Obi-Wan Kenobi Writer Joby Harold has explained the Empire’s role and the current state of the galaxy in the upcoming Disney+ Star Wars miniseries. The miniseries follows the titular Jedi master following the fall of the Jedi Order. The series is set between Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: A New Hope.
Set following the fall of the Republic and the formation of the first Galactic Empire, Obi-Wan Kenobi is set in one of the darkest periods in the history of the Star Wars universe. The Empire stands unopposed following the destruction brought on by the Clone Wars, and the Jedi Order is all but extinct, with the few that remained following Order 66 scattered across the galaxy. As such, Obi-Wan Kenobi is already shaping up to stand apart from prior Disney+ shows, which have largely been set following the Empire’s fall. Not only will Obi-Wan Kenobi bring the Jedi-hunting Inquisitors into live-action, but will see them reinforced by the white-armored Stormtroopers of the Empire, with the miniseries’ writer explaining what role the Empire will play in the upcoming series.
Speaking to EW following the release of Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s first teaser trailer, the cast and crew of the series discussed the upcoming series, with Harold explaining what role the Empire would have in the story. Harold explained that the Empire seen in Obi-Wan Kenobi is currently on the rise to becoming the overwhelming authoritarian regime that would be seen in the original trilogy, with very little of the Republic seen in the prequel era remaining. As such, the Empire’s goal would be to further their hunt for what remains of the Jedi Order, with the survivors like Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) being in hiding. Check out Harold’s full response below.
“The Empire is in the ascendancy, All the horrors that come with the Empire are being made manifest throughout the galaxy, so everything that was in the prequels has crumbled. The Jedi order are being all but wiped out, and those Jedi that have survived are on the run and they’re in hiding.”
In the original trilogy, the Empire was already fully-formed and at the height of their powers, so seeing the Imperials “in ascendency” could allow audiences to see the iconic villains in a new light. A different portrayal of the Empire, as an organization establishing its footing throughout the galaxy, illustrates the benefits of Star Wars’ small screen offerings. If executed properly, Obi-Wan Kenobi can be a compelling companion piece to the original films, fleshing out certain aspects that the movies never had time for. It will be interesting to see how the Empire is handled in the finished show, especially with Darth Vader making his highly-anticipated return.
Obi-Wan Kenobi will introduce a darker era into Disney+’s live-action series unlike any that has been seen so far in shows like The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Alongside Vader, the returning Inquisitors, and Moses Ingram’s new Inquisitor Reva, McGregor’s Jedi survivor will also witness a galaxy locked in a state of fear, with stormtrooper’s being a regular sight across the galaxy. Though audiences may know that one day the Empire will fall, Obi-Wan Kenobi will show a galaxy struggling to find hope in its darkest days.
Key Release Dates
Rogue Squadron
Release Date:2023-12-22
