The Acolyte sent the internet into a frenzy when it was revealed that the masked Sith Lord is really a muscular Manny Jacinto; now, according to showrunner Leslye Headland, the Sith may be entering Star Wars’ next full-blown forbidden love affair. The Acolyte episode 5 brought on mixed emotions for Star Wars viewers. Although episode 5’s Jedi deaths were absolutely brutal, Jecki’s in particular, The Acolyte knew what it was doing with Qimir’s biceps and suave attitude. Clearly, the show will be building upon that momentum, perhaps introducing the latest dark side/light side romance.
In an interview with Collider, The Acolyte’s showrunner Leslye Headland dropped multiple hints that a romance between Qimir and Osha is impending. Among other massive reveals, Headland explained:
“It’s so clear what’s going on. So anybody that’s picking up on it, congrats, awesome. But again, the dynamics had to be what they are after what he did in [Episode] 5. He cannot seem like an alpha male-y, intimidating — we know he’s capable of that from 5 — but that cannot be his dynamic with her. It wouldn’t make sense! We have to see this other side of him, and we have to see specifically the way he is with her. He never let Mae see his face, and he let her see him naked. You know what I mean? The character design was very, very intentional.”
The reference to “what’s going on” between Osha and Qimir is very clearly the romantic undertones; after all, Headland made frequent reference to Kylo Ren and Rey in this interview and explained how their dynamic was inspiration for this one.
The Relationship Between Qimir & Osha Is Absolutely Tantalizing
If Star Wars has figured out one thing in recent years, it’s the draw romantic relationships can have in the franchise. Although the original Star Wars trilogy obviously included the (unfortunate) love triangle between Luke, Leia, and Han Solo, the stakes were much lower for that relationship than they were for, say, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé. Following the popularity of their forbidden romance, Star Wars introduced the complex love between Kylo Ren and Rey and even gave Obi-Wan Kenobi a secret love interest in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Satine Kryze.
If Star Wars has figured out one thing in recent years, it’s the draw romantic relationships can have in the franchise.
Now, Osha and Qimir are clearly joining those ranks, and, although Leslye Headland has drawn a connection between their budding romance and the relationship between Kylo Ren and Rey, Osha and Qimir’s relationship will also bring many brand-new things to the table. Kylo and Rey shared a fascinating bond through the Force dyad, which made their connection stand out among the rest. However, theirs was a relationship that involved a constant push and pull—each thought they could turn the other.
In the interview with Collider, however, Headland made it clear that Osha and Qimir won’t be as diametrically opposed as Kylo Ren and Rey. Rather, they’re more alike than likely either of them realizes. While Qimir may see the potential in their shared histories, it’s doubtful he knows the true depths of Osha’s doubt and pain regarding the Jedi and her past with them.
It will be absolutely fascinating to see how this relationship develops in The Acolyte episode 7, particularly because Headland clearly anticipated the reception to Osha and Qimir’s romance as she was creating the show. Undoubtedly, she will play to the developments viewers are hoping to see, which will mean a brand-new forbidden love (and enemies-to-lovers plot) in Star Wars. With only a few episodes left, The Acolyte will almost certainly be stepping on the gas, revealing so much more about where Osha and Qimir’s relationship is going.
New episodes of The Acolyte premiere on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.