‘The Acolyte’: Rebecca Henderson Will Play High Republic Character Vernestra Rwoh
The High Republic Publishing panel delivered some shocking reveals that went outside the realm of books and comics! Leslye Headland, the showrunner for the upcoming Disney Plus series The Acolyte, announced that fan-favorite character Vernestra Rwoh will appear in the show.
She will be played by none other than Headland’s wife, actress Rebecca Henderson. In what was an emotional moment at the panel, Headland said she couldn’t “envision anyone else playing this character.” Henderson is an actress and producer known for her roles in Russian Doll (2019), Inventing Anna (2022), and Werewolves Within (2021).
The panel delivered a first look at Vernestra in the show too. Here she is donning those classic High Republic robes with golden details:
Rebecca Henderson will play Vernestra Rwoh in THE ACOLYTE#StarWars #StarWarsCelebration pic.twitter.com/A6X1oFabeu
— Star Wars Holocron @ SWCE (@sw_holocron) April 8, 2023
The character of Vernestra first appeared in Charles Soule’s Light of the Jedi. She is a female Mirialan Jedi well-known for being one of the youngest Jedi Knights in a generation; she passed her trials at only 15 years old. She plays a critical role in the middle grade novels and either makes an appearance or is mentioned in nearly every single other medium of Phase 1.
The Acolyte will offer a unique chance to see Vernestra as a much older Jedi — the show takes place around 100 years after the events of Light of the Jedi. Vernestra would be roughly 115 years old at the beginning of the show, which could be pushing it for a member of her species. It’s unclear exactly how long her species can live, but it’s probably safe to say Mirialans highly attuned to the Force can live upwards of 100 years and even close to 200.
Since Phase 3 of the High Republic publishing initiative doesn’t begin until the fall, we have no idea how it’s going to affect her character. This confirmation can at least help Vernestra fans like me rest a bit easy, as we won’t have to worry about adding her to the rising casualty count anytime soon.
Vernestra was a Padawan to one of the most prominent Jedi of Phase 1 of the High Republic: Stellan Gios. As I previously said, she is a bit of a prodigy amongst the Jedi. Passing her trials at the age of 15 was wild enough, but she also took on a Padawan at the age of 16. The events of Phase 1 push her in ways few Jedi have ever been pushed. She’s thrust into leadership roles, times of crisis, and tragedy in rare ways for a teenager.
Her unique lightsaber will be something fans will love seeing on their TV screens — it contains a mechanism that allows it to transform into a light whip. A Jedi’s lightsaber is deeply personal, and the light whip mechanism is a secret she shares with only a select few. I really hope we get to see it in action!
If Vernestra’s wizened character in The Acolyte is anything like the young teen we see in the current novels, you can bet on getting a Jedi filled with a massive heart and a fierce spirit. Let the countdown for The Acolyte begin!
Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.
