The Acolyte's Lee Jung-jae is an 'instant favourite' for Star Wars fans

The Acolyte premiered on Disney+ with its first two episodes, introducing Star Wars fans to a whole new chapter of the universe full of intriguing characters.

A new cast leads the show, which tells the tale of twins Mae and Osha (Amandla Stenberg). Mae, the titular Acolyte, seeks revenge against the four Jedi who wronged her and her family, and when she sets down this path of violence her sister Osha becomes swept up in the investigation into her actions.

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One of the actors who drew the most praise from viewers was Lee Jung-jae, who impressed Star Wars fans with his depiction of Jedi Master Sol — for whom Osha was a former padawan. The character brought to mind other classic father figures in the franchise, namely Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn, and was said to be an instant favourite for many viewers.

The Squid Game star was also hugely praised for his work in the series because it is his first English-language show, with one person writing: "I can't stop thinking about how fantastic Lee Jung-jae is as Master Sol in #TheAcolyte when he's NOT FLUENT IN ENGLISH. It's hard enough just saying lines in another language let only with deep emotion and nuance. I'm blown away."

One person felt similarly and went further to praise the actor's approach to his character, adding: "Every line delivery from Lee Jung-jae/Master Sol was said with such power and emotion; I could feel his distress in some scenes and his hope in others. I have such an adoration for this Jedi and we’re only two episodes in. I can’t wait to see more of him."

Another viewer said of the Korean actor: "Lee Jung-jae really shines as Sol, he instantly became my favourite character. There's something really comforting about him. Sol acts like what a true Jedi should be, showing compassion and being kind-hearted. He is the Jedi Master we needed"

Comparing Lee to Neeson's character, one person shared a side-by-side image and wrote in delight: "It's like poetry, it rhymes"

Also comparing the actor to Neeson, another said: "#TheAcolyte is a breath of fresh air in Star Wars television storytelling. The cast is excellent but it’s Lee Jung-jae channeling Qui-Gon that stole the show. Great direction, mix of locations and volume, prequel inspired score, and amazing choreography add to this mystery."

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Another viewer wrote: "Lee Jung-jae's performance is outstanding hope to seeing him more in action but he doesnt disapoint during character development conversations."

While one person couldn't speak more highly of the actor, writing: "#TheAcolyte Lee Jung-jae is an absolute asset to the series. He’s a fascinating character who is clearly conflicted but feels a sense of responsibility in his role as mentor. Yes English isn’t his first language but he’s still one of the most compelling aspects of the show."

Reflecting on the actor's performance in his first English-langage show, a fan wrote: "Lee Jung-jae was phenomenal as Master Sol, only one episode in but he already brings so much heart and nuance in his performance, for him to be this great when he's not even fluent in English is a testament to how phenomenal he is as an actor."

While one person pointed out the importance of having the actor appear in a Star Wars show in terms of representation, writing: "Asian accents deserve to be romanticized the same way we hear British or European accents."

Another viewer also shared their delight at all the praise that Lee had received following the release of the show's first two episodes, and said: "I’m loving seeing all the love for Lee Jung-jae in #TheAcolyte. The gravitas and heart he brings to the character of Master Sol is just so impactful. I hope we get to see a whole lot more of him throughout the show."

The Acolyte airs Wednesdays on Disney+.