‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ evaluation: Ewan McGregor returns because the Jedi Knight within the years ahead of ‘Megastar Wars: A New Hope’

It is value recalling a stand-alone film was once in fact the unique plan for this collection, which options Ewan McGregor reprising his function from the prequel trilogy, ahead of the box-office underperformance of “Solo” induced Lucasfilm to head in a unique course.

Even supposing there may be an in depth time hole between motion pictures, a few of this era was once lined within the very good animated collection “Megastar Wars Rebels,” which presented to the display Inquisitors, lightsaber-wielding villains tasked with weeding out the ones Jedi who survived the purge orchestrated by means of the Emperor. Because the trailer explains, the Inquisitors’ secret weapon is the character of the Jedi themselves, because the Inquisitors search to trap their prey into the open by means of checking out their innate goodness.

Whilst the Inquisitors have tracked lesser Jedi around the galaxy, one specifically, Reva (Moses Ingram), seems obsessive about finding Kenobi, who resides an lifestyles of wilderness drudgery whilst hiding in simple view. He watches the younger Luke from a good distance, which continues to be too as regards to swimsuit the boy’s Uncle Owen (Joel Edgerton), who smartly recollects how he ended up with the lad in his care.

Directed by means of “The Mandalorian” veteran Deborah Chow, those episodes most importantly concoct a more-than-plausible rationalization, which should not be spoiled, for bringing Kenobi out of his cave and into jeopardy. That situation additionally creates quite a lot of alternatives for callbacks that, in a theatrical environment, would have fanatics whooping and hollering.

The ones different thrives apart, McGregor — 17 years got rid of from “Revenge of the Sith” — proves a huge asset, completely shooting the mythical Jedi at this level, nonetheless wounded by means of having misplaced Anakin Skywalker to the darkish aspect and wearily left in a protecting development that provides room for some hope however, beneath present instances, no longer a complete lot.

The ones issues apart, the Disney+ collection items subscribers what seems like a beautiful distraction, no Jedi thoughts tips required. Whilst there are nonetheless 4 installments to return, in line with the liftoff, the Power continues to be very a lot with “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” which might possess a little much less spring in its step however has misplaced none of its attract to people who have lengthy adopted him.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” premieres Would possibly 27 on Disney+.