Lee Jung-Jae Shares Insights on Jedi Master Role in “Star Wars: The Acolyte” at Monte-Carlo TV Festival

Actor Discusses Character Development, Showrunner Leslye Headland’s Vision, and Mysterious Relationships in Disney+ Series

At the Monte-Carlo TV Festival, Lee Jung-Jae, star of the new Disney+ series “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” sat down with Variety to discuss his preparation for the role of Jedi Master Sol. He also highlighted the strengths of showrunner Leslye Headland and shed light on the complex relationships within the series, especially between his character and those played by Amandla Stenberg.

Lee, renowned for his Emmy-winning performance in “Squid Game,” revealed that his portrayal of Jedi Master Sol was a blend of homage and innovation. “I drew 50% of my inspiration from previous depictions of Jedi Masters,” he explained. “For the remaining 50%, I sought something unique to Sol, something that would define him exclusively.” To achieve this, he consulted a “Star Wars” lore expert at Lucasfilm.

“The Acolyte” presents Jedi Masters as imperfect beings. Lee elaborated on this portrayal: “The show emphasizes that everyone makes mistakes. It’s about accepting these mistakes, striving to correct them, and evolving as a person. Human beings naturally have unstable thoughts, but through effort, we can progress toward something positive.”

Lee praised Headland’s empathetic and character-focused approach. “She views every human being as precious, and this perspective extends to her characters. Each character has a distinct past and motivations. Her dedication to character development is palpable in the screenplay,” he noted.

While Lee couldn’t divulge detailed spoilers about Sol’s relationship with twins Mae and Osha, both portrayed by Stenberg, he teased that their dynamic is a core mystery of the series. “The relationship’s mystery unfolds gradually, episode by episode, making it a captivating aspect of the show,” he said.

However, he did share that Sol treats both girls equally, offering them the same opportunities, although he ultimately chooses Mae to be his Padawan, a Jedi apprentice.

“The Acolyte” promises a nuanced and engaging addition to the “Star Wars” universe, with Lee Jung-Jae’s portrayal of Jedi Master Sol at its heart.