When Obi-Wan Kenobi finally debuted on Disney+ in May 2022, it marked the long-awaited return of Ewan McGregor to one of the most beloved characters in Star Wars history. Fans had waited nearly two decades to see the Jedi Master again, and McGregor believed the series would be the crown jewel of Disney’s streaming era. But as fate would have it, another hero in a galaxy far, far away had already captured the world’s attention — The Mandalorian.
At the Fan Expo Chicago 2025, McGregor candidly shared his thoughts about how his show came to be overshadowed. He revealed that he originally thought Obi-Wan Kenobi would be the “big splash” for Star Wars on Disney+, only to realize that The Mandalorian, starring Pedro Pascal, had already made that impact.
“They brought out Disney+ and wanted a big splash, and I thought that’s what we were going to be,” McGregor said. “Then just before we made it, The Mandalorian came out. I thought, ‘Wait a minute, what’s going on here?’”
The Mandalorian: The Unexpected Flagbearer of Star Wars Streaming
When Disney+ launched in November 2019, the platform needed a hit — and The Mandalorian delivered beyond expectations. The series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, introducing characters like Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, affectionately known as “Baby Yoda.”
The combination of cinematic storytelling, nostalgic callbacks, and emotional depth struck a chord with fans worldwide. It wasn’t just another Star Wars story — it was a reinvention of the galaxy that captured the essence of the franchise while charting its own path.
By the time Obi-Wan Kenobi arrived three years later, The Mandalorian had already established itself as the defining Star Wars experience on Disney+. For McGregor, that meant stepping into a world where expectations were sky-high — and comparisons were inevitable.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Return Long in the Making
Obi-Wan Kenobi brought McGregor back to his role from the prequel trilogy, showing a broken and isolated Jedi hiding on Tatooine after the fall of the Republic. The story explored Kenobi’s guilt, trauma, and redemption while reuniting him with his old apprentice turned Sith Lord — Darth Vader, played once again by Hayden Christensen.
Despite high anticipation, the series received a mixed response. Many praised McGregor’s performance and emotional storytelling, while others felt the pacing and limited episodes left untapped potential. Still, the show delivered some unforgettable Star Wars moments — from Kenobi’s emotional reunion with Leia to the climactic lightsaber duel with Vader.
For McGregor, the series was a deeply personal experience — a chance to close a chapter that began with The Phantom Menace in 1999. “It was wonderful to step back into Obi-Wan’s boots,” he said in earlier interviews. “There was so much nostalgia, but also something deeply new about rediscovering who he’d become.”
“Plenty of Room for All of Us”
While The Mandalorian might have stolen some of Obi-Wan’s spotlight, McGregor made it clear there’s no resentment. Instead, he celebrated the expansion of the Star Wars universe and the variety it offers.
“I thought, ‘Wait a minute, what’s this going on here?’” McGregor said at the convention, laughing. “But there would seem to be plenty of room for all of us.”
His comment reflects the reality of Star Wars today: a vast galaxy of interconnected stories where each show brings its own flavor — from the grittiness of Andor to the mysticism of Ahsoka.
The Push for Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2
Since Obi-Wan Kenobi wrapped, McGregor has been vocal about his desire to return. He’s mentioned on multiple occasions that he’d love to explore more of the Jedi’s journey, perhaps bridging the gap between Kenobi and A New Hope.
In August 2025, he jokingly “petitioned” Disney to greenlight a second season — or at least let him appear in another Star Wars project.
“Somebody give me a job. Come on Disney,” McGregor said with a smile. “We need Season 2, for goodness sake. What are we waiting for?”
So far, Disney has remained silent on the idea. Reports suggest the company is focusing on Ahsoka Season 2 and upcoming theatrical releases like The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Still, fans continue to rally behind the possibility of Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2. Petitions and social media campaigns regularly trend with hashtags like #RenewKenobi and #EwanForTheForce. Many argue that there’s more story left to tell — especially regarding Kenobi’s spiritual transformation and his connection to the Force ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn.
Disney’s Expanding Star Wars Universe
Even as Obi-Wan’s future remains uncertain, Disney’s Star Wars lineup continues to grow. Among the confirmed projects:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) – A theatrical movie continuing Din Djarin’s story.
- Ahsoka Season 2 – Following the journey of Ahsoka Tano after her confrontation with Thrawn.
- Star Wars: Starfighter – A new feature starring Ryan Gosling and Matt Smith.
- Rey’s Return Movie – Daisy Ridley reprises her role to rebuild the Jedi Order.
This broad strategy shows Disney’s commitment to keeping Star Wars alive across multiple formats — streaming, film, and even animation. However, with such an extensive lineup, not every project can be the franchise’s “big splash.”
Why The Mandalorian Changed the Game
From a strategic point of view, The Mandalorian changed how Disney and Lucasfilm approached storytelling. Before its release, Star Wars was mostly defined by trilogies and theatrical experiences. But The Mandalorian proved that smaller, serialized storytelling could deliver cinematic-quality drama with deep emotional impact.
The show also pioneered real-time virtual production technology (StageCraft), enabling more immersive worlds on a smaller budget. This innovation set a new standard for how all Disney+ Star Wars shows would be made — including Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Moreover, The Mandalorian reintroduced mystery and discovery to the franchise. Grogu’s presence, the Mandalorian creed, and connections to Jedi lore helped bridge generations of fans.
McGregor’s Legacy in the Star Wars Universe
Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi remains one of Star Wars’ greatest achievements. From his youthful energy in The Phantom Menace to the weary hermit in the Disney+ series, McGregor has redefined the role for a new generation.
Critics and fans alike have praised his ability to blend Alec Guinness’ wisdom with his own emotional depth. Whether it’s delivering iconic lines like “Hello there” or showing Obi-Wan’s quiet sorrow, McGregor has given the character humanity and heart.
Even if Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 never happens, McGregor’s legacy in the galaxy far, far away is secure. His dedication to the role — and his love for the fans — ensures that Obi-Wan remains one of the most iconic characters in pop culture.
The Bigger Picture: A Galaxy of Opportunity
While McGregor may have expected Obi-Wan Kenobi to be the streaming era’s defining Star Wars story, the reality reflects something deeper — the universe has evolved beyond one hero.
The Mandalorian opened the door to a shared storytelling universe that celebrates multiple perspectives. Whether it’s Ahsoka’s mystical journey, Cassian Andor’s rebellion, or Rey’s quest for renewal, every story adds to the vast tapestry of Star Wars.
In that sense, McGregor’s reflection isn’t disappointment — it’s a reminder that Star Wars thrives because of its diversity. There’s room for all heroes, from Jedi Masters to masked bounty hunters.
Final Thoughts: Obi-Wan’s Time Will Come Again
Ewan McGregor’s candid comments show a genuine love for the character and the franchise. Though The Mandalorian may have stolen the limelight, Obi-Wan Kenobi remains a vital chapter in the saga — one that fans still cherish and hope to revisit.
As Disney continues to expand the galaxy, it’s only a matter of time before the Force calls Obi-Wan back to the screen. After all, as the Jedi Master once said, “The Force will be with you, always.”