Fans have been busy unpacking the Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer, and while the trailer certainly has tons of goodies, the show’s official synopsis might offer the real teasers. Obi-Wan Kenobi is Disney Plus’s next Star Wars original series. The series is scheduled to premiere on the streaming platform on May 25th, 2022. Fans of Obi-Wan can expect the show to be an emotional and nostalgic epilogue to Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
While there are many mysteries surrounding the new series, we do know a bit about casting. Obi-Wan Kenobi will welcome back a slew of original Star Wars actors including Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan, Hayden Christensen as Anakin, Joel Edgerton as Owen Lars, and Bonnie Piesse as Beru Lars. Meanwhile, Rupert Friend will star as the Grand Inquisitor. Additionally, Indira Varma and Moses Ingram will also star as Inquisitors. Luke Skywalker, who will be 10-years-old in the series, has been recast as Grant Feely.
Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s slated cast alone is enough to draw fans into the series. However, the story and its timeline, 10-years after Revenge of the Sith, is also appealing. The series will see Obi-Wan self-exiling to Tatooine to watch over Young Skywalker. Unfortunately, his self-exile is interrupted by Darth Vader’s rising power, and the Inquisitors’ hunt of the Jedi order.
Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s official synopsis.
Obi-Wan Kenobi has released its official synopsis. Although very brief, the synopsis is teeming with teasers and hints about the series. The official synopsis appears on Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s Disney+ landing page and can be read below:
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, former Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi embarks on a crucial mission. Kenobi must confront allies turned enemies and face the wrath of the Empire.
Timeline confirmation
The very first words of Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s synopsis officially confirm its place in the Star Wars timeline. Hence, Obi-Wan Kenobi occurs, “during the reign of the Galactic Empire.” However, when exactly is that? The reign of the Galactic Empire was also known as the Imperial Period, which lasted from the Declaration of a New Order in 19 BBY until the death of Emperor Palpatine in 4 ABY. The Imperial Period was an exceedingly dark time in Star Wars history. The Galactic Empire reigned through fear, intimidation, and tyranny, and launched a purge of the Jedi Order.
The origins of the Galactic Empire were established at the end of Revenge of the Sith. Hence, Obi-Wan Kenobi will offer a direct follow-up to that establishment and an in-depth look into that dark period.
Obi-Wan is a ‘former’ Jedi Master
The Obi-Wan Kenobi synopsis interestingly labels Obi-Wan as a “former” Jedi Master, rather than simply “Jedi Master.” Jedi Master is a rank bestowed upon a Jedi Knight when a Jedi Grand Master determines them fit for the ranking. Such a rank could potentially be revoked by the Jedi Order, but there isn’t much indication of this happening with Obi-Wan.
The fact that he is classified as a former Jedi Master could be a result of his own self-exile. Several Jedi’s who self-exiled, such as Ahsoka and Luke, managed to cut the Force off from themselves. Perhaps, it is this self-exile and force severing that have taken away his Jedi Master ranking. However, more likely it indicates the purge of the Jedi Order during the Imperial Period. How can Obi-Wan be a Jedi Master with no Jedi Order?
Obi-Wan’s crucial mission
Obi-Wan self-exiled to Tatooine to fulfill his promise to watch over young Skywalker. However, the indication of a new crucial mission suggests that a new priority has arisen for Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan’s crucial mission is likely in reference to the Inquisitors. These Inquisitors are making their live-action debut, and they are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
What Inquisitors are, are Jedi hunters. They wish to destroy every last fragment of the Jedi Order 66. Hence, Skywalker, Uncle Owen, and Aunt Beru could easily become targets by mere association, especially since survivors like Obi-Wan try to maintain the Jedi Order by teaching new students in the Force. Hence, Obi-Wan’s crucial mission is likely an extension of his original promise. He must leave exile and face the Inquisitors to ensure Skywalker’s continued protection.
Allies turned enemies
The biggest teaser in the official Obi-Wan Kenobi synopsis is that of betrayal. This raises further anticipation for a big showdown between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan. However, fans will notice that it is ‘enemies’ rather than ‘enemy.’ Obi-Wan Kenobi will definitely explore Obi-Wan’s estrangement from his former Padawan, Anakin. However, what other allies will turn into enemies?
The ‘allies turned to enemies’ statement could potentially hint at further Star Wars returns. However, for now, McGregor and Christensen are the only confirmed returning opponents in the series. It is difficult to decipher who else might return and prove to be an enemy. Anakin’s betrayal is already known, but might Obi-Wan Kenobi be hiding another betrayal? Obi-Wan already promises to be an emotional dive into what happens between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader. However, perhaps the full ‘wrath of the empire’ hasn’t yet been felt.
(featured image: Disney)
Published: Mar 21, 2022 03:06 pm