This could be the last time we see Ewan McGregor play Obi-Wan Kenobi

Star Wars fans were first introduced to Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi with the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999. Compared to the Obi-Wan everyone knew from the original trilogy of films, this much younger version was almost a completely different character.

But by the time Attack of the Clones came around in 2002, McGregor and Master Obi-Wan had grown on audiences. As Anakin Skywalker’s teacher, Obi-Wan reminded us so much of the patient, wise master who began Luke’s training years later.

By the end of Revenge of the Sith in 2005, most were certain McGregor would never return to play the character again — how could he? His story had come full circle. At the time, there didn’t seem to be any plans for more live-action Obi-Wan in an era where McGregor would fit the role. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, James Arnold Taylor took on the task of voicing the character for all seven seasons. McGregor was a gem of Star Wars’ past.

And then, over a decade later, Kathleen Kennedy asked McGregor the question that would change everything.

Would he be playing Obi-Wan Kenobi again? Yes. Yes he would.

Now only several months away, Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to take place a decade after Episode III concluded. Fans are itching to find out what happens during the limited series — will Obi-Wan and Darth Vader really meet again? Who else will Obi-Wan encounter along the way?

What’s heartbreaking about this series is that it may really be the last time we see Ewan McGregor step into his iconic Star Wars role. We’re so fortunate to get to see him one last time. But his career has skyrocketed to well-deserved heights (resisting the urge to make a “high ground” joke). And Star Wars is venturing into uncharted territory with new stories told on-screen — ones that likely don’t involve familiar characters like Anakin or Obi-Wan.

McGregor’s legacy as the famous Jedi Master Obi-Wan will live on forever. He truly shone in the prequels and still has some of the most memorable lines throughout that trilogy (“another happy landing” anyone?). He will be missed.

But at least we’ll get to see him one last time. Hello there, good sir. Nice to see you again.

Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi is directed by Deborah Chow and stars Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen. The series premieres exclusively on Disney+ May 25, 2022.