Obi-Wan Kenobi, released on Disney+ in May 2022, is a six-episode limited series that dives deep into the emotional turmoil and exile of the legendary Jedi Master. Set ten years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, this Star Wars miniseries gives fans a long-awaited bridge between the prequel trilogy and the original saga. Directed by Deborah Chow and starring Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the show brings back familiar faces like Hayden Christensen (Darth Vader), Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, and Jimmy Smits, while introducing new characters such as Reva (Moses Ingram) and young Leia Organa (Vivien Lyra Blair).
Originally intended to be a feature film, the project was reshaped into a series following the underperformance of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Filming took place using cutting-edge StageCraft technology, and music was composed by Natalie Holt, with a powerful new theme by the legendary John Williams himself. The series focuses on Obi-Wan’s struggle with his past, his rediscovery of hope, and his confrontation with a terrifying and broken version of his former Padawan, now Darth Vader.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries) – Star Wars Official Trailer
Key Questions Answered
When Does Obi-Wan Kenobi Take Place?
The series is set 10 years after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and 9 years before Episode IV: A New Hope. Obi-Wan has been hiding on Tatooine under the alias “Ben” while quietly watching over young Luke Skywalker.
What Is the Story About?
The plot begins with the kidnapping of young Princess Leia, which forces Kenobi to abandon his secluded life and confront a dangerous galaxy — and eventually Darth Vader himself. Along the way, he meets new allies and enemies, including Imperial Inquisitors who are hunting remaining Jedi survivors.
Is Darth Vader in the Series?
Yes. Hayden Christensen returns as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, offering a chilling and emotional confrontation between master and apprentice that further deepens their tragic history.
Is Obi-Wan Kenobi Worth Watching?
Absolutely — especially for fans of the prequel trilogy and anyone curious about the evolution of Obi-Wan and Darth Vader’s relationship. Ewan McGregor delivers a phenomenal performance, portraying a broken and remorseful Obi-Wan rediscovering his purpose. The show provides strong emotional payoffs, intense lightsaber duels, and adds essential depth to the Star Wars mythos.
That said, it’s not without its flaws. While many praised the performances and visual design, some viewers felt that the pacing was uneven, certain character decisions were questionable, and a few action scenes lacked polish. Still, the emotional beats and lore additions outweigh these issues for most fans.
If you’re invested in the Skywalker saga or want to see how Obi-Wan transitions from warrior to wise mentor, this series is well worth the watch.
How to Watch Obi-Wan Kenobi in Chronological Order
Here’s how Obi-Wan Kenobi fits into the Star Wars timeline:
Star Wars Chronological Watch Order (Films & Series):
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- Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (Animated Series)
- Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (Miniseries) ←
- Star Wars: Rebels (Animated Series)
- Rogue One
- Episode IV – A New Hope
- Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Optional Viewing (For Context):
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- Tales of the Jedi (prequel insights)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (Inquisitor background)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries) FAQ
Is Obi-Wan Kenobi canon?
Yes. The series is fully canon and officially part of the Star Wars timeline.
Is it necessary to watch the animated shows before Obi-Wan Kenobi?
No, but watching The Clone Wars and Rebels adds deeper context, especially for characters like the Inquisitors and Vader’s relationship with Obi-Wan.
How many episodes are there in Obi-Wan Kenobi?
There are six episodes, each ranging from about 40–55 minutes.
Is there a Season 2 of Obi-Wan Kenobi?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a second season. Lucasfilm has referred to it as a limited series, but Ewan McGregor has expressed interest in returning.
Why is young Leia important in the show?
Leia’s kidnapping serves as the catalyst that draws Obi-Wan out of hiding. It also establishes a bond between Leia and Obi-Wan, which gives more weight to her reaching out to him in A New Hope.
A Look at the Criticism: What Didn’t Work?
While Obi-Wan Kenobi received a generally positive reception, not all feedback was glowing:
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- Pacing Issues: Some viewers found the series slow in the early episodes, especially Episode 1.
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- Action Quality: A few action scenes were criticized as clunky or poorly choreographed, lacking the energy of other Star Wars productions.
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- Reva’s Arc: Though many appreciated her complexity, others felt her character development was rushed or inconsistent.
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- Visual Effects on Tatooine & Daiyu: Some critics thought the production design looked too artificial or “TV-like” for such an important chapter in the franchise.
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- Plot Convenience: Critics pointed out moments that seemed overly convenient, such as how Leia was kidnapped or the way Kenobi escaped danger.
Despite these points, most fans still found the series compelling, particularly due to McGregor’s return and the emotional depth of the Vader-Kenobi storyline.
Final Thoughts
Obi-Wan Kenobi successfully fills a vital narrative gap in the Star Wars universe. Ewan McGregor delivers a soulful and layered performance, while the show offers an emotional journey that reshapes our understanding of Kenobi and Vader. Though some critics found the pacing uneven and a few plot elements weak, the series is a satisfying character study packed with nostalgic value and strong storytelling.
For fans of Star Wars, especially those who grew up with the prequels, this is essential viewing. For newcomers, it serves as a gateway into the deeper lore of the galaxy.
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Get ready to relive the heartbreak, redemption, and legacy of one of the galaxy’s greatest Jedi.