It came as somewhat of a surprise, as Lucasfilm seemed to suddenly start trickling through official production stills and teases through social media, but they've finally released the trailer for Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Star Wars TV show is set to be a limited series chronicling the trials of its titular Jedi Master during the Dark Times and Great Jedi Purge.
The trailer managed to have plenty worth dissecting and was released to emphatic acclaim online, with fans on Reddit elated at everything they were shown. They won't have to wait long to see how these events will play out since it releases in May, but elements ranging from the inclusion of the Imperial Inquisitors, the score, and the Darth Vader tease have fans excitedly speculating over where the plot will go.
Fortress Inquisitorius From Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
After a mostly tumultuous run with the IP in gaming, EA and developer Respawn Entertainment's Jedi: Fallen Order became one of the best Star Wars games in recent years. The game's story revolves around Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis during the days of the Purge, using the Inquisitors as the main antagonists.
One location that Fallen Order introduced fully in the Disney-era Star Wars canon was the dark Force users' base of operations. Fortress Inquisitorius is a suitably imposing headquarters on the water-submerged moon Nur. The game portrays it in a visually stunning fashion and Redditor Rovermack was impressed by its glimpse in the Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer, saying "The underwater base from Fallen Order… it looks so good…." It's satisfying to see all these supplemental pieces of lore work their way into major live-action productions.
John Williams' Iconic Prequel-Era Score
Legendary film composer John Williams has made an immortalized mark on the industry, with his work on Star Wars being one of the highlights. It was revealed by Variety that Williams would return in some capacity for Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his work on the Prequel Trilogy was used in the trailer to a euphoric effect for fans. Redditor therealflyingtoastr commented on his score's impact, specifically saying how "Crazy how Duel of the Fates can still give me goosebumps from the first note two decades later."
The iconic song debuted in Episode I - The Phantom Menace during young Obi-Wan, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul's enthralling lightsaber battle. There were other tracks of note, though, with "Duel of the Fates" being expertly transitioned into "Battle of the Heroes" and "Anakin's Dark Deeds." The latter two played in the trilogy closer, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
The Imperial Inquisitors In Live-Action
Fans have met various Imperial Inquisitors across Star Wars media, but the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series will mark the first time they've appeared in live-action. There are some familiar faces, like the Fifth Brother and the Grand Inquisitor, but a new face will be introduced as well to join in on the hunt for the elusive Jedi Master.
Redditor TheGoverness1998 expressed their excitement at their inclusion, exclaiming "So excited to see more Inquisitors! and that "Moses Ingram looks fantastic!." Deborah Chow and co. don't seem to be holding back on including as many as possible, with actress Moses Ingram playing an original character named Inquisitor Reva. She ranks as the Third Sister in the Inquisitorius hierarchy, behind the late Second Sister Trilla Suduri, who was killed by Darth Vader in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Darth Vader's Ominous Breathing At The End
Darth Vader is not only one of Star Wars' strongest villains, he is also one of the most iconic movie villains in general. Ever since the Dark Lord of the Sith was confirmed to make his return during last year's Disney Investor Day for Obi-Wan Kenobi, the series has been touted to have the "rematch of the century." Redditor Talisker12 happily noted the trailer's tease saying "Hello there to those Vader breaths at the end!."
Though his inclusion had to do some work with canon, it's only fitting that this fight would be one of the big selling points for the series. The tragic parallels between Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker are some of the most emotionally profound and memorable in the franchise, and the last time fans saw Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen together onscreen was during their gutwrenching spectacle of a battle in the Duel on Mustafar during Revenge of the Sith's grand climax.
The Inquisitors' Hunt For Obi-Wan Kenobi
Even before there was an official synopsis for Obi-Wan Kenobi, and arguably even before the project was made official, fans were already confident in what part of the series' conflict would be. An Obi-Wan solo project has perhaps been the most in-demand Star Wars endeavor outside of a Sequel Trilogy, and it would have to take place with the Jedi Master in hiding while protecting a young Luke Skywalker. Redditor GraconBease was thrilled with the implication of the Inquisitors, remarking how "They’re fully leaning into the hunt for Kenobi."
It's the most exciting thing about their inclusion into this story, with incredible stakes despite longtime fans knowing where the overarching plot leads into with the Original Trilogy. Under normal circumstances, Obi-Wan stands leagues above the power of Imperial Inquisitors, but he has to navigate being hunted with the handicap of avoiding the Empire's collective wrath. This would also imply having to keep his lightsaber secret for as long as possible.
A Potential Emperor Palpatine Tease
Though it seems like an appearance seen by some as inevitable, it's yet to be confirmed. But given the context, the trailer might just have hinted at Emperor Palpatine, A.K.A. Darth Sidious, early in the Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer. Redditor phileris42 seems surprised there isn't more discussion over the possible tease, asking "Why is no one freaking out about the previous line? 'The key to hunting Jedi is patience' sounds (to me) like it was delivered by Palpatine!."
It's far from an out-there suggestion, as upon paying close attention, it could very well be Ian McDiarmid's voice. This could be overlooked due to the transition into what fans know for sure to be the Grand Inquisitor's dialogue. Even with the daunting, monstrous presence of Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine is still one of Star Wars' most fearsome villains, and the timeline could more than justify at least a cameo in this limited series.