Obi-Wan Kenobi debuts May 25 on Disney+. In the “Star Wars” series, the Jedi will again face Darth Vader. But initially, Darth Maul was to return to the screens.
Obi-Wan Kenobi facing Anakin
Obi-Wan Kenobi will mark the great return of the cult character in the universe Star Wars. But the series, which will take place between Revenge of the Sith (2005) and A new hope (1977), which will see the Jedi master lost and broken, will feature other well-known protagonists to fans. Already, we will logically see young Luke Skywalker (which can be seen in the trailer). But also his uncle, again played by Joel Edgerton.
Last but not least, Obi-Wan Kenobi will be an opportunity to bring back the one and only dark Vador. And Hayden Christensen was even called back to don his costume. Remember that the Sith Lord had already reappeared on the screens since the takeover of Star Wars by Disney – but not played by Hayden Christensen. It was on the occasion of RogueOne and in particular this monstrous sequence.
Darth Vader preferred to Darth Maul
However, Darth Vader’s return was not assured. The famous antagonist was the subject of many discussions as revealed by EW. In a long article that returns to the conception of the series, the American media explains that there have been long debates within the creative team about whether to bring him back or not. Especially because of the pressure it was going to put on their shoulders.
However, another reason for this hesitation comes from the fact that another Sith was first considered. It’s this time The Hollywood Reporter affirms that Darth Maul who marked the spirits in The Phantom Menace (1999), was to return. Ray Park, his interpreter in the film, was even strongly considered to resume his role.
In the first script proposed by Hossein Amini, the antagonist had to participate actively in the pursuit of Kenobi and Luke Skywalker. Vader was not present then. According to sources, it was Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, who, just after The Mandalorian, gave their opinion on the matter. And they felt it was necessary to “go further” with the series. A recommendation that prompted Kathleen Kennedy to put the project on hold and replace Amini with Joby Harold.
No Darth Maul so for the series Star Wars. For the moment, the character will have to be content with his cameo in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Maybe he will come back in a future project. But in the meantime, it is the appearance of Darth Vader that will be scrutinized in the first episodes ofObi-Wan Kenobi. The series will begin May 25 on Disney+.
