At this moment, Sasha Banks' character in Star Wars: The Mandalorian remains a mystery. Some speculate she might be an Inquisitor or Sith sympathizer working for the Empire, while others suspect she might be Star Wars Rebels' heroine Sabine Wren. Most of these theories require fans to go back to the past and figure out how Banks might fit into what has been leading up to The Mandalorian.
However, a new, fascinating theory takes a different approach: look ahead. This new theory posted on Reddit by u/TheNinjaWhippet proposes that Banks is playing an Acolyte of the Beyond, one of the many Sith worshippers. The Acolytes are briefly mentioned in The Rise of Skywalker, as Rey's parents were murdered by one of the Jedi Hunters who were among their ranks, but they play a more prominent role in Chuck Wendig's Star Wars: Aftermath novels, the same novel series from which Cobb Vanth first appeared.
This article will explore the theory and assess whether or not it is plausible within the Star Wars canon.
Who Are The Acolytes?
Essentially, the Acolytes are fans of the Sith, and more specifically, Darth Vader, much like Kylo Ren is. They first appear in the Aftermath novels while traveling to the planet Taris to purchase what they believe to be Vader's original lightsaber. The Acolytes of the Beyond launch various guerilla fights against the New Republic, culminating in an attack where the cell is warded off. Their various Dark Side artillery causes them personal injury, and the cell is seemingly dissolved.
They appear more sporadically in content set between the original and sequel trilogy from there. We learn that the assassin Ochi who murdered Palpatine's child and partner (Rey's parents) was affiliated with the Acolytes, but we never learn how the group and Palpatine met or became directly affiliated with one another. It is possible that Sasha Banks' character in The Mandalorian might offer essential connective tissue between the twists in The Rise of Skywalker and the established post-original trilogy canon.
How Does The Theory Hold Up?
At the present, we know very little about Sasha Banks' character. Many suspect she might be a Sith affiliate based purely on her robe attire and insidious stylings. The Acolyte in the Star Wars: Aftermath novel does wear dark robes, but if The Mandalorian is adapting material exactly from the books, it's unlikely that Sasha Banks is playing that particular Acolyte, as that character was pale-skinned and hunched and the actress is not.
Furthermore, The Mandalorian has already proven that it will draw from the Star Wars: Aftermath novels, as seen with the appearance of Cobb Vanth. In fact, second to Aftermath, it is clear that The Mandalorian seems intent on illustrating the development of the galaxy far, far away post-Return of the Jedi in as much detail as possible.
It is highly possible that the inclusion of Sasha Banks' character will not only illustrate another component of the Star Wars universe but also offer ties to Palpatine and the rise of the First Order. Three facts are known that may contribute to the theory: (1) Kylo Ren is in possession of numerous Sith artifacts at the start of The Force Awakens, and these artifacts may be the ones the Acolytes are hunting, (2) Palpatine is worshipped by a cult, much like how the Order of the Beyond has a cultish devotion to the fallen Sith and (3) Moff Gideon has a Darksaber. The Acolytes might be the reason for all these occurrences, either in part or in full.
All of these answers might be explained by the presence of the Acolytes of the Beyond playing a crucial role between the original and sequel trilogy, and Sasha Banks character may just be that connecting factor.