When we meet first meet Obi-Wan Kenobi in A New Hope, he’s not really the focus of the movie. The old man swoops in, “recruits” Luke and then ultimately sacrifices himself during a duel with Darth Vader in order to save the rest of his team.
This is not the last we see of him in the original trilogy, as he returns as a spirit of the Force constantly guiding Luke.
Although he does appear in the prequels which give him some more dimension, the real story is still about the Skywalkers, with Anakin/Vader in the limelight.
Finally, the Disney+ show depicts the more unexplored sides of this Jedi.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series is set after Order 66, presenting an Obi-Wan who is fearful of his life and of using the Force. It is heartbreaking to watch since we’ve never seen the Jedi this vulnerable in any Star Wars series yet.
If you are part of the Star Wars fandom, you know that for years fans were rallying to have a standalone project for Obi-Wan, and why not? While he appears as an old wise man in the original trilogy, the prequels depicted that he is anything but.
Watching Ewan McGregor assume the role of Obi-Wan was a pure delight. We came to learn that the Jedi was strong, charming and cunning — Someone capable of taking down both Darth Maul and Darth Vader.
But he was compassionate, which quickly made him beloved among fans.
Before Disney could announce the series, fans had spent years perfecting the proposal: We’ve seen him in his prime and we’ve seen him age. But there is still an odd 10–20-year period of his life (between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope) that we’ve not been privy to.
Arguably, this was the most turbulent period of Obi-Wan’s life. After years of being part of the noble (and peace loving to a greater extent) Jedis, he was turned into a war general during the Empire’s fall.
As if this wasn’t this conflict wasn’t enough, the Siths ensured that through Order 66, most of the Jedis are executed. This is the point that changes Obi-Wan from the ace Jedi we see in the prequels to the hermit in the original trilogy.
The Obi-Wan we see in the TV series has lost many things, including his hope. So despite finding him weak or underwhelming in the three episodes gone far, it is actually inspiring to see him fight that fear by helping both young Leia and Luke.
(He could’ve easily continued to stay hidden, especially since he knows the Inquisitors are still out killing surviving Jedis.)
It is truly heartbreaking to see the man he has become, and the difference is stark clear when he faces Darth Vader again. But against all hope, he perseveres — finally giving fans the story they wanted.
About Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Star Wars spinoff series directed by Deborah Chow for Disney+. It premiered on May 27, 2022 on Disney+.
The main cast includes Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, who will be reprising their roles for Obi-Wan and Vader, respectively. Additionally joining them are Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Joel Edgerton, Bonni Piesse, and Rupert Friend among many others.
The show follows Obi-Wan Kenobi ten years after the events of Revenge of the Sith where he faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
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