Disney is reportedly in talks with Golden Globe nominee Ewan McGregor for the actor to reprise his role as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, sources have revealed. McGregor will possibly be part of the planned Anthology series of Star Wars spinoffs should negotiations succeed,
Crediting Shmoes Know for the information, the Huffington Post reports that based on their sources close to the production company, Disney plans to create a film, or even a whole new trilogy of films based on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Rumors are also circulating that the planned film or films involving the Jedi Master will be set in the era between Episodes III and IV, and the film will serve as a bridge between the two timeframes in the movie universe's canon, much like other companion titles such as the Star Wars: Rebels animated series. Kenobi himself has appeared in the animated series.
Kenobi's enduring popularity with the fans seems to be the main reason why Disney is considering the project. As a post on Making Star Wars suggests, a source points out that, " For the spinoff movies they were initially going to stay away from any Jedi or Sith characters. But I'm hearing now that because of the popularity of Obi-Wan (fans recently voting for him on the official website, etc.) that an art team is now working with a writer on concepts for an Obi-Wan movie."
If the sources are proven true, the planned project will most likely be part of the previously-announced Anthology series, starting with 2016's Rogue One spinoff. The Anthology series develops the mythology of the franchise beyond the upcoming Episode VII: The Force Awakens and its future installments. It was earlier hinted that one of the proposed storylines for the Anthology series involved younger versions of space smuggler Han Solo and bounty hunter Boba Fett in a crime or heist-style film set in-universe.
The character of Obi-Wan Kenobi was last seen in 2005's Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the final film in the so-called Prequel Trilogy of Star Wars films, McGregor was praised for his performance throughout the trilogy as the master and mentor to Jedi Anakin Skywalker before his turn to the Dark Side of the Force and transformation into the iconic villain Darth Vader. The role was first played by Sir Alec Guinness in 1977's A New Hope.
Representatives for Disney and McGregor would not confirm or deny the story when reached for comment.
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