It’s been 15 years since Ewan McGregor last appeared on screen as Obi-Wan Kenobi – but recently, he stepped back into the galaxy far, far away to shoot the upcoming Disney+ series appropriately titled Obi-Wan Kenobi. Set 10 years after the end of Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith, the show will pitch viewers into an era between the Prequel and Original Trilogies – and is also bringing back none other than Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader.
Yes, Vader. Because while reports of his return have seen rumours of flashbacks (which may still be possible), in the Disney+ Day first-look teaser of the series, director Deborah Chow introduced Christensen returning as the respitorially-challenged villain, rather than the tortured Jedi Padawan. “We are bringing back Hayden Christensen to reprise the role of Darth Vader,” she says. “We couldn’t tell the story of Obi-Wan Kenobi without addressing Anakin or Vader.”
While there was no actual footage of the show, the teaser brought some intriguing concept art – a slightly aged-up Obi-Wan, the burgeoning Empire – behind-the-scenes looks at Christensen back in Sith Lord training, and hints at what kind of galaxy the show will take place in. For one, it begins with the Jedi Master having “one task” – keeping the young Luke Skywalker safe. But it’s not a good time to be a Force-wielder. “This is quite a dark time that we’re coming into with him,” explains Chow, who’s previously helmed episodes of The Mandalorian. “Just being a Jedi, it’s not safe. There’s Jedi hunters out there.”
And most excitingly of all, McGregor hinted at another showdown between Master and (former) Apprentice. “Have another swing at each other, might be quite satisfying for everybody,” he says. Hello there, indeed.
Watch the Obi-Wan Kenobi first-look teaser on Disney+ now.