5 facts about Obi-Wan Kenobi to check out before the series

The new Disney+ series inspired by the Star Wars universe, “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, premiered this Friday, the 27th, responsible for presenting the return of Ewan McGregor as the Jedi Master, where you will need to embark on a crucial mission and confront allies turned enemies to face the fury of the Galactic Empire.

To celebrate the big launch, check out 5 facts about the important character of the Star Wars franchise.

1. Different interpreters

In the new Disney+ series, the actor Ewan McGregor will be responsible for playing the Jedi Master. However, he wasn’t the only one who brought Obi-Wan to life throughout the Star Wars franchise. In A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the character was played by Alec Guinness, when the Jedi appears older.

2. Inspired by another character

To create Obi-Wan Kenobi, George Lucas was inspired by the character General Rokurōta, from the Japanese film The Hidden Fortress, released in 1958. The filmmaker even tried to make Toshiro Mifune, actor responsible for playing Rokurōta, to participate in Star Wars, but he ended up turning down the proposal.

3. Contact after death

In “A New Hope,” Obi-Wan Kenobi from Alec Guinness ends up dying after an intense battle with Darth Varder — but that hasn’t stopped him from keeping in touch with Luke Skywalker. Even after his death, the apprentice could see and hear all of his Master’s teachings during times of conflict.

4. Meaning of the name “Obi-Wan Kenobi”

The entire name of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” has Japanese references. The word “Obi” refers to a sash that is usually used to tie kimonos, while “Wan” refers to the honorific “san”, which means “sir”. While “Ken” is a term used to refer to swords.

5. Young Padawan?

Before becoming a Jedi Master, you must be a Padawan — and that’s exactly what happened with Obi-Wan Kenobi. We can see this in episode one, 1999’s “The Phantom Menace,” where Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson, is your Master.