Ewan McGregor Reveals Slaughter Of The Jedi Will Be Pivotal In Obi-Wan Series

With a bevy of slated releases already well-planned, Disney+ is not only striving to beat out all of the rest in the streaming wars, it has arguably already won. As Netflix and HBO vie for supremacy in this financial battle, fans look toward the more pressing war amid the stars as the climax of the Skywalker saga comes to its close this December in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”

The lopsided reception of 2017's “The Last Jedi” in line with some immensely unpopular leaks over the ending of “Episode IX” has led many “Star Wars” fans down a dark path. Many have long awaited content akin to the likes and overall quality of 2016's “Rogue One,” and Disney seems to have read these signs in the Force.

Ewan McGregor’s titular Obi-Wan has swooped in to rescue the fandom from stagnation. Alongside another highly anticipated new series, called “The Mandalorian,” Obi-Wan’s standalone television show will be the answer to fan’s prayers, showcasing events proceeding from “Revenge of the Sith” and up to “A New Hope.” While Pedro Pascal’s first outing in the “Star Wars” universe focuses more on gritty bounty hunting after the fall of the Empire, Obi-Wan will examine the decimation of the Jedi Order and the route to witch Kenobi takes in becoming the hermit known as Old Ben.

In an interview with Men’s Journal, McGregor touched lightly on the subject of the forthcoming series:

“It will be interesting to take a character we know in a way and show him—well, his arc will be quite interesting, I think. Dealing with the fact that all the Jedi were slaughtered with the end of ‘Episode III.’ It’s quite something to get over.”

McGregor has maintained a relatively busy schedule with “Doctor Sleep” opening in theaters this November, in addition to DC’s “Birds of Prey” releasing next February. Still, the Obi-Wan character has remained near and dear to the Scottish actor, what with a massive fanbase pleading for his resurgence. In that same interview, he discusses how important it is for him to live up to and bolster Alec Guinness’ Academy Award-nominated portrayal in the original trilogy. It only seems fitting McGregor once more assume the mantle, if not to wield a lightsaber again then merely to speak aloud “Hello there” one final time as the character.

It’s unclear when the show will make its official debut, though McGregor did mention that filming wouldn’t even start until summer 2020, spelling an easy 2021 release. Though the wait may be excruciating, knowing the possibilities for six potential hour-long episodes centered on Obi-Wan is enough to satiate fans.

Disney+ and “The Mandalorian” warp drive into homes Nov. 12.