In a galaxy far, far away, where legends are born and the Force flows through all living beings, the Star Wars franchise marked it’s annual “May the Fourth” celebration with a tantalizing glimpse into the past. On Saturday, a new trailer for the upcoming Disney+ series “The Acolyte” was unveiled, offering fans a rare look at events that predate the iconic Skywalker saga by over a century.

As the mysterious teasers have hinted, “The Acolyte” centers on a conspiracy to eradicate the Jedi Order, the revered guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. Set in an era shrouded in darkness, the series promises to unravel a shocking crime spree that pits a respected Jedi Master, portrayed by the acclaimed South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae, against a dangerous warrior from his past, played by the talented Amandla Stenberg. As more clues emerge, the unlikely duo embarks on a perilous journey down a dark path, where sinister forces reveal that all is not what it seems.

Joining Lee and Stenberg in this ambitious exploration of Star Wars’ rich tapestry is an ensemble cast that boasts a blend of renowned talents and fresh faces. Jodie Turner-Smith, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Joonas Suotamo, who has donned the iconic Wookiee suit since the franchise’s revival, will all bring their unique skills to the series. In a departure from his role as Chewbacca, Suotamo will portray a different Wookiee in “The Acolyte,” adding to the intriguing layers of this prequel tale. Rounding out the impressive cast is Carrie-Anne Moss, whose involvement promises to add depth and gravitas to the narrative.

Helming this ambitious project is Leslye Headland, the creative force behind the critically acclaimed series “Russian Doll.” Headland not only serves as the creator of “The Acolyte” but also directs the first two episodes of the eight-episode series, ensuring a cohesive and compelling vision from the outset. Fans eagerly awaiting this immersive journey into Star Wars’ ancient past need not wait much longer, as the first two episodes are set to premiere on Disney+ on June 4, exactly one month from today.

“The Acolyte” is not the only Star Wars project on the horizon, however. The year 2024 promises to be a momentous one for the franchise, with the release of “Skeleton Crew,” a coming-of-age story that follows four children lost in the vast expanse of the galaxy. Starring Jude Law, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kerry Condon, and Tunde Adebimpe, this series promises to explore new frontiers in the Star Wars universe. Moreover, 2025 will see the release of a feature-length, multiplex-bound film titled “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” based on the beloved Disney+ series. As the Force continues to guide the franchise into uncharted territories, fans can revel in the knowledge that the Star Wars saga remains as vibrant and captivating as ever, even on this annual day of galactic celebration.