Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to cross blades with Darth Vader in his Disney+ TV series - but it could actually be a Force vision instead. Hayden Christensen is returning to Star Wars in the Obi-Wan TV series on Disney+, a development that delights fans, but this risks causing continuity problems. According to Lucasfilm, he's not returning as Anakin Skywalker but as Darth Vader, and he's going to go up against Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The problem is that the Obi-Wan series is set ten years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and there's frankly no logical way to fit an encounter between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader into the timeline. Obi-Wan exiled himself to Tatooine after the formation of the Empire and the downfall of the Jedi, and he dedicated himself to standing watch over the young Luke Skywalker. Star Wars Rebels revealed Obi-Wan considered Luke to be the true Chosen One, destined to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force, and it is difficult to imagine a scenario where he abandoned his charge and headed off to confront Darth Vader.
One possible explanation, though, is that this will not be a physical encounter at all - but that, instead, it will be one conducted through the Force itself. That would neatly avoid any continuity problems, while - if handled with care - it would also still be a satisfying plot.
Force Visions In Star Wars Explained
Although Star Wars is often treated as science-fiction, in reality the franchise is science-fantasy. It is as much concerned with the will and nature of the Force, and of its champions the Jedi and the Sith, as it is with classical sci-fi tropes. Like all the best religions, though, the concept of the Force is shrouded in mystery. One of the most intriguing ideas is that of the Cosmic Force, which appears to determine the flow of events across the galaxy. Certain Force-sensitives are able to receive guidance from the Cosmic Force in the form of visions; whether of the past or the future, or even mysterious and symbolic experiences. These visions are open to manipulation by the light and dark sides of the Force, and there are certain locations - vergences in the Force - where visions come more easily. Such vergences are frequently created by great acts of light or darkness, and it would not be surprising to learn a vergence has been formed around the site of Anakin Skywalker's Tusken Massacre on Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
Star Wars Set Up Obi-Wan's Force Ghost Training
While Obi-Wan Kenobi's primary purpose on Tatooine is watching over Luke Skywalker, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith established that that is not his sole purpose during this time period. Towards the end of the film, Master Yoda reintroduced Obi-Wan to his old Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, who had learned the secret of transcending death - becoming a Force Ghost. Yoda promised Obi-Wan would be able to spend his time on Tatooine meditating on the Force, learning how to gain the same ability. "How to join the Force, he will train you," Yoda assured him. "Your consciousness you will retain, when one with the Force. Even your physical self, perhaps." It is a matter of record that Obi-Wan completed this training, because he did indeed become a Force Ghost when he was killed by Darth Vader in the first Star Wars movie.
The Obi-Wan series is set during the Jedi Master's exile - and that means he will also be training in the Force. It is safe to assume this will involve a number of mystical experiences, likely Force visions as well. And here's the intriguing thing; Jedi Masters have always been willing to use Force vergences in their training. Yoda's training of Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back included exposing him to visions experienced in the dark side cave on Dagobah. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Qui-Gon Jinn use a dark side Force vergence on Tatooine to the same effect.
Theory: Obi-Wan Will Fight A Force Vision Darth Vader
All this raises the possibility Obi-Wan Kenobi will not face Darth Vader in a physical encounter, but rather in a Force vision, an experience in a Force vergence on Tatooine. This would be a smart approach, because it would parallel Luke Skywalker's own experience in the dark side cave on Dagobah, a nice piece of symbolism. What is more, it is easy to understand why such a vision would form a part of Obi-Wan's training; no doubt Qui-Gon Jinn would want to force Obi-Wan to find peace with all his fears and regrets. That would inevitably involve a confrontation with Darth Vader.
At first glance, this idea seems rather anticlimactic; after all, viewers are naturally hoping for an actual physical encounter between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. But, with skillful writing, this does not need to be quite so disappointing. It is worth remembering that Darth Vader, too, is meditating at a Force vergence - an ancient Sith cavern beneath his fortress on Mustafar. Star Wars Rebels has established a precedent for two Force-sensitives connecting with one another through vergences in the Force. That means this mystical experience could simultaneously be a genuine encounter between Vader and Obi-Wan.
Amusingly enough, Alan Dean Foster's novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye - the first book in the old Expanded Universe, published all the way back in 1978 - featured an encounter between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader that was retconned as a sort of Force vision. It would be quite amusing to see something similar play out in the Disney era as well, but this time on the small screen, and subtly woven into the main arc of the Skywalker saga. Such a Force vision would allow Star Wars to bring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader face-to-face - without causing any major continuity errors, because both would believe the experience was nothing more than a vision. It would be the perfect approach.