Ewan McGregor Reflects on His Storied Career and ‘Star Wars’ Journey
Ahead of his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony later today, Ewan McGregor sat down with Variety to take a look back at his storied his career.
Having spent decades bridging the gap between artistic indie films and some of the biggest franchises in cinematic history, McGregor is largely unique amongst his Hollywood peers. While the actor is appreciative of the recognition he has received, he also admits that it is a little bit embarrassing.
“If anyone gives you an award for anything, you’re pretty chuffed about it,” McGregor said. “You’re always just pleased to be thought of. But I don’t know how I feel about it…obviously very pleased and honored and grateful, and a little bit embarrassed as well.”
Photo: E!
Looking back at the breadth of his work, however, McGregor admits that he has always been ambitious.
“I watched the actors and I learned from them. One of them was up for an advert or something, and I was 16, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’d never do that — I only ever want to do work that’s important,’” he reflected.
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)
EWAN MCGREGOR, KATHLEEN KENNEDY (PRESIDENT, LUCASFILM)
“What an arrogant thing!” he continued. “But I did in my clumsy way mean it. And when I say I’ve achieved my dreams, I think I’ve done work that has been important to people who’ve watched it.”
Joining ‘Star Wars’
While McGregor has had iconic roles in Trainspotting, Mulan Rouge!, and Black Hawk Down, to just name a few, for a generation of fans, he will always be associated with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Photo: Yahoo
His initial decision to join the iconic Star Wars franchise came after a lifetime of being a fan.
“Me and my brother watched the first ‘Star Wars’ films a million times, like most people my age. They were so important to us,” he recalled. “So I had to switch something off in my head to be able to cope with the bigness of all that and just get on with it.”
Looking back, McGregor admits that joining a galaxy far, far away was initially difficult.
Star Wars Episode II Attack Of The Clones starring Ewan McGregor & Hayden Christensen
“It’s always the same responsibility, to be believable in this character, in this story,” he said. “In the ‘Star Wars’ world, it was in the early days [with] the technology, and the green screen doesn’t aid the actor. It’s not helpful.”
Mentoring Hayden Christensen
When McGregor receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his Star Wars co-star Hayden Christensen will be on hand. Recalling his first time working with McGregor on Attack of the Clones, Christensen says he knew he had found a friend.
Photo: Parade
“The first time I met Ewan was in Australia,” Christensen said. “I remember walking into the hair and makeup room, and he came over and gave me a big hug. Right away I knew that I was standing in front of a friend.”
Following in the Footsteps of Giants
For McGregor, one of the highlights of portraying Obi-Wan Kenobi was being able to follow up on the work of Alec Guinness.
Photo: Lucasfilm
“I loved, more than anything, getting to know Alec Guinness’ work because I was playing him as a young man,” he says. “Even now with the series, that’s my personal challenge — if a take feels a bit like him, I’m happy.”
Will Obi-Wan Kenobi Return?
So, would McGregor be open to picking up his lightsaber again?
“I really do hope we get a chance to do another one,” he says. “Between where we ended off in the series and when Alec Guinness comes on screen with Luke Skywalker, I think there’s another few stories to tell in there.”
