Star of "Squid Game" Discusses New "Star Wars" Series and Challenges of Acting in English

Courtesy of Disney+

Lee Jung-jae, known for his role in "Squid Game," has responded to criticism regarding the diverse casting in the latest "Star Wars" series, "The Acolyte." The 8-part series, set a century before "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," follows the story of Osha, played by Amandla Stenberg, who is accused of a series of murders targeting Jedi.

Lee portrays Master Sol, a respected Jedi master who accompanies Osha in her quest to find the suspect. The casting, which includes Stenberg, Filipino-Canadian Manny Jacinto, and Jamaican-British-American Jodie Turner-Smith, has faced some online backlash.

Lee addressed this criticism at a press conference in Seoul, acknowledging that such reactions are "natural" given the franchise's long-standing and passionate fanbase. He noted that the series features diverse characters and backgrounds, including aliens, which he believes was the director's intention.
 

▲ A scene from "The Acolyte," starring Lee Jung-jae / Courtesy of Disney+Discussing his character, Lee mentioned that Master Sol embodies more humane emotions compared to traditional Jedi portrayals. He aimed to express a broader range of emotions to establish a unique tone for the character.

Lee also highlighted the challenges of acting in English for the role. He worked with four English teachers, training via Zoom and in person, to prepare for his performance. He expressed gratitude to the director and staff for their support and consideration.

The first two episodes of "The Acolyte" are now available on Disney+, with new episodes released every Wednesday.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com