The First ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Teaser Introduces A Defeated Jedi Master
by Erik Amaya
Following its debut at the Disney annual investors meeting, Disney+ unveiled a teaser for the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series. Set ten years after Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, it sees the title character (Ewan McGregor) in exile on Tatooine. Although stating his defeat, he continues to protect Luke Skywalker. But his vigil is interrupted when the Sith Inquistors get close. Indeed, as this teaser indicates, Jedi are easy to find: the have compassion and are compelled to act on it. The adventure takes Obi-Wan offworld and, perhaps, will finally reveal when he decided to go by “Ben.”
Of course, the teaser comes in the shadow of Disney’s failure to adequately explain its contributions to state representatives in Florida, where a controversial piece of legislation — known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill — has divided Disney fans and employees. Indeed, shareholders put forth proposals to increase social accountability during the meeting. All but one, a proposal to investigate pay gaps company wide, failed to pass. During the meeting, CEO Bob Chapek said “inclusivity” is one of the pillars of the company, making its political contributions more difficult to grasp. He subsequently said during the Q&A portion that the company always opposed the bill, but tried to work with the legislature to defeat it. He also said he and LGBTQ+ cast members will meet with Florida governor Ron DeSantis about the bill. Nevertheless, it is hard to ignore the company’s seeming inaction and failure to protect its employees.
Back in the Star Wars galaxy, Obi-Wan Kenobi, which features McGregor, Hayden Christensen and Moses Ingram, debuts May 25th on Disney+