Star Wars fans went berserk when the news broke that Obi-Wan Kenobi is finally getting a Disney+ series. As per usual with Disney projects, details are limited until the series is released, but Obi-Wan Kenobi is poised to be a fan favorite.
Ewan McGregor played the Jedi Master in the Star Wars prequels and had big shoes to fill. He was tasked with not only bringing back to life one of the most popular fictional characters of all time, but also with following in the footsteps of the actor who played Obi-Wan before him, the legendary Sir Alec Guinness. But McGregor succeeded and is as institutional in the film franchise now as Sir Guinness was in the 1970s. Some might be wondering why the Scottish actor is returning to Star Wars after so long.
8 Obi-Wan Is One Of Ewan McGregor's Most Iconic Roles
McGregor already had a respected career before he landed his role in Star Wars. His first film role came in 1994 when he had a supporting role in Being Human and later that same year he was in another movie called Shallow Grave. But it would be his 1996 portrayal as the heroin-crazed punk Mark Renton in director Danny Boyle's Trainspotting. However, although Trainspotting is an incredibly popular film, it is far from being the international sensation that Star Wars is. More people will recognize McGregor as Obi-Wan than Mark Renton so it makes for him to return. Recasting the role might be a bad idea since McGregor is still young enough to play the character.
7 Ewan McGregor Has Not Played The Character For Over A Decade
It's perfectly normal for actors to become attached to their characters. One of the most common comments one hears from actors when a show ends or filming of a movie wraps is that they are "sad they don't get to play the character anymore." Considering how popular McGregor is as Obi-Wan, when shooting wrapped on Star Wars Episode III McGregor probably thought he would never get to play the character again. The opportunity to return to an iconic role is one that few actors could resist.
6 Obi-Wan Never Got His Own Story (Until Now)
Although Obi-Wan is one of the most central characters of the Star Wars story arc, he never got his own storyline. Sure, there are a few Clone Wars cartoons and a few plotlines in Star Wars films that focus on Obi-Wan, but this will be the first time that Obi-Wan is 100% the main character. McGregor finally has the chance to tell Obi-Wan's side of the story and he is taking it!
5 Disney Pays Well
Although his official paycheck is not publicly disclosed (at least not yet) we do know that McGregor was paid between $1 million and $3 million to play Obi-Wan for the prequels. We also know that he is worth between $25 million and $45 million. McGregor stands to make a large chunk of change off of Obi-Wan Kenobi because he is not just starring in the show.
4 When Else Would He Get To Play Obi-Wan Kenobi Again?
Although McGregor is still young enough to play a younger version of Obi-Wan he is not exactly a young man anymore. McGregor is 51 as of 2022 and while he is not a decrepit old man he is also not getting any younger. This could be the last opportunity McGregor has to play the character.
3 Ewan McGregor Loves The 'Star Wars' Fans
McGregor is also returning because he loves the character, and he loves the fans. This is a direct quote from McGregor about his return as Obi-Wan: "For us, it was the original films of the '70s, but for them, it was our films that were their Star Wars. So to step back into his shoes again now and do a series, a whole series about Obi-Wan Kenobi for those fans, it just makes me really happy." McGregor also went on to say, "I think it’s really going to satisfy Star Wars fans." It's nice when an actor is so considerate, and McGregor does not have an easy task. Star Wars fans are known to be a littly picky and protective of the franchise.
2 Ewan McGregor Is Producing The Show
As mentioned previously, McGregor is not just acting in the series. McGregor, along with a few other stars of the show, is signed on as an Executive Producer, meaning he is one of the bosses of the show. It would seem that McGregor wants to be as involved as possible in the revival of his character, and actors rarely get such an opportunity.
1 We Might Be Seeing Even More Of Obi-Wan
We know that Obi-Wan is returning for this series, but it might not be the only time we get to see Obi-Wan again. Obviously, fans cannot celebrate just yet, but McGregor has indicated he is open to returning as Obi-Wan outside of the new series. Nothing has been confirmed about Obi-Wan ever appearing again in any other film or series, but let's remember that Disney is very good at keeping secrets, so it is quite possible we will see even more of Obi-Wan very soon.