Ewan McGregor Admits That Making the Prequel Films Was “Hard”
For a generation of fans, Ewan McGregor’s performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi has come to define Star Wars.
While the prequel trilogy was initially met with vitriol by older Star Wars fans, the films have become beloved by those who grew up with them.
As Hayden Christensen’s triumphant return as Anakin Skywalker has shown, there are millions for whom the prequel trilogy is the definitive Star Wars era.
However, even those who criticized Christensen’s acting, George Lucas’ dialogue, or the heavy injection of politics in the prequel trilogy found something to root for in McGregor’s portrayal of Kenobi.
Joining Star Wars Was Not a Sure Thing
Still, according to the Star Wars legend, joining the franchise was not an easy decision to make.
“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. ‘The Beach’ was more important and I meant it, it wasn’t flippant. I did ask a lot of people for advice.”
Following the release of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, McGregor admits that it was hard showing up to work knowing that the film was reviled by a large majority of the fanbase.
“I am happy that I am this character for a lot of people, but when these films came out, they were so disliked. That was hard. The first one was panned and we still had to make another two! It was weird to be in a film that was hammered.”
Redemption and Return
In the years since the release of the prequel trilogy, however, McGregor has become revered for his turn as Kenobi. In fact, for decades, fans clamored for his return.
Then, a miracle happened. Ewan McGregor returned as the famed Jedi for 2022’s mini-series Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was an experience that McGregor could finally enjoy.
“I would love to do the second season, but there’s no talk of it yet. There is a lot going on at Disney,” he says.
Hopefully, now that McGregor and his original Star Wars films have gotten the recognition they deserve, his time in a galaxy far, far away is not over yet.
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