Rupert Friend, who will make his Star Wars debut in Obi-Wan Kenobi, explains the relationship between his character, the Grand Inquisitor, and Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi will feature the return of Ewan McGregor as the iconic titular Jedi for the first time since his last appearance as Kenobi during Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith. Ten years later in the timeline following Episode III, Master Kenobi is in hiding on the desert planet Tatooine, watching from afar as a young Luke Skywalker grows up. Although Tatooine seems safe, Master Kenobi’s security there will be challenged when Darth Vader arrives, as Hayden Christensen is also returning for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Darth Vader will loom large as the ultimate threat to Obi-Wan during Obi-Wan Kenobi, but Vader is not the only villain he will contend with during the series. Some of the Imperial Inquisitors, Darth Vader’s specialized Jedi hunters, will play key roles in the series. The leader of the Inquisitors, the Grand Inquisitor, will make his live-action debut when Friend brings the Star Wars Rebels villain to life. Armed with a double-bladed red lightsaber that can spin, the Grand Inquisitor proved himself to be a formidable opponent during Rebels, and his arrival in live-action is highly anticipated by many.
With Obi-Wan Kenobi’s release being just one week away, Friend discusses his Grand Inquisitor role with EW. Although Vader ranks above the Grand Inquisitor in the Imperial hierarchy, Friend opens up about the villain’s unique position as the leader of the Jedi hunters and a servant of Vader. See Friend’s full statement below.
“Well, obviously, with the rule of two, in the HR chart, you’ve got the Emperor first, then you’ve got Vader. And I’d say [The Grand Inquisitor] is right there, I wouldn’t even say below. In his mind, he’s on a par with Vader. He’s not. Obviously, Vader would probably kill him. But I think it would be quite an interesting fight. Because you’ve got this idea of a fearsome guy, this Grand Inquisitor, who yes, reports to Vader. And I do think he respects the hierarchy and the order of command. But I think if there were ever a slip-up, he would be waiting in the wings.”
The hierarchy of the Inquisitors and their relationship with Darth Vader has been one of the most interesting aspects of the Jedi hunters’ introduction to Star Wars. It’s clear during Rebels that the Inquisitors, including the Grand Inquisitor, answer to Vader, who in turn answers to the Emperor. Although Friend’s statement confirms that the Grand Inquisitor would be eager to fill Vader’s role if given the chance, the character makes it clear that he understands Vader’s power in Rebels when he opts to perish instead of facing Vader’s wrath after losing to Kanan Jarrus in a lightsaber duel.
Since Rebels takes place later in the timeline than Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Grand Inquisitor is the main antagonist during season 1 of that series, he will survive his stint in the upcoming series. That said, Obi-Wan Kenobi presents a unique opportunity to possibly observe the Grand Inquisitor’s in-person interactions with Darth Vader since the two are never physically together during Rebels before the Grand Inquisitor’s death. Based on Friend's comments, it sounds like the two might have a strained power dynamic. Or, even this early on, the Grand Inquisitor might be unwilling to challenge Vader’s leadership. Either way, more details about this dark side relationship will soon be on full display.
Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres Friday, May 27 on Disney+.
Source: EW