A scandalously famous couple, who are fighting to the death in one of the most famous franchises in pop culture, have reunited for perhaps the last time.
Disney + released the final episode of its six-part miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi on Wednesday – and the show’s namesake is back in front of his former Padawan, 10 years after the heartbreaking turn of the Jedi Knight to the Dark Side.
“It was a surreal experience to go back to this character,” said Canadian actor Hayden Christensen, who reprized his role as Anakin Skywalker, who became Darth Vader in the Star Wars series.
The series follows Obi-Wan as he sets out to rescue Princess Leia, who is abducted at the age of 10 – a chain of events begins that leads to a confrontation with Darth Vader.
Hayden Christensen for his reunion with Ewan McGregor
After 17 years, Hayden Christenson as Darth Vader reunites with his colleague Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Disney + series
The last time Christenson wore his Darth Vader costume was 17 years ago, then in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, after Kenobi, played by Ewan McGregor in the film and the new series, left him dead and he was saved by the emperor, a cryotank and a lot of new hardware.
But the battle that preceded it remains a key moment in the Star Wars canon, pursuing both characters in the last part.
Canadian director Deborah Chow said it was important for her to reunite two strongly connected characters, especially in a show that is so connected to the events of previous films.
“I felt very strongly that it must be Hayden,” said Chow, who first suggested the idea in Toronto a few years ago.
Deborah Chow for directing the series about Obi-Wan Kenobi
Director Deborah Chow on why it was a challenge to direct a series that fills the gap in the Star Wars timeline
Christensen said he never expected to return to the role, but did not hesitate to take it on when Chow called.
“It was a very easy decision,” he told CBC News because he wanted to study Vader’s evolution.
Another part of the withdrawal? Work with McGregor again after nearly two decades, as the two actors became close during the filming of earlier films.
“The whole experience was very nostalgic for him,” Christensen said. “Swinging with a lightsaber brought back many old memories.”
The actor receives racist comments
But there were also harmful moments after the premiere of the series.
A few weeks ago, black actor Moses Ingram, who plays Imperial Inquisitor Reva Sevander, posted a series of stories on Instagram saying he had received racist comments after the show’s first broadcast.
“No one can do anything to stop this hatred,” she said in the video.
Ingram as the villainous inquisitor in Obi-Wan Kenobi. The actor posted on his Instagram account that he received racist messages after the show aired. (Disney +)
She also thanked those who came out to support her.
“We were all a little worried about that,” said Chow, who said the franchise publicly supports Ingram.
We love her as a person and as an actor.
10-year difference in plot
While Obi-Wan Kenobi begins a decade after Revenge of the Sith and fills a gap in Star Wars chronology, directing the episodes is a good challenge for Chow.
“We have these huge iconic hereditary characters and we are among the trilogies, so there was a huge responsibility in that,” she said.
Chow said he has no plans for a second season at the moment.
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