Obi-Wan Kenobiwas released on Disney Plus and fans went wild with each episode as if it wasGame of Thronesall over again. Despite this fun side of being a fan, many may not know the challenges that come with being on the other side, as writer Andrew Stanton explained.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobitakes place betweenRevenge of the SithandA New Hope.It shows Obi-Wan in hiding and broken down from the guilt of what transpired duringStar Wars: Episode III.The show explores how Obi-Wan went from a low point to becoming the much more patient, positive, and wiser version that fans meet inStar Wars: Episode IV.This format ended up working really well despite this not beingthe original plan for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
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The show does a great job of keeping continuity. Having Obi-Wan encounter Darth Vader multiple times and establishinga familial relationship with Princess LeiamakesStar Wars: Episode IVeven more emotional. Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy, as Stanton revealed toGizmodo. “It’s like one, you’re geeking out that you get to type ‘Vader says’ this and ‘Kenobi says’ that. You pause and say ‘I can’t believe I’m actually getting paid to type this. I can’t believe these words may be said,'” Stanton recalled. “But then another part of you, it has to go through such a rigorous like ‘Does that fit the canon?’ And I feel like it’s bittersweet. [The reason that happens is] because people care, but it also kind of doesn’t allow, sometimes, things to venture beyond where maybe they should to tell a better story. So it can sometimes really handicap what I think are better narrative options.”
Telling a compelling story while also staying true to the nine episodic Star Wars films that were already released can be very trying. “And so I was frustrated sometimes - not a lot - but I just felt it wasn’t as conducive to [the story],” Stanton admitted. “So I love it when something like Andor is in a safe spot. And it can just do whatever the heck it wants […] I got some moments in there that I’m very happy with.” Fortunately, theObi-Wan Kenobiseries was received relatively well, with Moses Ingram as arguably one of the best characters in that show. Ingram’s performance was delivered so well that it became infuriating to see the number of racists come out to attack her.
Fortunately, the Obi-Wan Kenobi saga looks wrapped up, so Stanton may not have to go through a similar vigorous writing process now thatStar Warsmay continue to focus on original storylines and characters.The Mandalorianis set to get another season andAhsokais also getting her own storyline, but recent revelations show thatEwan McGregor is confident inObi-Wan Kenobiseason 2happening down the road.
