Key Takeaways:
• The latest in the Star Wars series, The Acolyte, draws inspiration from the popular Soulslike game, Elden Ring.
• Series director, Leslye Headland, has designed the new villain, the Stranger, with influences from Elden Ring’s unique character designs.
• The design of the Stranger could potentially influence future Soulslike game bosses.
Elden Ring’s Impact Echoed in Hollywood
Elden Ring’s success is no secret. This beloved game by FromSoftware has not only fascinated gamers but also Hollywood bigwigs. Known for its detailed designs of diverse gear, equipment, and costume items, Elden Ring has sparked creativity outside the confines of the gaming sector. Case in point, the design of a new villain in the latest Star Wars series, The Acolyte. Series director Leslye Headland has admitted liberally drawing inspiration from Elden Ring, particularly in designing the villain’s outfit.
The New Villain in Town: The Stranger
Traditionally, Sith lords are imagined as heavily-armored warriors. But Headland decided to run against the stream. The new villain in The Acolyte, known as the Stranger, sported a mask and a cool cloak rather than chunky armor pieces. The inspiration came from the character designs in Elden Ring. As she put it, “We have to get him in something flowy.” She offered a fresh look at why the Sith lords would choose to be armored, questioning, “Why would you wear armor if you’re not going to get hit?”
The Golden Touch of Elden Ring’s Design
The Stranger, as portrayed by actor Manny Jacinto, made a compelling and fluid villain, exhibiting a different kind of Sith lord. His movements are fluid, his methods lethal – quite similar to a boss character in a Soulslike game. Indeed, the Stranger’s design isn’t just unique; it’s awe-inspiring, potentially influencing future design decisions for bosses in Soulslike games. Jacinto’s physical appearance further supplemented this design direction, enabling Headland to incorporate elements showcasing his physique.
Echoes of Star Wars Flavors in Future Soulslike Games?
The Stranger’s attributes and characteristics in The Acolyte project an interesting possibility for the future. Could we possibly see a lightsaber-inspired movement set in future Soulslike games? Given how well this idea merged with the dark, twisted atmospherics of the Soulsborne franchise, it might just be a matter of time.
However, this isn’t a simple one-way street of influence. Star Wars has exerted its creative influence over various franchises for decades, and now it seems to be taking advice from others as well. Elden Ring’s portrayal of darkness and horror has provided a fresh perspective in the Stranger’s design, blurring the lines between gaming and live-action entities.
The Reciprocal Influence of Gaming and Film Industry
Elden Ring’s influence in The Acolyte underlines a notable trend of video games inspiring decisions in film and television. Jacinto’s brilliant portrayal of the Stranger, incorporating elements of horror and gaming, has truly made an impact. Now more than ever, the lines are blurring, establishing a shared canvas where films and games can draw inspiration from each other.
What are your thoughts on the Elden Ring’s influence in The Acolyte? What other games do you think could inspire characters or elements in films and series? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
