Summary
A newWookiee Jedihas joined theStar Warsfranchise inThe Acolyte, with theJedi Master Kelnaccaplaying a supporting role in the series. Although Wookiees are among the most popular and well-known species in theStar Warsfranchise, there are few Wookiee Jedi in the modern canon and Legends continuities. Moreover, Kelnacca wears traditionalHigh Republic eraJedi robes, distinguishing him even more from most Wookiees, since he is one of the few who wears clothing.
The Legends continuity’sStar Warsradio drama from 1981, notably, revealed that all Wookiees have a heightened connection to the Force, since their close connection to nature predisposes them to the natural energy field. Despite this, Wookiee Jedi are rather rare, more due to behind-the-scenes reasons than an in-universe explanation. In most cases, Wookiee Jedi wear Jedi robes, whilemost Wookiees are typically unclothed.
George Lucas himself rarely allowed Wookiee Jedi to be created for theStar WarsLegends continuity.
All 18 Star Wars Easter Eggs In The Acolyte Episode 4
The Acolyte episode 4 features several exciting new Easter eggs and references as all points converge on Kelnacca, the first live-action Jedi Wookiee.
Why Do Wookiees Not Wear Clothes?
Wookiees Have Exceptions To This Fashion Choice
TheStar Warsfranchise never gives a specific reason for why Wookiees typically eschew clothing, but it can be assumed thattheir fur simply renders clothing unnecessary. Wookiees are shown on a variety of worlds, from the desert planet of Tatooine to the frigid ice world of Hoth, without any clothes to compensate for heat or cold. Wookiees typically only wear practical garments, such as pouches for tools or ammunition for their iconic weapons, the blaster-likebowcasters.
One explanation for why most Wookiee Jedi wear Jedi robes could be thatthey wear religious garbs when necessary. Chewbacca and his family all wear ceremonial red robes inThe Star Wars Holiday Specialto celebrate the Wookiee holiday Life Day, though all four Wookiees are typically unclothed. Wookiee Jedi likely wear Jedi robes simply because the robes are the traditional Jedi garb.
Do Other Wookiee Jedi Wear Robes?
Most Wookiee Jedi Are In Agreement
TheStar Warsfranchise includes other Wookiee Jedi, such as Burryaga and thePadawan Gungiin the modern canon and Jedi Master Tyvokka in the original Legends continuity. In nearly all cases, these Wookiee Jedi wear Jedi robes, butthe Jedi Knight Lowbacca of the Legends continuity’s New Jedi Order is the sole exception. The New Jedi Order is notably far less restrictive in their traditions than the old Jedi Order, which perhaps led Lowbacca to eschew clothing as he normally would if he never became a Jedi.The Acolyte’s Kelnacca, however, wears Jedi robes like most other Wookiee Jedi.
The Acolyteepisode 4 is now streaming. New episodes release Tuesdays on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
