Has Ewan McGregor’s Director Friend Pitched an Obi Wan Story to Lucasfilm?
Over the last several days Ewan McGregor has been promoting his latest movie, Miles Ahead, across various media. It would seem that not one interviewer missed the opportunity to ask Ewan about the brief voice work he did for The Force Awakens, and while most of the time McGregor gave similar cookie cutter responses, in one of the latest interviews he revealed one really interesting bit of information…
We’ve all already heard the story of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s return to the Star Wars franchise in multiple interviews. If you missed that story, you can read it HERE and HERE.
Now a member from Imgur posted the following excerpt supposedly coming from another interview with Ewan:
We uncovered that this excerpt comes from the latest issue of Total Film.
Of course, the most interesting part of this excerpt is that Ewan himself confirmed that there is a pitch of an Obi-Wan movie at Lucasfilm:
A friend of mine who I’ve worked with as a director, went in to pitch a story idea to them. Nothing’s come of it yet, but we’ll see.
Now who could this director friend be? McGregor has worked with a slew of noteworthy directors in the past, many of which would be a great choice to direct a Star Wars anthology film. Here is a partial list of some of the talented directors he has worked with before:
Tim Burton, Marc Forster, Ron Howard, Steven Soderbergh, Bryan Singer, David Koepp (writer of Indy 5), Stephen Hopkins,and Danny Boyle who is currently working with McGregor on an untitled Trainspotting sequel. Of course there are many more, but I can see several good possibilities here.
This all sounds really great, but keep in mind that we haven’t seen the article itself, so take this report with the usual grain of salt. Also, even if true, this doesn’t mean that the possible Obi-Wan spin-off will be coming any time soon.
What do you think? Do you want to see an Obi-Wan movie directed by any of the directors above? Whose interpretation of a Ben Kenobi epic would you want to see most on screen?
Founder of SWNN, MNN and The Cantina forums.
Born on April 24, 1980.
I am honestly all for it. He was by far my favorite PT mainstay character and as an actor, I would love to see him, StarWars and positive reviews happen in the future.
Lucasfilm could cancel the Han Solo movie that (I think) no one cares about and replace it with Obi-Wan’s movie.
Agreed. A Han Solo novel or a mini-series comic would indeed make more sense than a film adaption.
Couldn’t agree more
Agreed.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller directing the Han Solo movie is all I need to be excited about it.
Yeah, they’re great.
They do have a skill at turning bad ideas into good movies…
The LEGO movie had no business being as good as it was.
I would like to see that, yes! McGregor was the best of PT.
But…
And the rumour of RO trailer tomorrow???? I just read it…
Seriously? Where did you hear this rumor from?
spanish Facebook page called StarWars Lo ultimo/Al día
hmmm, interesting. Haven’t come across this on the usual social media platforms yet…
Yeah. So interesting. I’m looking forward to it. It says the tráiler could come with the digital download english version of TFA, which i don’t know for sure if it’s true or not. In an update They give the option for the april 20th.
I wouldn’t trust it.
Yeah. Me neither ;). It seems they have not better things to do. That’s what it has Spain, lots of people doing nothing. And when TFA came out, i remember lots of people criticizing it so much in social network. That’s why i prefer english forums.
RO trailer: Not holding my breath for.
Think a future Obi-Wan movie is a dead cert, Disney will be looking at this as we speak. Of all the directors mentioned above, think Danny Boyle or Ron Howard would be an interesting prospect, but I would personally prefer someone like Alex Garland.
This is the movie I want to see most now that the sequel trilogy is started and we know what it is about. Obi-Wan Kenobi is the coolest most timeless character in Star Wars I believe. Tarantino should direct it.
I was so about to like your comment until the Tarantino part.
Ha yeah well it’ll never happen so… Mostly a joke.
Danny Boyle will get the film green lit and than replace Ewan with DiCaprio.
He will win ANOTHER OScar after getting mauled by a Bantha.
Here’s hoping that Ewan gets the good Star Wars movie that he deserves.
How much longer is this little Disney/Lucasfilm – McGregor dance number going to go on for? We’ve gotten a couple of articles about “rumors” and “interest” for an Obi-wan anthology movie now with all of them pretty much talking about the same, nothing we didn’t already know.
Disney/Lucasfilm either needs to make it official already or debunk it ASAP. Enough with the flirtation already; I want to read something definitive!
All this speculation and whatnot is feeding click-bait sites to pump out worthless articles that have no substance whatsoever (I’m not saying SWNN is a click-bait site, I’m referring to various geek media sites that aren’t specific to SW coverage who engage in such activity).
I’m trying to imagine a star wars directed by Burton… Nope, I can’t.
http://imgur.com/wUlNrmM
Oh why?
hahaha!
Frankly, none of that list, except Howard (from willow) if i have to choose, are good for SW.
Sw i think it’s more like Rian Johnson type, like Villeneuve, Jeff Nichols, John Mclean, Alex Garland,…
Bryan Singer!!!!
NO!
Matthew Vaughn maybe???
I think his First Class X-Men film captured an almost Star Wars like experience. I’ve always wanted to see how he would do with a Star Wars spin off, maybe not the Obi-Wan film though.
First Class was Twilight for teenage boys.
Clearly you haven’t seen Twilight to be able to compare them lol
First Class was great, and your opinion is one of few.
Me. Likey. Make it so!
an obi wan flick is the most attractive option of all of the possible spin-offs. after hearing talk about boba fett and even yoda stand-alones, i can’t imagine why they would even consider those ideas over kenobi….and Ewan has already proven himself more than capable in the role. while im not opposed to a young han film like most everyone else, i do absolutely dread the casting in that one, whereas McGregor channels Alec Guinness wonderfully.
Maybe Disney/Lucasfilm is pushing the Obi Wan movie(s) until after IX? McGregor might be able to pull off a trilogy by himself.
“McGregor might be able to pull off a trilogy by himself.”
Yeah. Especially if it’s a mini-trilogy interquel between EPIII and EPIV.
A SINGLE stand-alone Obi-Wan film between 3 and 4 would be awesome if done right. Obi-wan undercover, pulled out of exile to right some wrong in the galaxy, something form his past.
Darth Maul should be his nemesis. This could be the best opportunity to give both characters the glory they so richly deserve.
I agree. But with his appearance in Rebels, that might not be able to work now.
Why not? He is once again loosed upon the galaxy. Unless Vader gets to him, his next logical target is Kenobi. His hatred for Kenobi is what kept him alive in the first place. I think he wants to avoid Vader at all costs. Especially since, by his own admission, he cannot defeat him alone, and the chance of anyone from the Ghost crew teaming up with him after his actions on Malachor are slim to none.
If he is in Kenobi, he needs to be killed by him. But now that he’s in rebels, won’t people expect him to be defeated in this series?
Maul survived from Kenobi in epi 1, he did from Pre Vizla, Dooku, Palpatine and others in The Clone Wars. He could easily screw the Rebels and scape from them too. Come on! his destiny is in the BIG SCREEN, not animated, not comics.. The guy must end in an epic battle against Kenobi with the Duel of The Fates scoring behind lol. It will redeem a lot of things: it would pay the debt with Ewan McGregor -an extraordinary actor willing to come back-, with Maul himself being a wasted great character and it would even revalue the prequels.
I know, and I agree. It just might be a little bit of a let down fro some fans in Maul ends up being the main antagonist of Rebels season 3 and still doesn’t die. But who knows? Maybe they’ll be able to do it well.
I’m more excited to see an Obi-Wan Kenobi anthology film than I ever will be to see the Han Solo or Boba Fett (mundane characters) anthology films. Not that I don’t like the latter two characters, it’s just that IMO the force/Jedi/etc. is far more important in the Star Wars universe than the mundane characters.
I’m sorry but the balance of force users and the every day man is what makes Star Wars for me. So Han Solo and Fett being a big part of the universe is just as important to me.
That said… movie wise it’s just way smarter to pursue Obi-Wan than it is Han.
please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please
Amen.
Even the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi wants the movie(s) to happen. Hahaa
A Obi-Wan spin-off film makes a lot more sense than a Han Solo film.
I disagree. Han had adventures before Star Wars. If they frame it like an Indy film and not some sort of origin story that could work pretty well(which seems to be the case from Kasdan interviews on it). Obi-Wan was tasked with watching over/protecting Luke. Why would he leave Tatooine and abandon that responsibility and potentially risk Luke’s life in the process?
Why not a film about protecting Luke? A western-like film? There are plenty of possibilities, Tatooine is a hostile place. Owen and Beru could be in trouble with some gang who’s stealing them the mositure? whatever.
Danny Boyle for Star Wars? … hm… HMM… yeah that COULD work…
He’s one of my all time favorite directors and has the skill to create wonderful films in many genres. I’m sure he would make an incredible Obi Wan movie, but I can’t imagine he’d be keen on doing a Star Wars… I’ve listened to interviews and lectures of his where Star Wars has come up and he always kind of scoffs at Star Wars. I’d love to see Danny Boyle helm a Star Wars spinoff though that would be amazing…
I think he’s built for Spin-Off films in general. He said himself, he always challenges himself to pursue new genres each time he makes a film. That’s why he’s yet to make any two films that are similar to each other. Then again, that might rule star wars out, because he’s already done sci-fi when he made “Sunshine”, so it’s not like he feels a need to push a boundary.
I totally agree. When I saw that list I instantly thought Danny Boyle would-be brilliant.
It could be a cool movie, but to me it would never make much sense. He is on tatooine to watch over Luke. Leaving on some adventure doesn’t seem quite right. I’ve always seen it as Obi-Wan would take protecting Luke as serious as he did the Jedi Code and would never leave Tatooine, no matter the circumstance, without him.
Maybe the adventure finds him on Tatooine instead of vice versa?
Maybe he doesn’t have to leave to go one the adventure. Maybe he cracks down on some Hutt cartel business that’s endangering Luke.
True, it could be something on Tatooine itself. That would make sense if the story is intriguing enough. I just have a hard time believing Obi-Wan would leave Tatooine.
I think Obi-Wan definitely leaves tatooine at some point. There is this, which means Obi-Wan was there previously, perhaps looking for a pilot.
Luke – “Do you really think we’re going to find a pilot here that’ll take us to Alderaan?”
Ben – “Well, most of the best freighter pilots can be found here. Only watch your step. This place can be a little rough.”
Me too. That’s why they should have him go one a Tatooine-based adventure.
Jabba the Hutt mentions to Vader how much trouble Kenobi gave him on Tatooine in one of the Vader comic issues, so this could come into play in a Kenobi spinoff. If they do the movie, it really needs to play on the feeling of loneliness and show him doing important and heroic things, but not so much on a galactic scale, which would allow him to fly under the radar.
In theory it doesn’t make sense story wise, but Tatooine is a big planet, also the Star Wars Galaxy is a big galaxy. There are plenty of things that can happen in 20 years that Obi-Wan could deal with. All we know that by the time of A New Hope, Luke has heard of Ben Kenobi as being an old hermit who lives on the edge of the Dune Sea, not much more than that.
He would take it extremely seriously, which could be why he has to leave for a short time. Maybe he’s worried something dark is on it way to tatooine, and he leaves to stop it before it even gets to Luke?
What if the adventure was one he has no choice but to face to keep Luke from coming to harm?
I think we can all agree that an Obi-Wan anthology movie is a much better idea than young Hna Solo.
I’m cool with a young Han Solo prior to A New Hope as long it isn’t framed as an origin story. Kasdan made it seem like they were going for a Indy style thing where it would be a Han Solo adventure movie. Not a Han Solo origin story, which I think could be cool.
What if they could flash in-between like the 3rd Indiana Jones film? River Phoenix was DA BOMB as Young Indy…that way, the Young Han wouldn’t be the make-or-break factor of the whole flick (!)
I agree.
Totally agree. Although i’d rather not see a Solo movie at all. I hope, as you stated, it isn’t a flippin’ origin story.
Yeah.
I’m okay with a Han Solo movie, I mean it sounds like a bad idea at first but it could end up being everyone’s favorite Star Wars spin off. It’s just to early to tell. I think people get too caught up with their favorite actor as their favorite character, such as Heath Ledger Joker vs. Jared Leto Joker vs. Mark Hamill Joker, or Christian Bale batman vs. Ben Affleck Batman, vs. Kevin Konroy Batman.
In this case they obviously want to expand on one of Star Wars’ most popular characters, Han Solo. The prequels were essentially movies expanding on everyone’s favorite villains Darth Vader and the Emperor, and there are plenty of people who enjoy the prequels still.
It’s definitely one of those movies that will either be terrible or really good there’s not really an in between with the Han Solo movie.
I think it would be wise of Lucasfilm to do an Obi-Wan film since Ewan is around the age that Obi-Wan would be in the beginning of his exile on Tatooine. Also, if the Marvel comics are anything to go by, the Star Wars comics that feature Obi-Wan on Tatooine are some of the best I’ve read yet, and if they are a sign of what’s to come the Obi-Wan movie(s) could be very good.
I agree, I don’t have an issue with a Han Solo movie. However I disagree with equating that character to Batman or Joker or other characters from a comic or book. Those characters are iconic because of the comic book and than are adapted for screen and cast. Harrison Ford is a huge reason why Han Solo is so iconic. To recast a character that starts on film is a whole different animal. The source material would be the film Harrison Ford starred as Han Solo in. Its much different.
It could be good, definitely. But I’m not getting my hopes up for a recast Han Solo.
No. Not all. Would openly welcome a Ewan McGregor driven Obi-Wan movie, but I’m also equally intrigued by a Han Solo one. Don’t buy this only Harrison Ford can play Harrison Ford, whilst Ewan McGregor can play Alec Guinness argument.
It’s not recasting Han that has me afraid (although that’s very tough). It’s casting YOUNG Han, because that seriously decreases the scope of who can be cast.
The same could have been said of McGregor playing Obi-Wan, and he ended up making the part his own. All that is required is a strong actor who can capture the mannerisms of Han Solo. With TFA, Disney have proven that they have a first class casting team to whittle down to get the right man.
It’s my opinion people have been way too premature to cast judgement on this one.
With all due respect to Alec Guiness, I just don’t see him as synonymous with the role of Obi-Wan as I do with Harrison Ford and Han Solo. However, that could change if the new actor does a good job.
A Kenobi film set on Tatooine, he’s known only as as “Ben” when going into town to get supplies, Luke overhears from Owen that he’s called Ben Kenobi, (Which give’s Luke reference that had in ANH that old Ben is a Kenobi.) This would have Joel Edgerton back as Owen Lars, has the conflict between them shown. They could even somehow write a flashback scene as Kenobi looks at the Skywalker saber. Kenobi remembers Anakin saying as he is building the new saber (almost immediately after EP2) that he would someday want to retire from the Jedi order and have a family, but would want to pass down this new saber to his child. Then you have “Your father wanted you to have this…” line totally covered and not a half truth. Hayden Christensen still looks young enough, especially if you use a tiny bit of CG technology, he would need his padawan haircut back. As for Kenobi knowing about Padme and Anakin’s relationship, I think Kenobi knew about it anyway but kinda “looked the other way.”
That’s the way i interpreted it in the prequels and in TCW, He could kind of sense it but ignored it because he was Anakin’s friend.
Out of all them i hope it’s Danny Boyle
Me too. A standalone with Boyle’s style could be amazing: definitely a film with a lot of personality. Unfortunately I doubt it, he already stated publicly he don’t like Star Wars or Star Trek (somewhere in this video). If it was offered to him, maybe, but sending a treatment as personal initiative… don’t think so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpw47dwrBK8
I really really want this to happen. Ewan as Kenobi was one of the (few) truly great things about the prequels. And he seems so up for it, so enthusiastic. The standalone comic issues of Ben have been pretty awesome so far. And, if this movie were to happen, I think there could be a story to tell for Obi-Wan, not just in Tatooine the whole time; he could have a special mission for a couple of days everywhere else in the galaxy. Heck, they could even show his training with Qui-Gon’s spirit, and go through the same trials as Yoda as shown in his final Clone Wars S6 arc.
So much good stuff to draw upon, I think.
Agreed. I really hope this happens. Those prequels were a shameful waste of his talents.
Agreed.
Much rather this than Kiddie Han Solo
Perfumed ponce!
Maul is alive so there is no reason he wouldn’t be a great main/side story in a movie as he tries to find and kill Obi-wan. I think Rebels opened up that time period and an OWK movie could close some holes.
Natalie Portman gave up by the 2nd movie, but I always felt Ewan tried, and he deserves to be rewarded for acting with no direction in one take on a green screen.
The web Amin of this site need to sit down with someone and overhaul the site. It is unusable on IOS.
I don’t think they’d go anywhere near Maul in a movie. To the vast majority of movie goers Maul’s dead. If they start doing fan service like that there’s potential they could suffer the same fate as BvS. Disney has put in too much effort and money atoning for the sins of an EU that got way out of hand. It’s doubtfully they’d risk all they’ve accomplished on putting Maul in a movie.
True. Fan service is less forgivable in an actual movie imo. Even though seeing him with his robotic legs would make sense, general audiences might not react well.
I think Natalie was miscast aside from her looking like Fisher slightly. It’s pretty clear she never wanted to be a part of it.
This is a website meant to be surfed on a computer, so….
Hell yes!!!!!! I need an Obi-Wan McGregor movie! Or trilogy. I wish the ythrow away that stupid idea of Han´s Origin and do an Obi-Wan movie instead…OK, under one condition – no Darth Maul 🙂
It seems you didn’t watch/like the clone wars series. Maul went from a bidimensional character in episode 1 to a very complex one in the animated series. He desperately seeks revenge from almost every faction in the Galaxy. And of course, he truly hates Obi-Wan and want to find him and make him suffer xD
that is correct, I didn´t see it, but I heard somewhere that Maul is in Clone Wars and I was really surprised because since 1999 he´s dead to me and to many others who doesn´t watch Star Wars Cartoons. And this is why I think we will never see Darth Maul in a live action Star Wars movie. No matter how big is the number of star wars fans and kids who knows about Clone Wars or Rebels, the other number of those who don´t know about Maul living happily ever after (only now without his butt and penis and intestine and….OK, he´s an alien, he has all those important parts in his shoulders and chest, I get it) is immensely bigger…
I respect your feelings but if some day you fell curious, you should give Maul a try, it will not disappoint.
But I want Maul.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! 🙂
A Danny Boyle directed Obi-Wan movie, now there’s an anthology film to really look forward too!
What is it with u people that dont want a Han solo movie. I want a solo movie and a Obi-Wan and Darth Maul
I don’t want to see a Solo movie because I like the mystery behind the character. It would be great with the new Canon if they just left all of Solo’s story to what’s in the movies & the comics. Although i’ll still go see it 🙂
Fet on the other hand. I am vehemently opposed to that movie unless it’s a continuation after Jedi. Otherwise I have 0 desire to see that one being made and won’t go out of my way to see it.
I agree with Darth Maul. I’d love to see them explore the relationship between Maul and Palpatine. The one I want to see the most is Obi-Wan. I think there is a good story there.
I imagine Maul flying in circles around Tatooine, his favourite planet to strike on….
Would make his character come full circle..first we see him spinning everywhere on tatooine in TPM with Qui Gon..now we see him spinning everywhere on tatooine with his apprentice in the potential Obi spin off..and it can setup the moment where Kenobi can finally have his vengeance ..me likey lol
we should have a Qui-Gon movie in stead of all those
I dislike McGregor intensely, ever since he made his feelings known about his fans, the man needs to learn some humility.
As big a fan of these films as I am, I have no intrest in seeing him revisit the character & how he dares even compare himself to SIR Alec Guiness, a true genius & a chamealeaon of an actor ( and a Savvy business man, remember that 1%) I don not know.
If he does this, it’ll be for money, not the artistic value of it or any other crap excuse he may have.
I’d rather see the role recast, I think there may be a tale to be told, just NOT by him.
And I like him very much and would be delighted to see him doing Obi-Wan again 🙂
Where and how he made his feelings known about his fans?
I dont know whether this link will work here, but here goes-
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/ewan-mcgregor-star-wars-fans-are-fing-wers-ive-seen-phantom-menace-once-9821520.html
If not just google mcgregor and fans and read the articles.
Apparently he regards us as F*****g W*****s.
Don’t believe anything you see. I’ve worked and have some experience in journalism and the possibility that this one is fake – is extremely high. Fake articles are nothing new, and nowadays they are constant more than ever before. (Especially from media that call themselves “Independent”)
But even that was taken out of context, in article he called out people who are faking and are looking to make profit on him AND the fandom. Saying that they are not real fans seems legit.
I haven’t seen him say anything bad about the fans but no one hated SW more than Alec, Not even Ford.
I mean he was the guy who made some grade school kid cry in front of his Mother back in the 70’s when he asked for his autograph and said his fandom was a sickness. Great actor and doesn’t give one bad performance in the films but not exactly the most fan friendly. I’m sure he’d have done TFA though had he been alive if the pay day was as big as Ford’s.
Yep. he even wrote letters about how bratty and terrible Harrison Ford was. So yeah, fuck him.
I didn’t know that but I do know my friend got a pic and autograph with Ewan free of charge which I can’t see the original one ever doing.
No one cares.
You poor thing, I’m sure it feels like that for you but I’m sure someone somewhere wants you.
“No you!”
Your 4th grade comebacks are quite entertaining.
Glad you like them 🙂
smh
Alec hated Star Wars and Star Wars fans. Soo what is your point?!
Perhaps actors with grace enough to know how to treat their fans.
Whomever they are and whatever their motivations.
Did he tell you that?
Then whats your point?
I would prefer an Obiwan movie over a Fett movie any day. Hope it happens.
Someone on here said Joel Edgerton would do it too which surprises me since he’s become more of a name since the PT ended, I just hope they give him more than a few lines since he’s really proven to be a quality actor.
i would always prefer an obiwan movie over a bobba fett movie any day!
Hell yeah I would love an Obi-Wan movie featuring Ewan back in the role. He was my favorite part of the prequels to tell you the truth.
Give us Obi-Wan movie!
He is one of my favorite star wars characters.