Jedi galore. A dark, murderous mystery plot. A Wookiee with a lightsaber. Star Wars is back with a series like no other – get ready for The Acolyte, exploring a brand new era of the galaxy, 100 years before The Phantom Menace. The new issue of Empire takes a world-exclusive deep dive into the show with creator Leslye Headland and her sprawling ensemble cast – and you can pick it up on newsstands from Thursday 11 April.
The Acolyte
An even longer time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there were Jedi everywhere – and an unseen enemy in the shadows. Empire delves into an all new era of Star Wars with The Acolyte creator Leslye Headland, speaking to the likes of Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Carrie-Anne Moss, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Rebecca Henderson, Joonas Suotamo, Manny Jacinto, and Jodie Turner-Smith about their High Republic mystery.
Challengers
Luca Guadagnino is ready to serve up another ace with his erotically-charged tennis drama. Empire enters into a game of mixed throuples with Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, volleying back and forth on power dynamics, sexual politics, and courtside action.
Doctor Who
A whole new era of Who is about to begin. Empire steps into the TARDIS with returning showrunner Russell T Davies and incoming Time Lord Ncuti Gatwa, talking first season nerves, the much-anticipated Beatles episode, Ryan Gosling’s Whovian cred, and more.
Daisy Ridley
Post-Star Wars, Daisy Ridley has tapped into a strong current of acclaimed indies. As she prepares to release Young Woman And The Sea, she looks back on her career so far in a major new Empire interview and shoot – talking the power of saying no, her role as a producer, and her upcoming return as Rey.