Ewan McGregor Defends The Star Wars Prequels, Doesn’t Regret Them
By Elaine Tveit
Ewan McGregor defended the Star Wars prequel trilogy, saying he was “very happy with them.”
Many regard Ewan McGregor’s role as Obi Wan Kenobi as one of the few bright spots in the prequel trilogy. But the actor himself has no bad feelings about the films.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 10: Actor Ewan McGregor attends 53rd New York Film Festival closing night gala screening of ‘Miles Ahead’ at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on October 10, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images)
In an interview with Magic Radio, McGregor was asked about the prequels and if he felt any awkwardness about being asked about them. He delivered a surprising answer (via Den of Geek).
"“No!”, grinned McGregor. “I made three movies amongst however many others. And that’s what they were to me, three movies amongst a bunch of other ones. I was very happy with them, I’m very happy to have been in them. I like that they were films that children could watch, for the first time in my career!”"
It’s refreshing to know that he left Star Wars with no hard feelings, and that he has no regrets for any of their flaws. I’ve made it clear, on this site and on social media, I’m a prequels fan, so it’s especially gratifying to me to know that McGregor, who played my favorite character in Star Wars, doesn’t dislike them, either. But, everybody is entitled to their own opinion; I’m just glad McGregor’s is what it is.
"“I was very happy to be in them, and that’s where it ends for me. I don’t have a burning need to do them again."
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McGregor brings up an important point in his answers, and that is that people haven’t really moved on from the prequels. They’re still a source of constant debate and criticism, perhaps at a level unequal to any other franchise or film, ever. And why? That’s a mystery I can only fathom is sourced in the extreme disappointment of diehard Star Wars fans. Perhaps they were so disappointed because the prequel trilogy wasn’t what they wanted it to be? I don’t know, because I myself had no such expectations, as I was only three years old when The Phantom Menace came out in theaters.
There comes a point, though, when I think it’s best to acknowledge that a film is not what you wanted it to be, and just enjoy its good points. For example, The Force Awakens was not everything I wanted it to be, yet I can still watch it and enjoy. I don’t think it’s the best Star Wars film, and I’ll admit I’ve done my share of criticizing it; but I have it on Blu Ray, and I’ll watch it and enjoy the parts I like. I just hope I am always like that, and don’t feel the need to hate on any Star Wars film so vehemently as people have on the prequels, The Force Awakens, and, well, everything, at one time or another.
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What do you think about Ewan McGregor’s approach to the prequel trilogy? Is there any part of the Star Wars franchise you just can’t feel positive about, and if so, why? Talk to us in the comments below.