Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to give us a whole new glimpse of the man who would become Luke Skywalker’s mentor. Set in his mysterious time of exile, most fans are assuming we won’t see the rip-roaring action and lightsaber duels that made the prequels such a memorable cinematic experience.
However, a new TV spot suggests the series is going to make up for Obi-Wan’s low profile by shoving a minor character into the warm glow of a saber, forcing Obi-Wan to make a decision — and a huge change in his fighting style. Here’s everything you need to know.
In a new television ad for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke’s step-uncle Owen Lars finds himself being threatened by Reva’s saber. And so Obi-Wan, forced to conceal his Jedi identity, picks up a blaster.
This is a big change for the Star Wars universe, as Owen has always represented the mundane side of Luke’s life, and Obi-Wan the mystical. Growing up, Luke had three father figures: Owen, “Ben,” and Anakin. Owen is the man who raised him, Ben the man who showed him his true nature, and Anakin was the biological father who gets redemption and forgiveness on his deathbed.
While it’s exciting to see this characterization change, it does raise the question of whether we’ll see Obi-Wan wield his lightsaber during his show’s two episode debut. Obi-Wan without a lightsaber is like Mando without a helmet; it feels wrong, and would only be shown if it was absolutely necessary.
The early change of pace here should prove interesting. It’s Owen who finds himself in the Empire’s bad books, while Obi-Wan does as much as he can to not intervene. But that’s difficult for someone with such heavily ingrained Jedi principles.
Obi-Wan Kenobi isn’t just the continuation of his story, nor is it the origin of Ben Kenobi. Instead, it’s the transition between the Jedi who was supposed to protect all to a recluse who is hellbent on protecting only one person.
Even if he doesn’t wield a lightsaber from the start, there’s plenty for Obi-Wan Kenobi to explore. Outside of his weapon and his vocation, what is Obi-Wan like as a mere blaster-toting Tatooinian? It looks like we’re about to find out.
Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres May 27, 2022 on Disney+.
