New 'Star Wars' Series Teases Live-Action Darth Bane

After hitting Disney+ just last week, Star Wars: The Acolyte has introduced fans to a new era in the galaxy far, far away. While the High Republic might be a different side of a familiar setting, an old enemy many have long waited for might lurk in the shadows.

While the series introduces viewers to a time when the Jedi Order was at its peak, a new threat to the peace and justice of the universe is slowly seeping in with the introduction of Osha, her twin sister Mae, and a dark figure pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Related: ‘Star Wars’ Fans Go Wild After Spotting Darth Maul in ‘Ahsoka’

Although writer-director Leslye Headland and Star Wars head Kathleen Kennedy have earned heaps of criticism for their work, one thing they are definitely doing right is crafting an interesting view of the Dark Side. Moreover, they might be getting ready to pull the curtain back on one of the most iconic villains in the canon.

The Acolyte and the Rule of Two

Master Yoda laid it out long ago, “Always two there are, master and apprentice.” The rule of two is one of the core fundamentals of the Sith, and its themes of duality are also seen in The Acolyte.

Related: Iconic Jedi Knight Never Wants To Return To ‘Star Wars’

Along with titles and imagery surrounding twins, the number two, and opposite forces, there are more than a few references to this theme. Those who know their Star Wars extended universe will see more than just the duality often represented by the Light Side and the Dark Side of the Force.

Per the official Star Wars lore, the Rule of Two reads as follows,

“There would be only two active Sith at one time — a Dark Lord to embody the power and an apprentice to crave it. These Sith would operate in the shadows, favoring guile and conspiracy to bring down their opponents rather than brute force — that is, until it was time to rise and subjugate the galaxy.”

While this does appear to still be the case with Mae, now a Dark Side assassin, and her masked master seen at the end of the first chapter, there’s more to it than just two ominous figures waiting to strike. It might lead to our first glimpse of a live-action Darth Bane.

Who is Darth Bane?

Created by George Lucas and Author Drew Karpyshyn, Darth Bane is one of the most ancient Sith Lords in the Star Wars franchise. One thousand years before the Clone Wars, Bane was the legendary Sith who helped found the order and famously established the rule of two.

Related: Hayden Christensen Reveals How ‘Star Wars’ Replaced Anakin Skywalker

While The Acolyte takes place during the High Republic, a few centuries after Bane’s day and before the events of The Phantom Menace (1999), it’s clear that the Sith are rebuilding after being defeated by the Jedi Knights. As the themes of duality continue in the series’ newest episode, it might hint at an appearance from the infamous dark lord.

The Clone Wars already introduced Darth Bane in visual media, and he wouldn’t be the first cast member to transition to live-action. Darth Bane might not be far behind if things progress the way they have for entities like Cad Bane, Ahsoka Tano, and Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Related: Before Darth Vader: ‘Star Wars Legends’ Stories That Should Be Adapted Next

It should also be stated that while the show has been critically well received, some of the creative choices by Heyland and Kennedy haven’t exactly won all interested parties (namely the male audience). While it’s no surprise that Star Wars has a predominantly male demographic, introducing Darth Bane might be a way to offer an olive branch.

This is all pure speculation, but the evidence continues to stack up. We might not see Bane in the full flesh, but the series continues to spill more Sith doctrine from the extended universe. Stranger things have happened.

Do you want to see Darth Bane in live-action? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!