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The only agreeable response to“Hello there,”is“General Kenobi”in that menacing voice, thanks to the iconic dialogue delivery of Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor, who joinedStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, he was just 28 years old. He was stepping into one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history.
As the young Obi-Wan Kenobi, McGregor had big shoes to fill, not only as a Jedi but also as a successor to the legendary Sir Alec Guinness, who portrayed the character in the original trilogy. He wasn’t the confident, amazing actor we know and love right from the start.
Despite his undeniable talent and charm, McGregor’s presence was somewhat overshadowed by Liam Neeson’s towering portrayal of Qui-Gon Jinn. However, behind the scenes, director George Lucas had a clever strategy to keep McGregor motivated and excited about his future in the franchise.
Why was Ewan McGregor overshadowed inStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Ewan McGregor’s casting as Obi-Wan Kenobi was a significant milestone in his career. At 28, the Scottish actor had already made a name for himself with incredible performances in films likeTrainspottingandShallow Grave.
Yet, joining Star Wars catapulted him to an entirely different level of fame and pressure. InThe Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan’s role was somewhat secondary, as the story primarily focused on Qui-Gon Jinn and the young Anakin Skywalker played byHayden Christensen.
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The dynamic between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in the film showcased a master-apprentice relationship, with Neeson’s Qui-Gon taking center stage.Liam Neeson’s commanding role naturally drew the spotlight, leaving McGregor’s Obi-Wan in a quieter, more reserved role.
While McGregor delivered a strong performance, it was easy for audiences to see him as a supporting player rather than a leading figure. This dynamic might have been challenging for the young actor, who was eager to make his mark in the franchise.
George Lucas provided a confidence boost to a young Ewan McGregor
Recognizing the potential for Ewan McGregor to feel overshadowed,George Lucasmade a deliberate effort to keep his spirits high. Lucas reassured McGregor that Obi-Wan Kenobi’s character would play a much more prominent role in the subsequent films. This wasn’t just empty encouragement, Lucas had already planned for Obi-Wan to take center stage after Qui-Gon Jinn’s death inThe Phantom Menace.
In an interview withEntertainment Tonight, McGregor revealed that he got to be the first out of the duo to choose their lightsaber, further cementing his trust in Lucas’s words. He also mentioned,
George was always very keen to assure me that this was a character in development. Because a lot of the time I used to be behind Liam and he always said, “Now listen, yours is a character in development so by the time we get to the second movie you know…” And I always knew that was the case.
In the next film,Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan steps into the mentor role similar to Qui-Gon Jinn, guiding Anakin Skywalker and becoming a central figure in the unfolding saga.
By the timeStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sitharrived, McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan was lauded as one of the highlights of the prequel trilogy, cementing his status as a fan-favorite character.
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In retrospect, George Lucas’ decision to encourage and support McGregor during the early days of his Star Wars journey was a masterstroke. McGregor’s evolution as Obi-Wan Kenobi became one of the defining elements of the prequel trilogy that is part ofone of the highest-earning franchisesin the entertainment industry.
Fans and critics alike praised his ability to capture the wisdom, wit, and emotional depth of Anakin Skywalker’s mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. By the end of the trilogy, McGregor had truly made Obi-Wan his own, stepping out of the shadow of both Liam Neeson andAlec Guinnessto deliver a performance that remains iconic to this day.
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Ojas Goel is not just a writer by profession but one by heart His love for Marvel, DC, Star Wars, LOTR, Game of Thrones, and the intriguing world of anime is unmatched. This burning passion urged him to voice his opinions on the such topics and remain connected to the developments that follow. He particularly resonates with Tyrion Lannister as he likes the way he thinks and gets out of tricky situations. Ojas is a BCA graduate and loves to dive into the tech intricacies in his free time.
