Ever since Lucasfilm announced the plans for a standalone Han Solo film, rumors have been swirling regarding what other characters should get the Solo-treatment (pun intended). Late last week, it was finally announced that there are plans to focus on Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi for a feature film. The project is in early stages of development, but director Stephen Daldry is reportedly attached to the flick.
The original trilogy first introduced fans to Obi-Wan “Ben” Kenobi as a hermit living on the planet of Tatooine. The Jedi, played by Alec Guinness, eventually reveals his true identity to Luke Skywalker. He then becomes the young apprentice’s mentor setting in motion the events of initial movies.
With the prequel trilogy, fans get a deeper look into Obi-Wan’s journey from Qui-Gon Jinn’s Padawan to Jedi master. The films featured Obi-Wan in key scenes battling Darth Maul and a very dark Anakin. The younger version of Obi-Wan was portrayed by actor Ewan McGregor and reinforced the fan-favorite status of Obi-Wan. Now, with the latest Lucasfilm announcement, here are four things we want to see in the Obi-Wan movie:
#1 The return of Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan
Considering the Obi-Wan film is still in early stages, there is still no script. Without a script, there are currently no actors attached to the project. Many fans are undoubtedly crossing their fingers for Ewan McGregor to reprise his role. McGregor himself has even expressed his interest in returning to the Star Wars universe for an on-screen role. It would certainly depend on the time period in which the film takes place, but with the cinematic technology this day and age, anything is possible.
McGregor did have a voice cameo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, so he is still very much on the mind of Lucasfilm. For now, the studio may be keeping their options open, but giving a call to McGregor is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Fans would be ecstatic to see McGregor back in that Jedi robe wielding a lightsaber.
#2 An interesting setting
The time period in which the stand-alone film takes place will also be up for debate. We definitely want a setting centering around eventful moments in Obi-Wan’s life, that much we can all agree on. There seems to be two obvious options that could potentially become the spotlight for Obi-Wan’s movie.
The first would be the 10 year gap between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. After finding his full potential as a Jedi and defeating Darth Maul, Obi-Wan is now a respected master to a young Anakin Skywalker when we get to Episode II. But what about those years in between the first two installments in the prequel trilogy?
The second and most likely option would be the events after Revenge of the Sith. We know that Obi-Wan delivers Luke to his aunt and uncle in Tatooine before going into exile. As for the events leading up to A New Hope, fans are pretty much in the dark. McGregor could easily portray a younger Ben and find himself on some kind of mission rather than staying in exile.
#3 Exciting cameos
Depending on the time period, fans could be treated to some amazing cameo appearances. If the movie takes the mid-prequel route, we could get Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin. The actor might be a little old to play a young Padawan but that is where movie magic comes in.
McGregor’s prequel co-star Liam Neeson could potentially make an appearance in the form as a Force Ghost. Qui-Gon Jinn played a pivotal role in Obi-Wan’s path to becoming a Jedi and will have probably made an impact on his life forever.
Just as we saw a young Anakin in The Phantom Menace, it would be interesting to see a young Luke in some capacity. It wouldn’t make sense to give Luke a lot of focus for the film, but a quick cameo would be fitting if the time period allows.
#4 A new villain
Star Wars has a slew of villains who have terrorized the galaxy throughout the decades of films, so it only makes sense to include a threat to Obi-Wan. Darth Maul and Darth Vader are most likely out of the question due to the events of the other films. Featuring Jabba the Hutt as the villain makes sense due to his palace being located on Tatooine, but the crime-lord is more of an intimidator than a villainous threat. There are also rumors of a Jabba the Hutt stand-alone movie so do not expect much focus on him. Could the Obi-Wan stand-alone film introduce us to a brand new villain? It seems pretty likely and could lead to a lot of creative freedom for the crew when developing the script.
Be sure to stay tuned for more updates regarding the Obi-Wan Kenobi movie and any other announcements coming out of the Lucasfilm world!
(featured image: Lucasfilm)
