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| ▲ South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae poses for photos during a press conference for the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte" held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul on June 5, 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- Renowned South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae has made his Hollywood debut in the Disney+ original series "The Acolyte," set in the expansive Star Wars universe. The first two episodes of the eight-part series were released today, with new episodes airing every Wednesday.
At a press screening and Q&A session held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, Lee shared insights and behind-the-scenes stories about his role. "The director told me that my character is Master Sol. I was really surprised to learn that I would be playing a Jedi," said Lee.
Lee recounted his experience of traveling to the UK for a camera test without knowing the specifics of his role. "I didn't initially understand what a camera test meant, but when I heard there were other actors also doing the test, I realized it was essentially an audition," he explained. He added that he learned about his casting and the character of Master Sol about a week to ten days after returning to Korea.
"The Acolyte," produced by Lucasfilm, is set in the waning days of the Republic, a hundred years before the events of "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." The series explores the mysterious murders of Jedi knights during a time of peace and the investigation into the hidden truths behind these events.
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| ▲ Actor Lee Jung-jae appears on this poster of new Star Wars series "The Acolyte," provided by Disney + on June 5, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The opening scenes of the first two episodes feature May (played by Amandla Stenberg) seeking out Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) and engaging in a fight, showcasing the iconic lightsaber action synonymous with the Star Wars franchise.
Lee Jung-jae portrays Master Sol, a former Jedi knight and mentor to the key character Osha. Sol is a respected figure within the Jedi Order, known for his wisdom and convictions. The teaser trailer's first spoken line belongs to Sol, highlighting the importance of Lee's role.
At the Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in the UK last May, Lee expressed his anxiety about performing in English, noting, "If it weren't for Star Wars, I would have declined." He later shared in an interview on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel that his extensive English practice left his tongue sore, making it difficult to eat.
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| ▲ Actor Lee Jung-jae appears on this still photo of new Star Wars series "The Acolyte," provided by Disney + on June 5, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
In the first two episodes, Lee's proficiency in delivering his lines in English was evident. He explained during the press conference, "I trained daily for four months with four different English coaches and pronunciation trainers before filming."
Master Sol's journey involves searching for Osha after she is implicated in the murder of Master Indara and presumed dead following a spaceship crash. Sol discovers that Osha's twin sister, May, is alive and responsible for Indara's death, prompting him to pursue her.
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| ▲ South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae poses for photos during a press conference for the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte" held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul on June 5, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Lee's performance captures a range of human emotions, including shock at his apprentice being accused of murder and sorrow over his colleague's death. He remarked, "I wanted to express emotions more actively, thinking it would be interesting to portray a Jedi character closer to human feelings."
Lee Jung-jae's appearance in "The Acolyte" marks the first time a Korean actor has been featured in a "Star Wars" series. The cast also includes Amandla Stenberg in a dual role as Osha and May, Manny Jacinto (of Filipino descent) as Kimi, and Jodie Turner-Smith (of African descent) as Anisea, showcasing a diverse array of actors.
"The Acolyte" explores themes of power, betrayal, and the hidden complexities within the Jedi Order, set against the backdrop of the Star Wars universe. As the series unfolds, audiences can look forward to seeing Lee Jung-jae's portrayal of Master Sol, bringing depth and humanity to the revered Jedi knight.
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