Although not everyone loves the Prequel Trilogy, I think most can agree that Ewan McGregor's performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi was a definite highlight. After years of rumours, it was officially announced at the D23 Expo that McGregor would be returning to play the Jedi Master in an all-new series for Disney+, and there was much rejoicing.
THR has now reported that Disney/Lucasfilm has locked in a director to helm to Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and it's someone with experience in a galaxy far, far away. Deborah Chow, who has helmed several episodes of The Mandalorian, will be stepping up to direct the series, but it's unclear at this time if she will be tackling the entire series or just a part of it. In addition to The Mandalorian, Chow is a TV veteran, having helmed episodes of Mr. Robot, Reign, Fear the Walking Dead, Jessica Jones, Lost in Space, Better Call Saul, The Man in the High Castle, American Gods, and more. The Obi-Wan Kenobi series is reportedly said to take place eight years after the events of STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH and production is slated to kick off next year. In a statement, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy stated, "We really wanted to select a director who is able to explore both the quiet determination and rich mystique of Obi-Wan in a way that folds seamlessly into the Star Wars saga. Based on her phenomenal work developing our characters in The Mandalorian, I’m absolutely confident Deborah is the right director to tell this story."
Ewan McGregor played the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in all three installments of the STAR WARS prequel trilogy (as well as making a small voice cameo in THE FORCE AWAKENS), and with almost two decades separating REVENGE OF THE SITH and A NEW HOPE, there's definitely room for a few more adventures with the Jedi Master. McGregor has long expressed his enthusiasm to return to the role, even hoping for multiple movies. "I’ve always thought there was a story to tell between my last one and Alec Guinness’ first one. It would be fun to film that story now I’m older, I’d be the right age," McGregor said. "I’m forty-five, Alec Guinness was what, sixty? I could do two of them! I hope that they’re going to explore different genres under the Star Wars banner. And one of those could be an Obi-Wan Kenobi feature film. Or two! The Obi-Wan Kenobi Story Part 1 and Part 2!" I am pumped.
Our first live-action STAR WARS series, The Mandalorian, will debut on November 1, 2019 when the Disney+ streaming service launches.