Episode 5 of Star Wars: The Acolyte has captivated audiences with one of the most visually stunning lightsaber battles seen in recent years. The episode’s success can be attributed largely to the character Qimir, portrayed by Manny Jacinto of The Good Place fame. Eschewing the typical Sith robes for an outfit that showcases his muscular arms, Qimir’s attire in The Acolyte has been crafted with inspiration from the gaming world, specifically from Let Me Solo Her, a community hero seen in the popular game Elden Ring.
In an interview with Inverse, Headland discussed the character design process, emphasising the importance of mobility and visual impact. “So much of Qimir was understanding how to use your body and not just standing there in a suit or being encumbered by a suit,” Headland said. “We were like, ‘We have to get him in something flowy.’ As soon as I said he didn’t have armour, everyone lost their mind. ‘How can you not have armour?’ I was like, ‘Why would you wear armour if you’re not going to get hit?’ It’s like the Elden Ring costume. The Elden Bling. When you summon people, you always summon the people that aren’t wearing anything, and it’s like, ‘These people are f***ing crazy.'”
“His character design was a long process. I mean, it was for everybody, but specifically for his character, to create a new Sith. Sith have been done so well, so it was very difficult to say ‘All right, this is a guy in hiding. This is the guy that moves differently. This guy’s helmet has a different purpose…’ and having to unpack that,” she continued, “I remember we were showing [Jacinto] a Qimir costume sketch, and it just showed his arms a little bit, and he was like, ‘No.’ He’s not a guy that says no very often. He’s very collaborative. He’ll do anything for you. I was surprised. But then I saw his first screen test with the whole outfit, and I was like, “Ha, ha, ha!”
This design philosophy mirrors strategies used by Elden Ring players who opt for agility over heavy armour, enhancing the mystique and agility of their characters. Qimir’s costume not only highlights his physicality but also his unique combat style, which includes a dual-blade saber and an aggressive approach reminiscent of the famed Elden Ring legend Let Me Solo Her.
The reaction to Qimir’s look was anticipated to be significant, and it did not disappoint. The character’s reception underscores a successful fusion of video game Elden Ring aesthetics with Star Wars’ The Acolyte, bringing a fresh and fun vibe to the franchise’s visual storytelling.
The first five episodes of The Acolyte are now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Trinity Sun
Si Jia
