Renowned actor Lee JungJae has officially entered the “Star Wars” universe. On the afternoon of June 5, he graced the press conference for Disney+’s original series “The Acolyte,” held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. The event was highly anticipated, given Lee’s outstanding performance in “Squid Game,” which catapulted him to global fame.
Lee JungJae’s journey into the “Star Wars” universe is nothing short of groundbreaking. He is the first Asian actor to take on the role of a Jedi Master, playing the character Sol, who investigates a series of mysterious Jedi murders. The actor shared his experiences and the challenges he faced while filming abroad for ten months, emphasizing his dedication to mastering English for his role.
The press event, which took place on June 4, featured a screening of the first two episodes of “The Acolyte.” Lee, who attended as the series’ representative, expressed his excitement about the project. He noted that despite the global attention from “Squid Game,” his passion for acting remains unchanged. He shared, “The ‘Star Wars’ narrative doesn’t require prior knowledge of the series, making it easier for new viewers to enjoy. It’s approachable and easy to follow.”
Lee also spoke about the unique experience of filming overseas for an extended period. He admitted that while there were minor inconveniences, the primary focus was on developing his character. He reminisced about the intensive English training he underwent, saying, “I started training four months prior to filming with excellent coaches and teachers. Though there were challenges, the production team was very understanding.”
Reflecting on his experience, Lee mentioned the similarities between the Korean and Hollywood film systems. He was particularly impressed by the meticulous attention to detail in the “Star Wars” universe, which has evolved since the 1970s. He said, “The set designs and props have been refined over time, making the ‘Acolyte’ set feel like a product of historical improvements.”
Lee’s portrayal of Sol is expected to be a warm and respected character, as per the director’s vision. He emphasized the importance of developing a close relationship with the character Osha to convey deeper emotional connections. The actor also highlighted the camaraderie and light-hearted atmosphere on set, thanks to the director’s warm and humorous nature.
The series promises a thrilling blend of mystery, action, and suspense. Lee expressed his admiration for the script’s ability to amplify curiosity and gradually unveil hidden truths. “The Acolyte” is set in a time before the existing “Star Wars” narratives, focusing on a previously unexplored era and the emotional depth of the Jedi.
“The Acolyte” will begin its journey on Disney+ with the release of the first two episodes on June 5, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday.
Stay tuned to witness Lee JungJae’s groundbreaking role in this new chapter of the “Star Wars” saga.
