50 Roles for 50 Actors: Dream casting the Star Wars saga

Dream casting the Star Wars saga: Ian McElhinney as Old Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ian McElhinney is a veteran actor with many credits to his name, but he’s on this list because of his role on Game of Thrones. Yes, I realize I’m casting a lot of people from Game of Thrones. What can I say? They’re a talented bunch.

On Thrones, McElhinney plays Barristan Selmy, a renowned knight who leaves his country to advise a noble-hearted upstart after being cast aside by a corrupt king. The contours of his plot bear a few similarities to that of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who also mentored a scrappy young rebel and then died before imparting all of his lessons. The similarities don’t end there, though. Kenobi and Barristan are both wise, kind, seasoned warriors who have an air of melancholy about them. I imagine that comes from having lived long, eventful lives. They’re seen stuff, man.

All that would mean little if McElhinney couldn’t bring it in the performance department, but the actor always smashed his scenes on Thrones. Like Alec Guinness in Star Wars, he brings an air of calm world-weariness to his scenes. He’s also participated in a few sword fights, so we know he can handle lightsaber battles.

Hell, Barristan Selmy even kind of looks like Obi-Wan, what with the beard and the billowy wardrobe. Casting-wise, this is a square peg in a square hole.

Next: Meet the princess