Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Disney Plus exclusive series set to release in 2022. Here’s all we know so far about its plot, cast and more!
What is Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi is a live series show planned to release in 2022 for Disney Plus, a specific date is yet to be announced. After the tragic events of Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan’s new task is to protect Luke Skywalker.
As usual, Disney is very secretive with its projects and they haven’t told us much about this upcoming series but two months ago a teaser was released, and with it some important information. Let’s do a recap of everything known to date.
“Obi-Wan Kenobi begins 10 years after the dramatic 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. Our fans will be thrilled that Hayden Christensen will be returning in the role of Darth Vader. This will be the rematch of the century.” – Kathleen Kennedy
The Production process
Originally, the plan was to make a film. Included in the “Star Wars Anthology Series” alongside “Solo” and “Rogue One“.
But after the poor reception of “Solo”, Disney announced a reevaluation of the release schedule. It wasn’t until D23 Expo 2019, that a new Obi-Wan series (and not a movie) was announced.
Deborah Chow is the director chosen to run this series. She previously worked with Marvel directing “Jessica Jones” and episodes 3 & 7 of The Mandalorian.
“The Volume“, a groundbreaking technology used in The Mandalorian, was also used to produce this series. This tech was previously known as “Stagecraft”. It is a gigantic screen that surrounds the cast and the set at a 270-degree angle. It’s incredibly high as well.
Plot of the show
We’re probably going to see Obi-Wan’s darkest time. The Republic is no more, the Jedi Order was destroyed and he’s the only person standing between dozens of dangers and the last hope for the Jedi and the Galaxy.
His resilience, willpower, and faith in The Force are his only weapons against old and new enemies. We must remember that while Darth Vader may be the biggest threat, he is by no means the only one.
The Galactic Empire is only 10 years old and if we have learned something, it is that Emperor Palpatine is tenacious and relentless. He won’t rest until every single Jedi is either turned to the dark side or killed. Bounty hunters, inquisitors, spies, or even Darth Vader if necessary. He’ll use every resource available to hunt down anyone he deems a threat.
What we know about the cast
It wouldn’t be an Obi-Wan series without the incredible Ewan McGregor giving us some catchy phrases and memorable acting. Hayden Christensen will also come back to reprise his role as Darth Vader.
Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand from Game of Thrones), Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie will join Ewan and Hayden in this new project.
Even Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse are returning to play Owen Lars and Beru Lars. They portrayed them in the Prequels.
Concept art for Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi
A short video was released by Disney in late 2021. Deborah and Ewan talk about what we have discussed above. But most importantly, they reveal some concept art that gives us a sneak peek of the places and some characters that will be present in the series. Let’s discuss the more revealing sketches.
Dozens of stormtroopers, a fortress with no sunlight, and ray shielded cells? I believe this is a top-secret detention block hidden under a mountain or in a space station. If this is true, then someone very important or very dangerous to the Empire must be held captive there. A former republic leader, an imperial traitor, or even a Jedi.
This one is my favorite. A black ship landed on Tatooine (presumably) and who’s coming out of it? An inquisitor with two stormtroopers. I can’t help but wonder if it’s a coincidence (or not) that it looks so similar to the Second Sister from Jedi: Fallen Order.
It’s hard to get something out of this one. It looks like some sort of plaza; the atmosphere reminds me of industrial sectors like the ones found in Corellia.
Right away I think Coruscant or Nar Shaddaa. A poorly illuminated street, lots of shady figures, merchants. The perfect place to hide, collect information, and buy illegal articles. Persecution could take place in these streets.
A group of rebel pilots and their snowspeeders. Probably one of the first hideouts of the Rebel Alliance. I’m eager to see if they also bring back some AT-STs and AT-ATs for a classic combat scene.
Darth Vader sitting on his throne at the stronghold he built on Mustafar. This place is iconic, as it represents the birth of Vader and his connection to the dark side.
There’s as a hologram he’s talking to, which is safe to assume is not Emperor Palpatine. Mainly because he’s not kneeling or in a submissive pose. Who knows what kind of evil is about to be unleashed towards Obi-Wan?
The rematch. A scene that resembles their duel on Revenge of the Sith. Even the structure is similar, and the lava adds so much intensity to this scene.
Once again, our protagonist will have to fight his former apprentice and best friend. But he’s not facing the Anakin he once knew, this time he’s going against a full-pledge sith lord. The rage, hatred, and commitment to the dark side will make Vader his toughest foe to date. Consolidating a rivalry that has existed for over 40 years.
Overall, I’m confident that Disney will deliver a good product. The responsibility of creating a new story for two of the most beloved characters of the entire Star Wars franchise is huge, but despite the heavy expectations I like to think that Deborah, Ewan and Hayden will deliver a good series with lots of things to discuss and tons of joy.
What are you most excited about the Obi-Wan Kenobi series? Character development, the story, or do you just want to see an epic lightsaber duel?
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi release date
Disney and Lucasfilm revealed that Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi will start streaming on Disney Pluys on May 25th, 2022.
This isn’t a random date. On this date, in 1977 the first Star Wars movie was released.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi trailers
We have seen a few fun videos teasing the project. You should not miss them out if you haven’t seen them yet. Especially the official announcement from D23 2019.
Article Text: Adrián Oteiza and Vulkk
Editor: Vulkk / Alex
Images: Disney / Star Wars
