Ewan McGregor almost turned down Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
When people think of Star Wars, several characters come to mind. Yoda, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The original Star Wars trilogy opened many minds up to the ideas of science fiction epics, including Ewan McGregor. It was his love for these films that ultimately helped him make his final decision about taking the role of Padawan later Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menance.
How do we know this? McGregor talked about his decision-making during a SmartLess podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett.
According to the podcast that IndieWire delves heavily into, McGregor was unsure if he’d fit the world of Star Wars due to his role in the 1996 film Trainspotting.
Ewan McGregor’s love for the original Star Wars films affected his decision to play Obi-Wan Kenobi.
“I was like, ‘I am Danny Boyle’s actor. I am f*&^ing urban grunge. I am the Oasis of the British movie industry,’ and then when ‘Star Wars’ came around, I felt, ‘I don’t know if I want to do this. This isn’t me.’”
But McGregor knew an opportunity like this would be hard to come by. His love for Star Wars was never in question.
“When I was a kid, I loved those films. I was six or seven when the first one came out. It’s in me somehow.”
McGregor’s uncle Denis Lawson played Wedge Antilles in the three original Star Wars films. Perhaps we’ll see another of McGregor’s family members in future Star Wars films and projects.
We’re grateful that McGregor decided to play a very important and iconic Star Wars character. Who knows how Kenobi’s story would have changed it someone else wielded his blue lightsaber.
Next. There’s still hope for Rian Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy. dark
Which Ewan McGregor film character is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!