Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to add a new chapter to the Skywalker Saga as it focuses on the events before Star Wars: A New Hope. The upcoming Disney+ series will feature the much-awaited rematch between the titular Jedi Master and his former friend-turned-Sith Lord Anakin Skywalker a.k.a. Darth Vader. In addition to the galactic bout, the series is also expected to dive into the pair's unexplored history, meaning that there could be flashbacks during the events of Star Wars The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.
A previous Star Wars rumor has already teased that there would indeed be flashbacks tied to the Clone Wars, but it is unknown if Anakin will be featured. However, given that the series is primed to explore the pair's friendship before their rematch, there's a good chance that some of Obi-Wan and Anakin's scenes from The Clone Wars or even entirely new scenes could end up in the final cut.
Now, ahead of the show's premiere next month, the Darth Vader actor has shared his thoughts about the animated shows of the Skywalker Saga.
Hayden Christensen Opens Up About Star Wars Clone Wars
Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen sat down with Entertainment Weekly to talk about their preparation for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
McGregor first admitted that he watched all nine Star Wars movies of the Skywalker Saga "from start to finish:"
“I watched them from start to finish. All nine movies. Just to get back in that world.”
The Obi-Wan Kenobi actor also shared that it was the first time that he watched the prequels since they were originally released, admitting that it was an "interesting" experience:
"It was interesting to watch our films because I hadn’t seen them since they came out, not at all. So it was cool to see and interesting to watch them and enjoy them without all of the noise that was around when they came out.”
Christensen revealed that he didn't just rewatch all the films, but he also "got into the animated shows," namely Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels.
“I went back and rewatched all the films. And I also got into the animated shows, The Clone Wars and Rebels.”
The Darth Vader actor then shared his thoughts about the series, pointing out that "there was interesting stuff there to learn about" his character in the animated shows:
“It was interesting. They did a lot with these characters in those shows. And they did further explore the relationship. There was interesting stuff there to learn about. It was great fun getting to go back and re-immerse yourself in this world that just continues to grow and become more and more vast.”
Hayden Christensen's Passion for Star Wars
Hayden Christensen is clearly excited about his highly-anticipated return to the galaxy far, far, away. The actor's passion for the franchise is apparent when he mentioned that he watched every related project to the series, including the animated shows.
Christensen's prep work means that he is all caught up with Star Wars, thus proving to be a valuable asset for his return to the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series. As a result, the Darth Vader actor would understand references and Easter eggs that are sprinkled throughout the show.
Given that Christensen is also set to return on Ahsoka, the actors' deep dive into the animated shows could serve as an advantage since it gives him an opportunity to fully explore the complex relationship of his character with Rosario Dawson's Jedi.
Christensen's mention of Clone Wars and Rebels could also hint that some characters from those shows would end up appearing in Obi-Wan Kenobi, especially after Rupert Friend teased that there are "wonderful cameos" in the series.
Obi-Wan Kenobi's first two episodes are set to premiere on Disney+ on May 27.
