‘The Acolyte‘ Hints at Palpatine‘s Rise,Deepens Ties to Sequel Trilogy’s Knights of ren
Recent developments in the Disney+ series The Acolyte suggest a direct narrative link to the sequel trilogy,specifically concerning the origins of Darth Sidious (Sheev Palpatine) and the shadowy Knights of Ren.The series appears to be building toward a potential fracturing of the relationship between Qimir and his master, Darth Plagueis, creating an opening for Palpatine to ascend as Darth Sidious. This storyline directly addresses fan speculation regarding Palpatine’s potential appearance or foreshadowing within The Acolyte.
The Knights of Ren, first introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens alongside Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), were largely underutilized in the sequel trilogy, ultimately serving as minor antagonists in The Rise of Skywalker. Expanded universe materials-comics and books released after The Rise of Skywalker-have revealed the Knights of Ren were not Sith, but powerful dark side followers who engaged in galactic murder and plunder.
These knights wielded a power they called “Shadow,” actively avoiding direct conflict with both Jedi and Sith, recognizing their inferiority in combat against either. Further details regarding kylo ren’s leadership, their absence in Episode VIII, and internal dynamics-including a relationship involving a character named Tava Ren-have been explored in supplemental materials.
Notably, Adam Driver even developed a script with Steven soderbergh, titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, intended to continue Kylo ren’s story post-Episode IX. While lucasfilm initially expressed enthusiasm, Disney ultimately rejected the project.
