Star Wars is arguably in the midst of its most significant years of content since the debut of the sequel trilogy. Disney initially focused its use of the iconic sci-fi franchise in blockbuster theatrical outings and spin-offs, however, it seems the universe is set to pivot to an episodic focus.
The viral success of The Mandalorian on Disney+ has proven that popular high-budget stories can still be told in series format, leading to the announcement of an expansive slate of shows for the service.
While some stories like Ahsoka and Rangers of the New Republic will continue to expand on the story of The Mandalorian, others will take their own route in other parts of the timeline.
Ever since the conclusion of the prequel trilogy, many fans have been calling for Ewan McGregor to return to the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in his own solo spin-off. At the time, it was expected that this would take the form of a live-action film, however, the success of Disney+ led the story to take an episodic format.
As of now, little is known about the series except for its post-Revenge of the Sith setting and the long-awaited return of Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker. With filming beginning this month, the series' stars are reaching the peak of their intense training regime to prepare for production, yet, there seems to have been some complications in the process...
MCGREGOR REVEALS “MONSTER” LIGHTSABER TRAINING FOR SERIES
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Obi-Wan Kenobi star Ewan McGregor revealed the impact his second Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose had on production. The actor explained that it really “kicked [his] ass” as he was left with several painful side effects from his second and final dose that he was given recently.
The Scottish actor went on to reveal the effects he suffered left him unable to participate in the “monster, two-and-a-half-hour sessions of sword fights and hand-to-hand” training they've been doing for months:
“For months, we've been doing these monster, two-and-a-half-hour sessions of sword fights and hand-to-hand stuff. But there was no way it was happening this week. Not with a 100.7 fever.”
Not only did McGregor's side effects halt training, but it also forced him to delay his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. However, the article went on to reveal that the effects were brief, and McGregor was recovered two days later.
COVID-19 CONTINUES TO IMPACT HOLLYWOOD
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic officially began last March, the virus has continued to have a substantial impact on Hollywood and the world in general. Over the last year, films have been delayed, productions have been halted, and now, even the vaccine is clearly having an impact. However, despite these brief side effects, the ongoing vaccine rollout will continue to move the world closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.
McGregor's tease of long and intense combat training sessions in preparation for his Disney+ series seems to indicate that fans can expect the legendary Jedi to have plenty of action spectacles.
Hayden Christensen is set to reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker, potentially suiting up as Darth Vader, while newcomer Moses Ingram has teased she will wield a lightsaber in the series. This means that so far, there are two force users Obi-Wan could go head-to-head with during his Disney+ return.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to debut exclusively on Disney+ in 2022.
