Squid Games star Lee Jung-Jae cast as lead in Star Wars series The Acolyte

South Korean star Lee Jung-Jae has been cast as the lead in the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte. The actor gained the attention of the western audience with his role in the Netflix global hit Squid Games. The actor has won Primetime Emmy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globes Award for his performances.

The Acolyte will reach farther back in time in the Star Wars universe and will explore events that took place far beyond that of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The story will reportedly take place during the high republic era when the Jedi had more power and control across the galaxy while the Sith were considered all but extinct.  Amandla Stenberg was earlier announced to be a part of the cast, she was spotted wearing a Darth Maul T-shirt, which raised speculation that she will be playing a Sith.

Leslye Headland, known for creating the hit Netflix show Russian Doll, will serve as the creator of the show. Details regarding the rest of the cast, Jung-Jae’s role in the series, and the release date are currently being kept under tight wraps.