Key Takeaways:
– Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor initially distanced himself from the iconic role of Obi-Wan Kenobi due to the critical failure of the prequel trilogy.
– The rise of social media saw a resurgence in the popularity of the triology, with fans particularly appreciative of McGregor's portrayal of Obi-Wan.
– The actor has expressed interest in reprising the role, should there be a second season of the Disney Plus series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
– Initial discussions about McGregor's return to the Star Wars universe involved movies, as Disney Plus did not yet exist.
Ewan McGregor Distanced From Star Wars Franchise
Renowned actor Ewan McGregor initially had no intention to reprise the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, having felt the sting of critics following the release of the prequel trilogy. Witnessing these movies being critically panned was tough for the actor, especially as there was no direct pathway to engage with the fans in the early 2000s, prior to the advent of social media.
The Thrust of Social Media
It was, however, the rise of social networks like Instagram and Twitter that fuelled a resurgence in the popularity of McGregor's contribution to the Star Wars universe. Fans began to appreciate the actor's portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and were eager to see him reprise the role. They started campaigning for his return on various social media platforms throughout the 2010s, demonstrating their strong desire.
Revival of Interest in the Role
This overwhelming show of support from fans eventually convinced McGregor to reconsider his stance. He admitted to Vanity Fair that he was taken aback by the fans' earnest wish. Forced into repeated media inquiries about a possible Obi-Wan restart, he found himself often saying “Yeah, I'd be up for it,” even though there was no solid plan in place for a return.
Door Open for Disney Plus Series
The resurgence of interest in McGregor's Obi-Wan steered the actor back into the Star Wars universe, leading to the development of the Disney Plus series, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Despite the series not being the best production in the Star Wars lineup, it had its unique charm, with the biggest attraction being the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi himself.
Possible Return for Season 2
At present, it's unclear if Disney is planning a second season of Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, McGregor has expressed his readiness to return to the role whenever required. Appearing on The Tonight Show, he said, “For me, I have no news to tell, I'm waiting for the call. I don't know if it's happening.”
The Journey Continues
McGregor mentioned that initial discussions about his Star Wars comeback involved movies, since Disney Plus hadn't launched at the time. The actor had suggested a narrative that focused on a shattered Obi-Wan following Episode III. The full series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, is now available to stream on Disney Plus.
In conclusion, Ewan McGregor's initial reluctance to return to the Star Wars franchise was firmly countered by the rise of social media and the relentless support of fans globally.
