Now with a confirmed release date, fans’ sights are set firmly on the latest entry to the ever-growing Star Wars universe with the upcoming Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Prequel star Ewan McGregor is set to reprise his role as the wandering Jedi Master after last appearing as the character in 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. It is worth noting that McGregor did some voice work as Kenobi in the sequel trilogy. The new series is set 10 years after the end of the Clone Wars.
Aside from Kenobi himself, we also know that Hayden Christensen will be returning as Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader. Christensen was also last seen in the flesh 17 years ago for Episode III.
Beyond this, we are unsure which other familiar faces will be joining Kenobi on his return to the galaxy. However, based on context and speculation, we might have a few ideas on who else could be making an appearance.
1. Qui-Gon Jinn
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn met his end at the hands of Sith apprentice Darth Maul more than 20 years prior to the show’s setting. Death, however, has rarely stopped those strong in the force from interfering with mortal affairs.
At the end of Revenge of the Sith, Yoda told Obi-Wan that he would have training to perform in his solitude on Tatooine and that it would be given to him by none other than his old master who had “returned from the netherworld of the Force.” Liam Neeson who first played the character in The Phantom Menace has stated, however, that he is not involved in the project. But perhaps it’s all just a Jedi mind trick?
2. Ahsoka Tano
It’s unlikely that Kenobi received many friendly visits in the Dune Sea. But among those active in the galaxy who would be well received by him, few would be more welcome than the padawan of his own former apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. Rosario Dawson has played the character in The Mandalorian and more recently The Book of Boba Fett. She is also slated to reprise the role again for her own show, Ahsoka, rumored to air next year. It would come as little surprise should she choose to don the lekku once again.
Possible also is that there will be a series of flashbacks that take place during the Clone Wars conflict. This would give us a chance to see not only Kenobi and Skywalker back in action, but now also with Ahsoka Tano in order to truly bring The Clone Wars to life as has been done with much of the animated Star Wars world lately.
3. Satine Kryze
Another flashback/mental projection opportunity can take the form of the former ruler of Mandalore, Duchess Satine Kryze. The Mandalorian politician was also famously a rare love interest of Kenobi’s. She would, tragically, fall to the hands of Darth Maul, as part of his revenge on Kenobi and conquest of Mandalore.
4. Darth Maul
This is a tricky one. For those of us who have seen the animated show Rebels, we have already borne witness to the final confrontation of Kenobi and perhaps his greatest personal rival, the fallen Sith apprentice Darth Maul. In the confrontation, which takes place several years after the Kenobi series is set, Maul has manipulated Jedi apprentice Ezra Bridger into leading him to Kenobi’s place of hiding. When Maul indirectly threatens Luke Skywalker, Kenobi is riled into action and quickly brings Maul to his end in a swift but tense duel.
Maul has of course had a major impact on Kenobi’s life. It would be no shock to see his presence felt in the show in some meaningful way.
Who else might appear in Obi-Wan Kenobi? Let us know in the comments below! For all things Star Wars, head on over to Dork Side of the Force!