Headland revealed that none other than her own wife, Rebecca Henderson, will be playing the “High Republic” character: “[Vernestra’s] journey is the journey of the Jedi on our show, and I couldn’t think of a better actor than my wife to play her.” 

The two have been married since 2016, and Henderson previously appeared in a supporting role in the Headland-helmed Netflix sci-fi mystery “Russian Doll.” She has also played characters in everything from “Orange is the New Black” to “Westworld.” 

Henderson isn’t the only actor from “Russian Doll” returning for “The Acolyte”; series co-lead Charlie Barnett is also appearing in the “Star Wars” series, in an as-yet-unnamed Jedi knight role. Both Henderson and Barnett appeared on stage during the Lucasfilm Showcase panel on Friday, where the first footage from “The Acolyte” was shown.

Henderson came out on stage again following this announcement, to much applause, and they showed a photograph on screen of Vernestra Rwoh in the show. She’s a much older Jedi than in “The High Republic,” without hair and with markings on her head, and wearing the golden mission robes of the Jedi that we’ve been accustomed to seeing in “The High Republic” projects.