“Obi-Wan Kenobi” Series To Feature Epic Vader Rematch

There has been a lot of news surrounding the Star Wars franchise lately, from the Cassian Andor series readying production to fan-favorite character Ahsoka Tano getting her own show. However, one of the biggest announcements was that the series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, would feature Hayden Christensen reprising the role of Darth Vader.

Christensen was last seen in the final prequel, Revenge of the Sith, and while his portrayal of the famed baddie left many unsatisfied when it released in 2005, time has softened the reaction and many now appreciate what he tried to do with Vader. Moreover, it seems that a showdown between Vader and Obi-Wan will be the crux of the upcoming story, with series director Deborah Chow commenting that audiences will “definitely see Obi-Wan and Darth Vader get into it again.”

In fact, a clip was released shown at the recent Disney Investors Day that teased the climactic face-off. The footage showed Ewan McGregor’s adventures after Revenge of the Sith that actually take him far from the sands of Tatooine, as well as concept art of Vader both sitting on a throne and speaking to a hologram. Most importantly, there was a brief moment where two lightsabers, one red and one blue, clashed on screen.

It’s interesting that Lucasfilm and Disney have decided to follow-up on this plot. One of the most exciting moments from the modern Star Wars releases was Darth Vader’s appearance in Rogue One. Fans herald that moment as one of the best in the franchise and it showed that there is a clear desire for more content surrounding the character.

Furthermore, there is obviously more to the story between Vader and Obi-Wan following their epic battle in a volcano on the planet Mustafar. The two Jedi were left physically scarred and emotionally drained, with Obi-Wan going into self-imposed exile and Anakin Skywalker transforming into his treacherous alter ego. There likely remains animosity between the two and this relationship seems ripe for more exploration.

What brings the two into another confrontation though, is being kept under wraps. Their next battle is being described as the “rematch of the century”, though, and with Christensen back in the role, and McGregor eager to revisit the franchise, there is every hope that this series can live up to the hefty expectations now surrounding it. Production is still tentatively planned for March of 2021, though Obi-Wan Kenobi doesn’t have a definitive release. But it’s been in the works for quite a while, so it’s likely to debut sometime in early 2022.