Star Wars series The Acolyte introduces first transgender actress, Abigail Thorn
Abigail Thorn, the well-known creator of the YouTube channel PhilosophyTube with nearly 2 million subscribers, is making her debut as an actress in the Star Wars Cinematic Universe (SWCU) show The Acolyte, airing on Disney+ this week.
In the new show, Thorn portrays ensign Eurus in a mystery-thriller set at the end of the High Republic era, approximately 100 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. The storyline follows a former padawan reuniting with her Jedi master to investigate a series of crimes, delving into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and dark-side powers.
Thorn will be starring alongside Lee Jung-jae, Amandla Stenberg, and Carrie-Anne Moss. While details about Thorn’s character remain scarce, her role in the show and her significance as a trans trailblazer have sparked curiosity among fans.
Abigail Thorn, a British YouTuber, actress, and playwright, is recognized for her educational content on PhilosophyTube, which she started in 2013 to offer free philosophy lessons. Alongside her successful YouTube career, Thorn has ventured into acting, appearing in various TV shows, films, and even video games.
Thorn publicly came out as transgender in January 2021, using her platform to shed light on trans issues such as healthcare access, media representation, and civil rights. Her openness and advocacy have earned her respect and admiration within the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Acolyte” premieres on Disney+ with a two-episode debut in the US on Tuesday and in the UK on Wednesday. While familiarity with the Star Wars saga is not essential, fans may want to indulge in some background research before diving into the new series.