According to reports, Ewan McGregor will reprise his beloved role as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi for an upcoming series to debut on Disney+. Though details are sparse, multiple larger outlets have now confirmed that this is happening. All fans are waiting for now is the full reveal from Lucasfilm to make this dream a reality.
When the series will take place or specifically what Obi-Wan will be doing remains uncertain. But, with Ewan returning to don his robes once again, who knows what other characters and actors could return? Here are just a few characters we would love to see make a comeback in the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and some who should stay away.
Do: Uncle Owen & Aunt Beru
For many fans, the only obvious time frame for an Obi-Wan series would be between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Apart from his youth, this is the only era that has yet to be explored much. Because of that, most of these characters were chosen to fit into that era.
The first characters seem like a no brainer. Owen and Beru Lars, Uncle and Aunt to Luke Skywalker, are a select few who know who Obi-Wan really is and why he remained on Tatooine. The struggle between the pair and Obi-Wan over teaching luke would be a fascinating one to watch unfold. Also, seeing Joel Edgerton reprise his role would be interesting with a different creative team.
Don't: Vader
Vader should stay as far away as possible from Tatooine, and not just because he hates sand. Tatooine is a world that is far away from galactic attention. Apart from the fact that Luke's family is there, Tatoine's seclusion is the main reason Obi-Wan hid him there. The empire has no reason to be in the story, and as Vader said: "When I left you, I was but the learner. Now I am the Master."
It is heavily implied that Vader had not seen Obi-Wan since Mustafar. If the two met before the events on the Death Star, there would need to be a fantastically convenient reason Vader didn't wipe him out beforehand.
Do: Luke
Luke would play an interesting role in the Kenobi series. On one hand, he is the entire reason Ben is hiding away in the first place. But, Luke can't get too close to this Jedi Master. As seen in A New Hope, Luke barely knows Obi-Wan as much more than his wacky hermit neighbor. Anything beyond that would go against the core film of the saga.
But, if the series is to focus on Obi-Wan's exile on the planet, Luke would need to be involved somehow. As long as the series treats Luke sparingly, he would be excellent. Might I suggest Jacob Tremblay for the job?
Don't: Palpatine
For the same reason as Vader, and because Obi-Wan wouldn't stand a chance, Palpatine should stay far away from this series. The Empire as a whole has little reason to even be involved in this story. If anything, they shouldn't show up at all. So much of the previous material set during this time is oversaturated with Imperial presence.
It would be a perfect change of pace for this series to be located only in one location, and play out similarly to a western frontier story. No space travel, no stormtroopers, and certainly no emperor.
Do: Qui-Gon
This one might get a little tricky, seeing as Liam Neeson isn't the most favorable actor at the moment. But, Qui-Gon is an essential figure in Obi-Wan's life, even after both of their deaths. The master who taught him everything, and the one who taught him the secrets of immortality, Qui-Gon would be an essential figure in the series.
Whether he needs to make an appearance as a full-bodied apparition or only as a voice is up to the creators, but the character needs to at least have a presence. If they decided only on the voice it wouldn't be the first time, as Yoda had heard it both on Coruscant and Dagobah in The Clone Wars season six finale.
Don't: Maul
On the other end of Obi-Wan's emotional attachment spectrum is Darth Maul. The single greatest nemesis of Kenobi's Maul is almost equally prominent as Qui-Gon. It would seem like a no brainer to bring him into the series. The problem though is that they have both had their monumental battle already.
In Star Wars: Rebels, Maul and Kenobi had their final battle in the desert of Tatooine. Though short and sweet, the battle resulted in the death of Maul, ending their bitter conflict. This story has been told, and anything additional would contradict canon or, at the very least, feel unneeded.
Do: A'Yark
Does this name not ring a bell? That wouldn't be surprising. Appearing first in the now legends novel Kenboi, A'Yark was chief of the local tribe of Tusken Raiders. This one eyed woman of the Sand People was one of the first Tusken Raiders to be treated beyond the stereotypical savage take. She had motivations, history, and was above all, a total badass.
It would offer a brand new type of character that hasn't been seen in the film world of Star Wars. Tusken Raiders have never been more than fodder for Jedi to cut down. Bringing in a foe for Obi-Wan that is also sympathetic in her own right would be amazing. Also, as much material that can be taken from Kenobi is a good thing.
Don't: Leia
Like the Empire, the Rebels have little reason to be a part of an Obi-Wan series. Apart from Biggs becoming a rebel, they are never once referenced to be near Tatooine before the events of A New Hope. Because of this, and because of the proximity to her brother, Leia cannot appear in this series.
It would make sense if Disney wanted to utilize the de-aging technology again as they did for Rogue One, but since Carrie Fisher's passing, it just feels like that would be in poor taste. Also, there is no reasoning behind her appearing. Perhaps Bail might want to make a cameo, but anything more would feel unrealistic.
Do: Hondo Ohnaka
First appearing in The Clone Wars, and now making it big in Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge theme park where he's played Robert Nairne, Hondo Ohnaka has had quite the journey. Once a feared pirate and now a bit of a bumbling misfit, Hondo can play either side of the coin. He and Obi-Wan had some fantastic moments throughout The Clone Wars, so offering a small reunion one last time would be perfect.
Also, it allows Lucasfilm to bring Hondo to life in live-action, which they're already doing at Galaxy's Edge. Perhaps they could have Nairne play the physical role and have Jim Cummings voice him, similarly to Darth Maul.
Don't: Han Solo
If anyone has no place in the series its Han. On one hand, the series should take advantage of the criminal underworld of Tatooine. But, just because a few bounty hunters and Hondo pop in does not mean Han needs to. In A New Hope, Han has never heard of the Jedi and certainly had never met up with "that old fossil" Obi-Wan before. While it would great to see Alden don the blaster again, perhaps he should do so in his own series.