Ewan McGregor on Playing Obi-Wan Kenobi: Behind the Robes and Among the Fans
Ewan McGregor’s return to the galaxy far, far away has rekindled the excitement of Star Wars fans around the world. From his early days in the prequels to the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, McGregor has developed a rich, personal connection to the character—and to the legions of fans who revere him.
In this post, we explore McGregor’s unique perspective on playing Obi-Wan, some lesser-known facts about his time on set, and how he feels about meeting fans and engaging with the Star Wars community.
A Jedi Once More: Rediscovering Obi-Wan
When McGregor stepped back into Obi-Wan’s boots for the 2022 limited series, it wasn’t just about revisiting an old character—it was about deepening him.
“It was lovely to come back and to bridge that gap between where we left Obi-Wan in Episode III and where Alec Guinness picks him up in Episode IV,” McGregor said. “It was a character I cared deeply about and had lived with for a long time.”
Unlike the youthful warrior of the prequels, this version of Obi-Wan is weathered, haunted by his past, and cut off from the Force. McGregor described this darker, more introspective take as “a brilliant challenge.”
One of the more surprising details? The original script had a darker tone and was rewritten to strike a better balance between grit and hope—a shift McGregor welcomed, to better resonate with fans and younger audiences.
The First Time Back in Costume
One of McGregor’s most cherished behind-the-scenes memories is the first time he saw his costume again.
“It was hanging up in the wardrobe department, and it was like a flashback. And then someone said, ‘Hello there!’ and everyone started laughing,” McGregor recalled.
This moment wasn’t just a nostalgic callback—it was a reminder of how iconic the character had become, not just to fans, but to the cast and crew around him.
The Power of “Hello There”
Speaking of famous lines, McGregor is fully aware of the impact of Obi-Wan’s classic catchphrase. At nearly every fan event, someone inevitably yells out “Hello there!”
He embraces it.
“I love it,” he told GQ. “It’s wild how something I said 20 years ago in a scene has become this meme, this joke. And now I use it too, when I meet fans.”
Signing Autographs and Meeting Fans
Despite being a seasoned actor, McGregor says he continues to be amazed by the passion of Star Wars fans. He has participated in many conventions, including the massive Star Wars Celebration events, and he's known for taking time to connect personally with fans.
“I didn’t do conventions for a long time, but I’ve really come to appreciate them,” he shared. “It’s lovely meeting people who grew up with the prequels, who were kids when they first saw them. That connection means a lot to me.”
He also mentioned being moved by fans who tell him Obi-Wan helped them through difficult times or inspired them during their childhood.
“It makes it all feel worth it. That kind of feedback, you don’t get that with every role.”
Fan Art and Surprises
McGregor has encountered all kinds of fan tributes—from stunning artwork to some hilariously offbeat creations.
“Some of it’s amazing, and some of it’s... pretty weird,” he laughed in a recent interview. “But it’s always creative, and that’s the best part. You see how deeply people connect with the universe.”
Final Thoughts: Grateful to the Galaxy
Today, McGregor wears the Jedi robe with both pride and humility. As someone who once faced skepticism for stepping into Alec Guinness’s legendary shoes, he’s now embraced by generations of Star Wars fans—and he’s grateful for it.
“I feel very lucky. Not every actor gets to be part of something so beloved. And to come back after all these years and see how the love for the character has grown—that’s incredibly moving.”
Conclusion
Whether he’s dueling on-screen, posing for selfies at conventions, or simply saying “Hello there,” Ewan McGregor has become one with the Star Wars legacy. His journey as Obi-Wan Kenobi is more than just acting—it’s a shared story between him and millions of fans around the world.
And judging by his recent appearances, that journey is far from over.
