Why I’m Grateful Obi-Wan Kenobi Wasn’t Made Into a Trilogy

Initially, I felt disappointed that Obi-Wan Kenobi pivoted from a intended trilogy of films to a television series. However, I’ve come to appreciate that this transition was ultimately beneficial for the Star Wars franchise. The Obi-Wan Kenobi narrative is part of the broader trend where several recent Star Wars stories, originally conceived as movies, have been reimagined as TV series. In the case of Obi-Wan, the scrapped movie trilogy featured an entirely different storyline.

This original concept was rooted in Obi-Wan’s remark to Luke Skywalker in *A New Hope*, where he expressed a belief in Anakin’s potential for redemption—an idea that starkly contrasts with the prequel trilogy’s portrayal of Anakin. While this notion is intriguing, the execution of an Obi-Wan Kenobi trilogy would have misaligned with the core essence of Star Wars.

The Case Against an Obi-Wan Kenobi Trilogy

Concerns Surrounding Potential Season 2

While the idea of exploring Obi-Wan’s faith in his former apprentice—thus enriching Ewan McGregor’s screen time—is certainly enticing, the prospect of a trilogy set between *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* and *A New Hope* appears excessive. The Star Wars fanbase is already polarized regarding the value of this narrative direction; many believe the franchise should instead focus on new stories beyond the Skywalker Saga.

Even now, discussions are ongoing regarding the viability of a potential Season 2 of Obi-Wan Kenobi. For numerous fans, the first season already offered fresh insights into a crucial period of the Star Wars timeline, particularly emphasizing Obi-Wan’s exile on Tatooine while seamlessly leading into *A New Hope*. Although I echo Ewan McGregor’s sentiment that there’s untapped potential for a second season, including narratives about the Hidden Path, the concern remains that further installments might risk overstaying their welcome.

In fact, while a second season could feel like pushing the boundaries, the alternative of an entire trilogy might have proven far more problematic. Obi-Wan’s narrative arc during this timeline is primarily defined by his time in hiding. His acknowledgment to Luke that he hasn’t heard the name Obi-Wan in ages adds a poignant layer; this aligns with the revelations presented throughout the original trilogy. Introducing a trilogy would likely necessitate significant retcons, which could lead to a wave of controversy.

The Need for Star Wars to Evolve

The Thrill of Continuation vs. The Danger of Nostalgia

Obi-Wan riding an eopie in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

While I believe that Star Wars shouldn’t entirely forsake prequel characters or the Skywalker lineage, a comprehensive trilogy centered on Obi-Wan in the Dark Times would risk trapping the franchise in past narratives. Even as fans advocate for beloved characters’ returns, the series must demonstrate its capacity to innovate. The disheartening reactions to the Star Wars sequel trilogy and other projects, such as *The Acolyte*, indicate a struggle to deliver fresh content that resonates with audiences.

This is precisely what would have rendered the Obi-Wan trilogy an ill-advised choice. It would underscore the perception that Star Wars remains tethered to a limited era and set of characters. However, Obi-Wan Kenobi effectively evokes nostalgia without overwhelming the audience.

Looking Forward to Obi-Wan Season 2: A World of Possibilities

Ewan McGregor’s Insights on Season 2 Suggest a Richer Narrative

Anakin and Obi-Wan training in a flashback in Obi-Wan Kenobi

The structure of an Obi-Wan trilogy would necessitate a tightly woven, cohesive narrative arc—something the series format of Obi-Wan Kenobi allows it to sidestep, even with the possibility of a Season 2 on the horizon. Ewan McGregor has hinted at intriguing plot elements that could emerge in the show’s continuation, underscoring how a trilogy might compromise opportunities for deeper storytelling. This serialized format grants Obi-Wan Kenobi greater narrative flexibility, particularly regarding McGregor’s comments about de-aging and the potential inclusion of Clone Wars elements.

Should Season 2 materialize, it could effectively integrate a Clone Wars narrative arc, likely reuniting McGregor and Hayden Christensen on screen. While a trilogy might have showcased such sequences through flashbacks, the series format allows for a more nuanced exploration of character relationships and storylines while maintaining a cohesive narrative flow. Although I would have cherished the opportunity to see McGregor and Christensen on the big screen again, I am grateful that Obi-Wan Kenobi was not developed as a full trilogy within the Star Wars saga.

Source & Images