Actor Ewan McGregor has become synonymous with the role of Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars universe. McGregor first donned the Jedi robes for the first installment of the prequel trilogy all the way back in 1999 when he was still an up-and-coming actor. Years later, McGregor reflected on being in two minds over accepting what became his most popular role.
During an interview, McGregor spoke about his hesitance to accept the career-defining role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The actor explained why he was unsure about accepting the part but was glad that he ultimately said yes. At the same time, McGregor also discussed his future as Obi-Wan Kenobi after starring in a solo series focusing on the character.
Ewan McGregor Reveals Why He Almost Turned Down the Obi-Wan Kenobi Role in Star Wars
Actor Ewan McGregor rose to prominence with his critically acclaimed performance as Mark Renton in the 1996 comedy-drama Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle. However, McGregor was catapulted to superstardom just three years later when he appeared as a Young Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Phantom Menace, the first installment of the Star Wars prequels directed by George Lucas.
In an interview with Variety, McGregor admitted that he was initially unsure about accepting the role. The actor explained that after collaborating with Boyle on two of his previous films, he was preparing for the latter’s next project The Beach. At the same time, he was also offered the Obi-Wan role.
It wasn’t a done deal for me. I didn’t think it was at all who I was. I believed, at that point, I was a Danny Boyle actor.
McGregor made the above statement about his reluctance to accept the role. The actor added that at the time he felt The Beach was more important on a personal level and admitted to seeking advice from others. While McGregor did not reveal what exactly changed his mind, the advice he received likely had some part to play.
Ultimately, McGregor was replaced by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach, amid an alleged conflict with Boyle. Nonetheless, McGregor signed on for the Star Wars ride, saving millions of fans from suffering heartbreak. Despite the mixed reception of the prequels, McGregor’s Obi-Wan remains one of the more popular aspects of the prequels and his turning down the role would have certainly devastated many fans.
Ewan McGregor Wants to Return As Obi-Wan Kenobi For Future Star Wars Projects
During the same interview, McGregor admitted that the lackluster critical reception of The Phantom Menace was initially difficult to digest. McGregor reprised his role in the remaining two movies of the prequel trilogy, which also received mixed reviews.
The actor eventually returned to the role of Obi-Wan for a Disney+ miniseries after years of speculation around a solo project focusing on the character. The Obi-Wan Kenobi miniseries was released in 2022. However, McGregor seems eager and excited to continue playing the character.
I would love to do the second season, but there’s no talk of it yet. There is a lot going on at Disney.
McGregor made the above statement confirming that he would be down to continue the series with a potential second season. However, the actor reaffirmed that at present, there were no plans to extend the miniseries beyond the existing six episodes. Nonetheless, given the popularity of McGregor’s Obi-Wan among the Star Wars fanbase, it is likely that he will return to the galaxy far, far away sometime soon.
The Star Wars prequels and Obi-Wan Kenobi miniseries are streaming on Disney+.
