Acolyte is trying to best one of the top three duels in the entire franchise is a big ask one which I doubt they'll meet

[@w.selfless6022]

ye i doubt its better but if its better than anything we have seen during disney era im happy

[@chrisschultze6974]

I have been watching/reading Star Wars since 1977 when the first movie (now known as Episode 4) was released, and I am interested in watching the Acolyte. I want to see how it moves toward and ties in with The Phantom Menance. As long as the show doesn't change, what we already know is going to happen.

[@timidwolf]

The thing about the best lightsaber fights though, is that what makes them great is more than just the choreography. There is a lot of meaning in those fights and what the outcome would result in, e.g. The Duel of the Fates fight was about the future of Anakin's training, had Qui-gon survived he would have been more of a fatherly mentor to Anakin, a role that Obi-wan couldn't fill. So basically, they need to make sure we give a damn about these characters before this 'greatest lightsaber fight' or else it just will not measure up!

[@lukeorloki]

By far the Space Balls lightsaber fight is the greatest of all time. Sure sure, a disney plus streaming show can boast that their lightsaber fights are better than the Duel of the Fates fight. As long as they don't go full stoopid and ever claim they can beat the immaculate Space Balls lightsaber duel of awesomeness.

[@markkuykendall5475]

I've been a SW fan since 1977 (I was 5yo when Mom took me and a couple of friends to see it) and I am interested in the Acolyte. :) That shot you feature at around 7:40 looks like a centuries old Chinese Taoist nature painting. :)

[@POzziee]

You did well seeing Star Wars in 76, a year before it's release.

[@markkuykendall5475]

@@POzziee Ha! I JUST came back to correct the error and saw your response! My bad, I'll fix it! :)

[@vashaspecian6560]

Love Star Wars meg. Love your videos ❤

[@woodenrailwayproductions87]

Also in 1:01 the Crosshair helmet error is also comes with another animation error of Hunter helmet being painted in his season 1 color scheme instead of his rusted and scratched up Season 3 color scheme.

[@joefellasleep]

This is some extremely bad pr. The last time they said something like this was when Episode 9 was coming out and they claimed that the Kylo Ren vs Rey duel was gonna be one the greatest fights in the entire saga. And we all know how that turned out. They’d be better off having a great fight and not comparing it to anything because then people can acknowledge it’s greatness without putting it up against arguably the greatest duel in Star Wars.

[@vpuresnagger5570]

The one thing I’d say about that is they thought kylo and Rey brought more emotion to their duels than in reality. Also it was stated many times that sequel duels tried to aim more towards the duels in the OT rather than the prequels. I do see your point but I think them directly saying the duel from TPM is a better sign

[@ChristmasBob]

I hope to see,The Acolyte in June. I'm 53 years old. I already have one foot in the grave. People in their 50s,don't live long.

[@stephenrodwell]

Thanks Meg! 🙏🏼

[@richardbradley2802]

I love good lightsaber fights, but nothing in Star Wars can top my experience visiting London in 1977 and seeing the Tantive IV Corvette crossing the screen followed by a never ending Star Destroyer while the sensurround of the Dominion theatre shook me to the core!

[@madelinegarber7860]

I very much doubt the Acolyte will be able to top Duel of the Fates. But hey who knows? Maybe they’ll come close. Speaking of which, I’m so excited to see that duel in theaters. And believe me if I canfind a way to see ROTS and Battle of the Heroes I will.

[@phillyskyguy9535]

I honestly don't think so. They said Kenobi would have the "duel of the century". It was choreographed okay, and there was good character work at the end, but that shaky cam is absolutely horrible.

[@MrAndymcginn]

regarding the tone of the Acolyte shots: I agree they seem candied. As digital cameras get better and better as do HDTV's, things are getting more and more crisp and bright and have been for some time. Meanwhile, with the original Netflix Daredevil series and with Andor they've applied a filter that makes things look more grainy, blended, 70's, filmy. I share your thoughts about the look of the Acolyte being pretty Candy Land, curated, artificial. Like Ashoka, to be honest, but not S2E5 TheJedi of Mandalorian because of all the smoke and low lights in frame to dull things. Final point is that that Candy Land crispness that we both don't like from the Acolyte footage so far can just be solved with a filter in the edit. I think that's what audiences like, but when you're in the 'new tech means people will like it more' mode you go for it. So producers being seduced by wanting to use images with higher pixel rates to max out the potential of the TV's people are buying continue to miss the point, creating images you can't believe in when an older camera or just a filter effect would solve the problem in a click.

[@michaelpalermo4489]

I'm looking forward to the acolyte and really hope this show blows my mind and make me smile and jaw dropping 😂

[@xcrowx8140]

Prepare to be severely disappointed then

[@michaelpalermo4489]

@@xcrowx8140 ty and time will tell

[@xcrowx8140]

@@michaelpalermo4489 ok. Just remember you were warned. I also reserve the right to say 'told you so' in the future

[@TonyMidyett]

I'm a Gen Xer, so I've seen a lot of movie and TV trailers, and I don't remember people hating on upcoming movies and shows like this in past decades. Before the internet, the press stayed neutral beforehand, and the public buzz was word-of-mouth. You might hear excitement from people, but never vitriol. When the internet came around, the press was still neutral, and a few fans might make catty remarks on Usenet, but that's about it. But in the last decade or so, both the press and fandom seem to make it into a point of pride that they hate things before they have given them a chance. It's as if hating stuff is their whole identity.

[@taylormadealpha]

"My dear friends". I love that.

[@joemurphy5769]

Maybe talk about the fight is trying to get people more attached to it since there’s such distain at this time

[@Messi1dagoat]

They are dreaming there is no way they can beat duel of the fates.

[@nichlaschristensson1055]

They will not be ble to match that fight the choreography was really amazing and I don't think they can manage that. But they can give it a chance

[@Messi1dagoat]

An animation error I saw in bad batch was Wolfe drawing his pistol but it not being in his hand the next shot.

[@anthonydiprima9910]

No chance

[@wigglemd]

Thanks Meg! I Have Been Watching Star Wars Since 1978. Not Interested in Acolyte

[@SuperPlacido1]

Why not?

[@hotfroganimations]

After watching fallout... I'm considering missing the acolyte. Which would be the first time I'm not interested in a star wars show.

[@efpara1768]

"Only in your mind, my very young apprentice."

[@brianpeterson7028]

Disney has gotten some things right with Star Wars, but lightsaber duels are not one of those things. I don't see them topping the duel of the fates in the acolyte or for many years after

[@matthewvu1088]

The Ep.1 duel was done during the era before the iPhone, people worked really hard back then never to drop the ball on stage and film by high hell they made sure they did the job, unlike the kids of today.

[@mdub2000]

Got to have the right choreographer to pull it off

[@Valandhir]

To be brutally honest, my favourite lightsaber duel in Star Wars is in the SWTOR Trailer "The Return".

[@PryorTravis]

I'm hoping Acolyte turns out to be the miserable failure we're all expecting. No way that cast can come close to Duel of the Fates. To me, the best overall fight was Maul vs. Ahsoka, but I agree with you that is easier to pull off in animation. My understanding, however, was that fight was actually choreographed using Ray Park and then turned into animation using motion capture.

[@peterfelonk8535]

Did they ever explain why Maul’s lightsaber increases in size when he ignites the second 1/2 of his blade??

[@adamburgess311]

1:40 I was going say it was all grey

[@raoulduke8382]

Nick Gillard’s fight coordination is the reason that fight was so good. Same for Ep.3. If you want that kind of fight, just hire the man who knows how to do it.

[@Camtono_Collectibles]

If LucasFilm wanted him back they would have done so. They clearly don’t care about him anymore now that Kennedy has the keys to the kingdom. Nick will be the official choreographer for Star Wars Theory’s Vader fan film episodes 2 & 3 though. Unlike Kennedy and her ilk Theory respects and admires Nicks work along with his many years of experience. LucasFilm will regret not getting Nick back once those episodes drop.

[@TCBrown-sj4lp]

Hands down “Duel of the Fates”. I wasn’t a fan of the pod racing.

[@TalkitiveCargoPilot1969]

There is no peace. Peace is a lie. We have to fight for our freedom. We have to work for our happiness. ❤

[@kennyjayhardy]

It is a tv budget and not a theatrical budget…

[@bryanbartley5198]

Yea no one's gonna top the darth maul, qui gon. Obi fight, it's not gonna happen doesn't mean it won't be good, but I highly doubt it, closest the came in live action, was either luke v vador or Skywalker v obi one....those gotta be top 3.....but I like they're positive thinking

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

I think about Star Wars almost as much as I think about the Roman Empire (That's a lot!)

[@railerz101]

My favorite part of the phantom menace is the last fight.

[@EdwinDavenport]

Same studio that said Obi-Wan / Vader face off would be epic! 😅I don’t think so as the choreography and practice time was legendary for Ep 1. Heck the studio could not even afford to decorate that set!!! Ahhh. Noooo

[@MachiavellianWomble]

Yeah g'day, Every time, someone supposedly from The Acolyte says something I am screaming Bantha Doo Doo(well actually much worse) because to be true to the Sith things have to be dark, ruthless, and take no prisoners or leave any survivors but I can't see them doing something like that. Kommandant Krell will make everything all touchy, feely, Disneyfied. I hope I'm wrong and if I am I will admit it but my faith is lacking. More Filoni easter eggs and false trails in TBB3 gotta love it. Sending people spiraling madly done an imagined rabbit hole. It's a goodnight from you and it's a goodnight from the broken, cantankerous, belligerent, obnoxious, obstinate, obstreperous, cynical Old Fart

[@Camtono_Collectibles]

Without the lead lightsaber fight and stunt coordinator of the Prequel Trilogy the Master swordsman himself Nick Gillard. LucasFilm has no one who can top him not from what i’ve seen. Star Wars Theory managed to get Nick though. He is the main choreographer for Vader episodes 2 and 3. That I can’t wait to see! The Acolyte on the other hand has no chance.

[@aristsigaras9253]

Disney's so lazy. So often a let down. 😢 Glad we got Andor.

[@Tarik_sldt]

Kinda dissapointed by how the production looks from everything we have seen so far tho. I was hoping it would kinda look like andor and be cinematic

[@danlaplante]

What do you mean?

[@Tarik_sldt]

@@danlaplante like how the show actually looks

[@jeffreydaniel9432]

Most Iconic lightsaber match for me was Ahsoka vs Darth Maul. (PERIOD)

[@TKay42one]

I predict that the show will definitely NOT top Duel of the Fates, but I love and respect that she's aiming that high. I'd rather a failed attempt be made than automatically surrendering to the constraints (perceived and real) of television vs cinema. And I'm not even a big fan of the prequel movies, but seeing that fight play out on the big screen after waiting so long since Return of the Jedi, it was absolutely amazing.

[@addictstatic]

Ray park is an actual trained swordsman so the gravitas that maul has is well founded. It was something we had never seen before or since. But the prequel trilogy was a lot of telling (senate and council meetings) and not enough of what made the original trilogy great: showing and not telling meticulously the details of how the galactic government was run. If it was about the characters and battles it would to this day be superior but Lucas had to flesh out the collapse of the Republic, and the films suffered for it.

[@dawnkladerman598]

Utidiiiiiii 🎉😂❤

[@evoenjoyer3759]

in the episode with wolffe at 5:26 he grabs his pistols and they just disappear when the troopers run past him

[@ketchupcommander]

THE ACOLYTE IS DOING WHAT?!......its doing an Oppenheimer on the fanbase

[@allthatwecan]

The Maul fight changed lives and worlds. I was seventeen and can confirm shit was real

[@Ben1159a]

No way Disney plus manages to surpass Duel of the Fates. It's just not in it's DNA.

[@modeler308]

Meg, your audio still sounds muffled. You need your older mic back.

[@mdawson5581]

If they haven’t got Nick Gillard, their lightsaber fights will suck lemons

[@Camtono_Collectibles]

100% agree Nick will be back though he is the official choreographer for Star Wars Theory’s Vader fan film Episodes 2 & 3🔥

[@muffridah8207]

How can you not get excited about this new corporate Disney product after hearing such glowing self endorsement?

[@miragewizard]

"You will try."

[@BryantMartinez94]

❤

[@king_slatter]

she’s not topping the darth maul fight 😭😭😭

[@ChaseWright516]

I hated the podracing scene.

[@davidrichardson7221]

I am not planning to watch the Acolyte unless people I know watch and recommend it

[@Fedaygin]

Excitement grows strongeeeer 🙂 [4y Non Stop D+ Subber. It stays on Forever Pst: Not a simp viewer as i also dislike some Mickey's SW.] 🙂

[@hezzybaby]

"Anakin would've never turned to the dark side had Qui Gon lived" Utter. Bulls***. I always take anything Feloni has to say about Anakin with a pinch of salt since he retconned TCW!Anakin to be more like a hybrid of Han/Luke to make him "likeable" (newsflash, Anakin didn't need to be "likeable", plenty of fans understood his motives in ROTS). But this whole "Anakin turning to the dark side is Obi-Wan's fault" is absolute nonsense. Not only is this particular hot take an insult to Obi-Wan, it completely robs Anakin of his agency. Because at the end of the day it was Anakin's decision to pledge his loyalty to Palpatine, and to destroy everything that the people he loved held dear. That's what makes Anakin such a compelling character, and as Darth Vader, a tragic villian... because he did this to himself. As for the Sith Lord-shaped elephant in the room? Palpatine had been grooming Anakin since he was 9. He would've exploited the cracks in the master/padawan relationship no matter who Anakin's master was.

[@OswaldPHaygood]

I am an Everton fan, Meg, so my day has been pretty depressing. How about you?

[@derekforster6096]

Jar jar is the worst thing to happen in star wars

[@rickvolcano6017]

It won’t even come close. Just stop saying that. It’s embarrassing.

[@shantoreywilkins651]

🧑‍🔬🕵️🎁

[@derrick3913]

Ok. And all 25 people watching can see that epic lesbian battle

[@knight0fren551]

Ugh! The acolyte is going to SUCK!!!!! they cannot top darth maul Or The phantom menace

[@jpwookie22]

The Acolyte seems like it’s going to be a HOT MESS just like the director of it is.

[@Cryptosifu]

The fights in Kenobi and Ashoka were, to be honest, horrible. The only exception to this was the little girl who played Ashoka, she did better than expected. Star Wars continues to push this "women" agenda down our throats, when it doesn't need to be. Do we forget about all of the iconic women who have played major bad-ass roles. Men love it, we just don't need the obvious over the top agenda, just let it be.

[@M2Mil7er]

Carrie Fisher played a vital role in the first trilogy. Natalie Portman in the 2nd. This was when the only other SW content was The Holiday Special, Ewok Adventure movies, and Droids. Like it or not, women in positions of power and competence have always had a place at the heart of SW. The overall quality of the productions and writing may be very hit or miss but powerful female leads in SW are as old as SW. In light of this fact, wouldn't it be more logical to criticize the writing, not the gender? You'd sound less radicalized, and you don't need to have things shoved down your throat. It's a common phrase in this sphere and a bit fetishistic.

[@senate2674]

Its not going to be better , trust me😂

[@raphael_2d878]

Good luck with that. RAY PARK IS THE ONLY REAL MARTIAL ARTIST ON THIS FRANCHISE. Nobody was as skilled as him before filming. And he remains better than Ewan, Hayden, everyone in the original and sequel trilogy. They're not going to top the prequel trilogy duels none of them. You need to have the exact same stunt team do that. And that's not going to happen. Besides this bullshit "news" I'm still excited for the acolyte. There was no need to say they're going to try to top the phantom menace duel.

[@niburuteiamont7910]

Meh