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When The Acolyte debuts on Disney+ June 4, it will mark the start of the most diverse era of Star Wars yet — and that’s not an accidental thing.

Those involved in the creation of Leslye Headland’s new drama set in a galaxy far, far away have spoken about what it means to create a Star Wars story featuring a cast that reflects the real world, including Amandla Stenberg, who plays lead roles in the new series.

“When it comes to the world of fantasy and sci-fi in general, it hasn't felt like a safe space always for people of color,” Stenberg told Entertainment Weekly. “And it's been a world that I've always deeply loved and been invested in. So to be in any way, shape, or form a part of the wave that is ushering in inclusion and safety for Black nerds, it's my dream come true.”

Related: Was Disney's 2012 purchase of Lucasfilm a good deal?

The diversity of the cast in The Acolyte was “definitely something I noticed and was really excited about, and was one of the reasons that I chose to step into the world,” according to Jodie Turner-Smith, with Charlie Barnett saying, “I don't think I could have ever imagined myself as a Jedi, because I was not reflected for so many times throughout these films in the past. So to see such a diverse group now, I think it's going be a really impactful.”

The issue of diversity in Star Wars has been a hot button topic for certain fans over the past decade; Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy has recently said that she believes that the franchise should “be reflective of all people” wherever possible, despite fan complaints.

The Acolyte debuts its first two episodes June 4 on Disney+, and will continue weekly through July 16.

Get to know, understand, and love the Star Wars franchise more with our Star Wars watch order, guide to all the upcoming Star Wars movies & TV shows, and all the Star Wars movies and Star Wars TV shows ranked.