The Star Wars, Obi-Wan Disney+ series is still a ways off, but we’re getting excited already, because of course we are, and these ten characters are a big reason why.
The raving success that was The Mandalorian has set the standard incredibly high for Disney’s oncoming stable of Star Wars series on Disney+. While Season 2 of Baby Yoda and Daddalorian is the nearest return to the galaxy far away, there’s more on the horizon in the form of Cassian Andor’s series and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s series.
There isn’t a lot to be said about the Obi-Wan series yet. All we know is that Ewan McGregor will be playing Obi-Wan again to follow-up on his portrayal of the iconic Jedi in the prequels. None of the other cast has been announced (though they’re supposedly casting for kid Luke now), which leaves plenty of room for speculation.
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And, as I love speculating, I have been dissecting what we may see in this series. But now, I want to look at who we might see.
While Din Djarin was a huge success as a character, that show would not have been as effective without Baby Yoda, Cara Dune, Greef Karga, Kuill and IG-11.
So the question is, who will be Obi-Wan’s Baby Yoda? Who will be his IG-11? With nothing else to ground this excitement in but rampant speculation, let’s feed into our curiosity and explore some of the characters we may see appearing on Tatooine.
For context, this show will take place just after the Revenge of the Sith, with Obi-Wan living in exile, watching over Luke Skywalker as the rebellious child he figures to be. Most of this speculation will come from context clues from the Skywalker saga, as well as the graphic novels that dealt with the journals of Obi-Wan.
And so, with that in mind, let’s talk cast of characters. We’ll start at the back.
10. Boba Fett
Pure speculation here, but context clues would suggest that Boba Fett could play a part in this series. In the graphic novels, he is called on in tandem with Black Krrsantan on Tatooine, though it would have been in the earlier days of Fett.
He is just 13 years old in Revenge of the Sith, which would put him right about 20 years old by time the Obi-Wan series roles around. So he wouldn’t be the iconic bounty hunter he would soon become, but he’s old enough that his presence could provide a neat perspective. Perhaps as he’s finding his way as a bounty hunter.
He wouldn’t take up much of the narrative, but given the affection that fans feel towards Fett and the fact that this series takes place in his backyard, it would seem odd if he didn’t make at least a couple of appearances. We’ve already seen his character arc developing in the Clone Wars, after all.
9. Biggs Darklighter
Poor Biggs. Luke’s best friend as a kid, Biggs Darklighter gets promised all kinds of stories from Luke before getting killed in the Battle for Yavin IV. While it has since been revealed that he had a much bigger role in other versions of Star Wars: A New Hope, in the end, the most we see out of Biggs is from non-canonical stories and the graphic novels.
But given the context of the Obi-Wan series, it makes sense that we would see Biggs. Drawing parallels to The Phantom Menace, we saw a lot of Anakin’s childhood friends, even if they were fairly nondescript.
Biggs could be a big character. He runs off to join the Rebellion before Luke does. Is he already harboring these notions by this point in the Star Wars timeline? Probably. Maybe he even spends time with old man Kenobi, who knows.
Whatever the case, we may finally get some insight into the character that never was.
8. Senator Bail Organa
One of the more underrated recurring characters in the Star Wars Skywalker saga. Senator Bail Organa had a big part to play in the birth of the Rebellion, in the preservation of the Jedi, and thus the fate of the galaxy. He was the one who helped Yoda get away from Coruscant, he was the one that took in Princess Leia, he did so much for the betterment of society and yet, for being a recurring character, we don’t know much about him beyond his goodwill.
While he probably wouldn’t play a huge role in the series, it was just him, Yoda and Obi-Wan that directly witnessed and persevered through Palpatine’s takeover, so it is them three that will have the most to say about what to do to get the galaxy pointed back in the right direction.
If nothing else, you have to imagine that they would be in communication fairly often. It might not make a ton of sense for Organa to be making house calls on Tatooine, because that would be rather noticeable, but you never know.
It may also mean that we see a little bit of young Leia too, if the story breaks from Obi-Wan at any point to show what else is happening in the galaxy. So a little bonus character there. She won’t be coming to Tatooine either, because that would be foolish, but we can see her elsewhere, surely.
7. Jabba the Hutt (and his posse)
Who doesn’t love Jabba? I mean, in like a “I really hate him, but he’s interesting and unique and iconic” kind of way. There is conjecture in the graphic novels that Obi-Wan makes trips to Jabba’s palace to seek employment. But whether he does in the show or not, it is safe to say that since the show takes place on Tatooine, probably exclusively so, that Jabba and his posse will be used in some capacity.
He is, after all, the closest thing to law and order that the desert planet has. For better or worse (but mostly worse).
There are so many possibilities opened up by Jabba’s inclusion, mainly the subsequent inclusion of some iconic bounty hunters that will most definitely be appearing on this list. Whether they end up hunting Obi-Wan or not, they’ll factor in in some way. Even if only as eye candy if Obi-Wan makes a trip to Jabba’s palace.
Also, shout-out to Bib Fortuna, who I hope we get to see again too.
6. Yoda
Yoda and Obi-Wan would never be in close proximity, but given that they are, as far as they know, the only two living Jedi, working towards restoring the Jedi, as well as the order in the galaxy, they would have to be in contact in some way. Maybe that means just through transmitting, maybe that could mean through the force.
Whatever the case, Yoda has to play some part in the Obi-Wan series because of his own exile on Dagobah. They are both waiting for the moment to come when they can reunite, and while we all know that won’t happen until they’re force ghosts, we also know that force projection is a real thing too.
And if Luke Skywalker could do it, why couldn’t Yoda?
Plus, can you ever really have too much Yoda? The correct answer is a definite no. So any involvement at all qualifies as exciting.
5. Black Krrsantan
Yes, I’m still talking about my favorite Wookie (sorry Chewie, but… eye scars and black fur?). For just cause. Because after spending the last few months wondering when we’d finally see Black Krrsantan on screen, we finally have a (hopeful) answer.
He won’t be in The Mandalorian (probably). He won’t be in the Cassian Andor series (probably). But it would make complete and total sense if he were to make his maiden voyage on screen in the Obi-Wan series, seeing as how there was a particularly epic duel in the graphic novels where Obi-Wan and Black Krrsantan fight over the fate of Owen Lars.
Krrsantan serves under Jabba’s employ, so it would make sense if he plays a big enough part that we see him more than just this fight allowed. Santy isn’t a quitter, and he definitely wouldn’t take it kindly if the show does parallel the way the graphic novels panned out.
His involvement also proves to be a big bonding moment for Obi-Wan and Owen Lars, which is another reason why it should and will be included.
4. Luke Skywalker
We’ve seen nearly every version of Luke Skywalker throughout his time in the Star Wars universe. We’ve seen teenage Luke, struggling with life as a burgeoning adult. He wants to be something bigger, but doesn’t know how, or if he even could.
We’ve seen hero Luke, destroying the Death Star with the force.
We’ve seen Rebel General Luke, confidently going into Jabba’s palace to work a ploy, or leading the speeder attack on Hoth, or playing a prominent role in the establishment of the New Republic.
We’ve seen Jedi Knight Luke, still learning and frustrated. Giving into his anger as Palpatine requested, but not fully.
We’ve seen Jedi Master Luke, isolated and regretful. We’ve seen Uncle Luke, and Force Ghost Luke, and Master-in-Combat Luke on Crait.
We’ve seen so many Luke Skywalker’s. We’ve even seen infant Luke, in Revenge of the Sith. But we’ve never seen kid Luke. The early years of the most important character in the Skywalker saga. And the Obi-Wan series will be our first chance to see that. Yes and please.
3. Owen Lars
Owen Lars has the potential to be a really great, complex character. Here’s a guy who was given a child that wasn’t his, to raise with his wife under the distant protection of a crazy man, AKA Jedi. We don’t see much of him in the saga, but when we do, we see him as a hard-nosed fatherly figure. Something we can all relate to.
But you have to consider what he’s been asked to do. He knows the stakes. He’s like Uncle Vernon to Luke’s Harry Potter, albeit with more of an open mind, which makes for the opportunity for fantastic character building.
There was a lot of friction between Obi-Wan and Owen Lars. Owen wanted Luke completely removed from the Jedi spectrum, to keep him safe, but he understood what that meant, even if he denied himself the freedom to explore what that then mean to him and the galaxy.
That tension between Luke’s two protectors will likely play a key element in the story and rightfully so. Which makes the casting and execution of Owen Lars’ character such an exciting aspect to think about.
2. Qui-Gon Jinn
Obviously he’ll only be appearing as a force ghost, but I am hardcore rooting for Liam Neeson to come back into the Star Wars universe as Qui-Gon Jinn, the master who defied the Jedi order to give us Darth Vader. Qui-Gon was always a bit of a loose cannon, despite being a great character for the lore of the Jedi, and it would be really interesting to see him return to his former apprentice in a teaching capacity.
It was Yoda who told Obi-Wan that he would be expected to train and learn on Tatooine. While Obi-Wan was initially confused, Yoda went on to elaborate that Qui-Gon had found a way to immortality (presumably Force Ghosting) and would be there to commune with.
We all saw the excitement on Kenobi’s face at the revelation, and we all know that’s what he’s doing in his spare time while Luke is Flying Skyhoppers and hanging out at Tosche Station. He’s chilling with Qui-Gon, becoming an even stronger Jedi. Meaning that we will be able to see the excellent chemistry between former master and apprentice again.
That’s the big question though. Will Neeson come back? Thankfully, Neeson was open to the idea of returning as Qui-Gon when he was asked about it back in 2018, saying:
"“This is the first time I’m hearing of this. No one’s been in touch with me. I know in the Star Wars world anything is possible. In the first one, The Phantom Menace, I died but we know, you know, Jedi come back and stuff but no one’s been in touch. We’ll see.”"
1. Obi-Wan, of course
Duh. Why would we be so excited about a Star Wars series focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi if we weren’t excited about seeing the actual character of Obi-Wan Kenobi?
The most exciting thing about it is having Ewan McGregor on board. Throughout the rougher moments of the prequel trilogy, one of the consistent redeeming qualities was Obi-Wan and McGregor’s portrayal of him. He was such a beacon of positivity, and someone who did immense justice to the original portrayal by Alec Guinness.
Now nearly two decades after his last portrayal of the Jedi, McGregor would have aged enough to play the role convincingly with very little help needed. And if I could borrow from the graphic novels again, we will see that boredom, that constant questioning of his living situation, that struggle to make the best use of his time. He will be training himself (hopefully with Qui Gonn) but also attempting to connect with and protect a young boy who runs away from home more than a few times.
There’s a lot to love here. And seeing how excited McGregor is about it should make us even more excited. In case you weren’t already.