Exterior of a sequel trilogy, a solo Obi-Wan Kenobi film or TV sequence has arguably been probably the most in-demand Star Wars venture amongst followers. Particularly given the timing, the very idea looks as if a slam dunk for Lucasfilm, as Ewan McGregor’s flip because the titular Jedi Grasp was maybe the most effective factor to return out of the prequel trilogy and the actor is on the excellent age to tackle such an endeavor. The obscure premise and idea virtually write themselves and, after years of hypothesis and outright lies from the star himself, Obi-Wan Kenobi is lastly a go at Disney+ in a restricted sequence format — and it premieres in nearly two months from now.
Sequence director Deborah Chow and author Joby Harold have fairly the duty on their palms, however the long-awaited trailer for the present is dripping with promise. Chow, specifically, has already examined her mettle on the acclaimed The Mandalorian, so veteran Star Wars followers must be hopeful of the ultimate product. Although the idea of Obi-Wan Kenobi is evident as day on paper, there are particular packing containers to tick and hurdles to leap to assist make sure the sequence measures as much as the Jedi’s storied legacy within the Star Wars universe and in popular culture. Right here’s what we’d wish to see from the Obi-Wan Kenobi sequence.
1. A narrative unconcerned with extreme fan service
One thing that may, sadly, be stated for some Star Wars and Marvel TV reveals on Disney+ is that they focus an excessive amount of on fan service that’s detrimental to its storytelling. The Mandalorian has been off to a roaring begin in these first two seasons, however the second season began to sign Lucasfilm getting too grasping with the Marvel Cinematic Universe method. A constant downside with a number of of the MCU reveals has been regarding themselves an excessive amount of with cameos and in-universe commercials for future initiatives, and that concern aggressively bled into Star Wars with The E book of Boba Fett.
The titular bounty hunter ended up taking a again seat in giant components of his present, with a plot that targeted extra on fan service than the story at hand. Obi-Wan Kenobi shouldn’t endure from this concern, because the draw of its lead is gargantuan and that is extra of an remoted occasion sequence somewhat than a part of the mini cinematic universe. Nonetheless, fan service will all the time be one thing that must be approached with care and moderation in huge IPs like this.
2. Exploration of the galaxy exterior of Tatooine
A brand new Star Wars film or present going by the sand planet of Tatooine has grown to incite collective fandom groans somewhat than nostalgia at this level. It’s the equal of the Pokémon franchise always pushing Charizard and Pikachu in new video games, anime, and so on., and Lucasfilm has proven that it actually can’t appear to assist itself contemplating the sequels’ Jakku is merely Tatooine 2.0.
Fortunately, the Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer has already been soothing these fears, because it’s been confirmed he’ll discover the brand new planet of Daiyu. It’s been stated this locale will take inspiration from the neon-lit nightlife of Hong Kong, which is definitely encouraging from a visible standpoint. The present will ideally steadiness the brand new (or a minimum of completely different) places with Tatooine, as Obi-Wan’s goal is inherently tied to the planet attributable to being tasked as Luke Skywalker’s watchful guardian.
3. The continuing risk of the Inquisitorius
Giving the good Obi-Wan a risk that measures as much as his talent and knowledge is canonically a tall order. Apart from being a bona fide Jedi Grasp, he’s debatably the type of Grasp all others within the Council ought to attempt to be — Yoda included. The Order was caught with puritanical beliefs that demanded emotional repression of its members, successfully having a hand in creating Darth Vader. That’s why probably the most imposing and ongoing risk that Obi-Wan can face on this sequence is a mix of the Empire’s Inquisitorius and the context of the time.
Forcing the Jedi into hiding and on the run is the right handicap to make the stakes of a prequel present really feel actual. Every of the Inquisitors is deadly in their very own proper, however is comfortably out of their league in relation to Kenobi himself. He has to cover his prowess within the Power and keep away from displaying his lightsaber in public. The trailer seems like this will probably be tackled properly within the sequence, with the Imperial lapdogs attempting to use the Jedi Grasp’s compassion and empathy to snuff him out. And what’s compelling about this as a plot gadget is that it’s each a bodily battle, in addition to a (absolutely) fascinating battle of morals.
4. Tasteful use of flashbacks to Obi-Wan and Anakin’s Clone Wars days
Whereas fan service can simply change into a detriment to a present, recreation, e book, or film, it’s been recognized since 2020’s Disney Investor Day stream that Obi-Wan Kenobi would deliver again not solely Darth Vader, however prequel trilogy actor Hayden Christensen as properly. Fortunately, the narrative can simply justify Anakin being right here for causes other than merely appeasing longtime followers with an Easter egg.
Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith highlighted it finest, as McGregor’s Obi-Wan and Christensen’s Anakin had a tragic brotherly bond that might strike a strong chord with the characters 10 years after the autumn of the Republic — and for the followers watching 17 years for the reason that launch of RotS. It will definitely should be dealt with by deft palms, however concise flashbacks to the Grasp and the Apprentice’s days throughout the Clone Wars may very well be distinctive to punctuate the tragedy taking place with Kenobi emotionally within the current.
5. A Kenobi vs. Vader rematch that’s each spectacle and emotional
When homing in additional on Obi-Wan and Anakin’s relationship, one much more particular, however no much less spectacular, promoting level of the upcoming Disney+ sequence is the “rematch of the century.” It’s been touted as such for the reason that synopsis given on the Investor Day stream and, naturally, has plenty of expectation using on it. A rematch on a scale like this has all the shifting items essential to make this climax really feel highly effective and honest, but additionally runs the danger of feeling low cost and unnatural if fumbled.
Darth Vader’s ominous and unmistakable respiratory heard on the finish of the Obi-Wan Kenobi teaser trailer reveals that Lucasfilm is aware of the place to tug at followers’ hearts, and whereas the considered this combat falling brief is scary, it additionally has unbelievable potential. Given the characters’ aforementioned wealthy, lovely, and heartwrenching historical past, a combat between these two must be equal components explosive spectacle and profoundly emotional. All of the substance is there, and it will likely be thrilling to see what Chow and Harold have in retailer.
Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres on Disney+ Might 25.
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