Disney Is Working On A Solo Obi-Wan Kenobi Film

Looks like Han Solo isn’t the only one getting a standalone movie. The “Star Wars” franchise might be welcoming another solo film, this time centered around Obi-Wan Kenobi. The iconic Jedi, who mentored both Anakin and Luke Skywalker, is one of the series’ most recognizable and beloved characters. Reports state that Disney and Lucasfilm are in early talks with Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry to helm the project.

Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, and Mark Hamill in Star Wars (1977). Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm.

Stephen Daldry Might Helm Obi-Wan Kenobi Film

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney and LucasFilm are negotiating with Stephen Daldry to direct the project. Daldry previously worked on “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (2011), nominated for Best Picture in the 2012 Oscars.

Currently, the project remains at the earliest stages of development and also lacks a script. Should Daldry agree to the position, he will oversee the film’s development and will be writing alongside Lucasfilm. The project has also yet to name a lead actor for the role of Obi-Wan. However, there are already some solid options. Foremost of these? Ewan McGregor, who played the Jedi Master in the prequels and has repeatedly stated that he is open to playing the character again.

Ewan McGregor in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). Photo by Lucasfilm Ltd.

Obi-Wan’s Backstory

The original trilogy introduced Obi-Wan Kenobi first as a reclusive hermit Ben played by Alec Guinness. Ben eventually reveals himself to Luke as a powerful but weary Jedi. However, he soon meets his end at the hands of Darth Vader, his former apprentice and a man he once called a brother. The prequels explored this tragic connection, explaining Anakin’s fall and betrayal of the Jedi Order.

However, despite the major roles Obi-Wan played in both trilogies, fans know surprisingly little about old Ben. We don’t know details about his early life, his family, or even how he passed the time on Tatooine. Hopefully, the promised standalone will fill in the blanks.