The Star Wars franchise is about to feature its very first transgender actor. Despite critics’ chant of “Go Woke, Go Broke” in reference to Disney’s tendency towards diversity, Disney is doubling down on its commitment to inclusion – this time in the Star Wars universe. Keep your eye out for Abigail Thorn in the new Disney+ series The Acolyte.
Abigail Thorn is a British actress, writer, and director who is known for her YouTube presence. In October 2021, Abigail came out as a transgender woman, sharing her new name, pronouns, and story on her YouTube channel. Now, Thorn is set to play a character named Ensign Eurus in The Acolyte, which should premiere next year.
Star Wars: The Acolyte is an upcoming live-action television series said to take place in the final years of the High Republic era, which is a time period 200 years before the events of the Skywalker saga. The show will reportedly explore the dark side of the Force and the emergence of the Sith.
The transgender actor got her start discussing Philosophy on YouTube and also has spoken about trans-equality on the platform. Her The Acolyte casting follows the casting of non-binary actor Amanda Steinberg in the lead role. Disney has also recently cast other non-binary actors, as well as transgender actors, in lesser-known content across their platforms.
ScreenRant guesses that Abigail Thorn’s Ensign Eurus may be some sort of a Republic Officer during a time of Jedi conflict. Thorn’s casting marks the first trans actor casting in a major role in one of Disney’s top franchises. Star Wars fans fall on both sides of the fence in reference to the news, but the premiere of the show will be the real indicator.
It’s very far in advance of The Acolyte’s debut, and anything could change in the time before it hits Disney+. But so far, Abigail Thorn is in!
