There is much excitement about The Acolyte because of all the big names attached to the Star Wars series. However, Lee Jung Jae has revealed that he could have turned down the Disney+ show. The Squid Game star pointed out that there is only one reason why he chose not to pass up the project.
Back in September 2022, it was announced that Lee Jung Jae would take on the lead role in The Acolyte. Although his role was undisclosed, fans were immediately excited about Lee's first major Hollywood project. However, the Squid Game Season 2 actor revealed during Star Wars Celebration that he almost refused the role since it meant having to speak English.
“My mother tongue is not English. If Acolyte wasn't a Star Wars series, I would have rejected it,” Lee told Naver. However, he added that it was impossible to refuse.
“But who could say no to Star Wars?” Lee said with a laugh. “I was very excited when I first caught a lightsaber in an action scene.”
It's a relatable reason considering that anyone would be eager to be a part of the Star Wars Universe. On the other hand, Lee Jung Jae had previously pointed out that working on a Hollywood project wasn't as efficient as what he is used to in South Korean productions.
"I actually felt that in some ways, filming sets in Korea are actually more efficient. There are many aspects of the work which are similar here and in Korea, but I feel that there are areas where the Korean method is more efficient," he said. Lee then added that "there are aspects I am learning from as well."
The Acolyte will also star Amandla Stenberg, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dean-Charles Chapman, Carrie-Anne Moss, Margarita Levieva, and Joonas Suotamo. The series will consist of eight episodes and is expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2024.
Related: Diego Luna Says Cassian Will Finally Become a Rebel Spy in Andor Season 2