'The Acolyte': Manny Jacinto Joins The Cast Of Disney+ 'Star Wars' Series, Charlie Barnett Also In Final Negotiations

There’s a lot of “Star Wars” to come before “The Acolyte” makes its Disney+ debut. But the more news that breaks about the upcoming show, the more exciting it sounds. Earlier this month, “Squid Game” star Lee Jung-jae, who just won an Emmy for his role on that show, joined Amandla Stenberg and Jodie Turner-Smith on “The Acolyte” cast. And now, it looks like a couple of other actors have joined the ensemble.

READ MORE: ‘The Acolyte’: ‘Squid Game’ Star Lee Jung-Jae Lands Role In Upcoming’ Star Wars’ Disney+ Series

Deadline reports that Manny Jacinto joins the series cast in an undisclosed role. It’s the latest casting in what’s been a huge 2022 for Jacinto. He had supporting roles this year in the box-office smash “Top Gun: Maverick,” Amazon’s romantic comedy “I Want You Back,” and the Hulu limited series “Nine Perfect Strangers.” Now, he travels to a galaxy far, far away for a show about the last days of the High Republic.

But Jacinto isn’t the only new cast member on “The Acolyte.” The Hollywood Reporter reports that “Russian Doll” star Charles Barnett is in final talks to join the cast. Barnett’s addition shouldn’t be surprising, as “Russian Doll” co-creator Leslye Headland is at the helm of “The Acolyte” as showrunner, writer, and director. Like Jacinto, Barnett’s prospective role is being kept under wraps, but it looks like a supporting role. Barnett’s recent roles include “Chicago Fire,” “You,” and “Arrow.”

At this point, next to nothing is known about “The Acolyte.” The series takes place in the final days of the High Republic, a hundred years before the events of “The Phantom Menace.” On top of that, the show’s title references what Siths use to refer to their apprentices, so expect the dark side to be a big factor in the series. The high republic is a time and setting seldom seen in the “Stars Wars” Universe, so Headland breaks new ground with the series, which she’s called a “mystery thriller.”

So, who’s next to join Jacinto, Barnett (possibly), and others on “The Acolyte”? Stay tuned as more news on this series breaks.