Ewan McGregor Opens Up About His Initial Reluctance to Play Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Star Wars” Prequels

Celebrated actor Ewan McGregor recently delved into his experience portraying Obi-Wan Kenobi in the “Star Wars” prequels, shedding light on his initial reservations about taking on the iconic role.

Despite the prequel trilogy receiving a more favorable reassessment in hindsight, McGregor revealed that the films faced significant criticism upon their initial release, creating a challenging environment for the cast. Natalie Portman, who portrayed Padmé Amidala, also acknowledged the hardships encountered during the production.

McGregor, who has previously discussed the technical challenges involved in filming the prequels, confessed to having doubts about joining the “Star Wars” franchise and almost turning down the role.

In a recent interview with Variety at the Göteborg Film Festival in Sweden, McGregor shared insights into his iconic portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi. He acknowledged his initial reluctance to become part of the franchise, citing concerns about the compatibility of the role with his acting style.

“I’m happy to have played this character for many people, but when these films came out, they were not appreciated for what they were worth. It was difficult,” McGregor revealed.

Despite the initial challenges, McGregor has come to appreciate the role and expressed enjoyment in reprising Obi-Wan Kenobi for the Disney+ series. The prequels have garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. While McGregor has not confirmed any future plans to return to the “Star Wars” saga, fans can revisit the prequels and anticipate the upcoming “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series to witness his exceptional acting skills.