The Acolyteconcluded one year ago, shortly followed by the news thatThe Acolyteseason 2wouldn’t be happening despite what many anticipated, butI still believe one ofThe Acolyte’sbest characters will return toStar Warseventually.The Acolyteintroduced a host of new characters, from twins Osha and Mae to Jedi Masters like Sol, but one of the most popular characters was Manny Jacinto’s Sith character Qimir/the Stranger. At first, it wasn’t clear what role Qimir would play; he initially seemed like little more than Mae’s goofy sidekick.
InThe Acolyteepisode 5, however, his true identity as the show’s masked Sith was revealed. In that same episode, he exhibited his incredible power and skills with a lightsaber, making him truly terrifying despite what we’d seen of him before. Throughout the show, Qimir/the Stranger only became more interesting, revealing a complicated Jedi past and ultimately developing a connection with Osha that took many by surprise.The Acolytemay never return to theStar Warsscreen, but, given several aspects of this character, I believe we will see Qimir/the Stranger again.
The Stranger Reinforced Just How Dangerous A Sith Lord Can Be
The Acolyte Episode 5 Was Reminiscent Of Darth Vader’s Level Of Destruction
Although Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious, some ofStar Wars’most powerful Sith, proved the danger Sith Lords posed, particularly inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith,20 years later, Qimir/the Stranger was the perfect reminder of how violent, vicious, and powerful Sith Lords can be. InThe Acolyteepisode 5 in particular, Qimir managed to cut down multiple Jedi Masters in a matter of minutes. In many ways, this felt reminiscent of the power both Sidious and Vader displayed inRevenge of the Sith.
This felt reminiscent of the power both Sidious and Vader displayed inRevenge of the Sith.
Palpatine, for example, cut down several Jedi who came to his office to arrest him, perhaps even more swiftly than Qimir killed these Jedi. Vader, of course, carried out Order 66, and while his most memorable kills were undoubtedly the younglings, he killed countless other Jedi during that attack as well, and he got away without a scratch (at least, before Obi-Wan Kenobi left him for dead on Mustafar). In that sense,Qimir really was a reminder of the strength and danger of a Sith Lord inStar Wars.
Manny Jacinto’s Performance Was Absolutely Stunning
His Dynamic With Osha Was Particularly Captivating
In addition to his raw power being on display throughout the show,Manny Jacinto also gave a brilliant performance as Qimirin general. This was perhaps most clear in how smoothly he was able to switch the character from the awkward sidekick, to the ruthless Sith Lord, to the oddly compassionate (hopeful) Sith Master of Osha. The latter was particularly captivating, especially given how unique it felt inStar Warsmovies and TV shows.
We’ve seen many fascinating, nuanced master and apprentice dynamics inStar Wars, Obi-Wan and Anakin’s own complicated relationship among them, but we’ve never seen anything quite like Osha and Qimir before. In addition toThe Acolytesetting up a compelling story arc in which Qimir successfully pulled Osha to the dark and was now going to formally train her, there were also undeniable romantic undertones to their relationship, particularly inThe Acolytefinale, in which the two were shown holding hands. There was, of course, also that surprising shirtless scene, but the subtler conclusion was even more interesting.
Manny Jacinto Clearly Still Wants To Return To Star Wars
Manny JacintoHas Continued To Be Involved With Star Wars
Given the dynamic, unique nature of the character, it would make sense forStar Warsto consider bringing him back, but what truly has me convinced we will see Qimir on theStar Warsscreen again is the fact thatManny Jacinto seemingly remains interested in returning toStar Wars. For one, Manny Jacinto has continued to attend conventions and speak aboutThe Acolyte, including making an appearance at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Notably, he didn’t mention the future of the show during that appearance, though.
What truly has me convinced we will see Qimir on theStar Warsscreen again is the fact thatManny Jacinto seemingly remains interested in returning toStar Wars.
Even so, Jacinto has commented in other capacities, including in interviews, upon his interest in returning as the character. In all likelihood, this would not happen in a second season ofThe Acolyte. Despite many in the fanbase continuing to advocate forThe Acolyteseason 2 online, that possibility seems less and less likely the more time passes. However, I remain convinced that we will seeThe Acolyte’sQimir/the Stranger in some otherStar Warsmovie or show at some point in the future.
