A recent rumor suggests that Loki director Kate Herron may have been approached to take on the same role for the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte. If it's true, this could mean great things for the new series, particularly after how well Loki was received among fans and newcomers alike.
The rumor comes from Making Star Wars, which claims that several sources have mentioned Herron as a potential director for the series. According to the sources, she has, at the very least, been approached to take part in The Acolyte. While this is little more than a rumor at this point, it does fit with other, more concrete reports that The Acolyte has begun production in Reading, England. As a British director, Herron would certainly be a convenient choice.
The report also addresses Herron's connection as a fellow LGBTQ+ filmmaker along with The Acolyte showrunner Leslye Headland. Herron spoke about this after Loki confirmed the titular character's bisexual/pansexual status, stating that it was important to bring that aspect to the screen as it was also part of the comics. She isn't the only one who sees the importance of expressing that identity, as Headland has also stated her intention for The Acolyte to reflect her own Queer identity.
If Herron does join the series as director, it's unclear whether she will be in charge of the whole thing or if she'll be one of many. It could go either way, as different Star Wars series thus far have taken different approaches with their directors. Deborah Chow directed every episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi, for instance, while The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett shared the duties among many. It may depend on how the story is told. Obi-Wan Kenobi kept a tight narrative the whole way through, so one director made more sense. Meanwhile, the other 2 shows had a bit more of an episodic feel, allowing for more creative freedom for directors like Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Rodriguez to let loose.
While little is known about The Acolyte, it looks like it will be a bit of a departure from the media Star Wars fans are accustomed to. Set during the High Republic era and taking place over 100 years before the original trilogy, it carries the potential to tell some truly unique stories without feeling the pressure to tie itself into existing characters and plot points. It will be the first truly mainstream Star Wars project outside of the comics to really delve into that time period, so there's a lot to be excited for.
Whether or not Herron really will take part in The Acolyte, it's definitely a project worth attention. She's already confirmed she won't return for Loki season 2, so that means she'll likely be free. Plus, given the impact she had as director of Loki, it's pretty clear that she'd be a real boon to the Star Wars universe. Along with her already proven talent, more LGBTQ+ stories and storytellers are always welcome.
Source: Making Star Wars