Ewan McGregor says he’d revisit Obi-Wan Kenobi, and calls Star Wars prequels “dragged through the mud”

Ewan McGregor told an Edinburgh Film Festival audience on Friday that he would like to play Obi-Wan Kenobi again, even as he acknowledged that the Star Wars prequels were heavily criticized. In a warm and candid conversation about his career, the Scottish actor described the role as one he recognizes audiences still debate and said he remains open to revisiting the character if the right circumstances arose.

The remarks came during an onstage interview at the Edinburgh Film Festival, where McGregor reflected on how his professional path has been shaped by major franchises and other projects. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s account, he responded directly to questions from the crowd about whether he would return to a familiar screen persona, framing the conversation around both his own attachment to the character and the cultural afterlife of the prequel films.

McGregor’s comments referenced the reception the prequels received in public discussion, which he characterized as having been “dragged through the mud.” The actor did not specify any concrete production timetable or confirm that any new Obi-Wan Kenobi project is in active development, but his willingness to revisit the part suggested that he is not ruling out another chapter in the franchise that began with his earlier portrayal of the Jedi Master.

The conversation also broadened beyond Star Wars. The Hollywood Reporter reported that McGregor discussed his relationship with his children, offering remarks on how family considerations intersect with the schedules and travel demands of acting. He also addressed questions about another long-running franchise role, James Bond, saying he would like to play Bond again if the opportunity aligned with his circumstances.

Festival audiences often use such interviews to gauge what performers feel about legacy roles, and McGregor’s comments landed in the context of ongoing public debate around blockbuster sequels and prequels. His remarks suggest a view of the franchise as more than a single film cycle, shaped by how character work continues to resonate with viewers over time.

Neither The Hollywood Reporter’s report nor the information provided here indicates that Disney, Lucasfilm, or any other studio has announced a new Obi-Wan Kenobi-led production following McGregor’s remarks. The actor’s statements therefore function as a clear indication of personal interest rather than a confirmation of any specific deal, script stage, or release timeline.

McGregor’s broader statements about Bond similarly did not establish new casting or production plans. Still, they reflect the way major franchises continue to draw attention to actors’ willingness to return, especially when audience interest persists across years and generations.

For now, the next confirmed developments would depend on statements from the studios and production companies responsible for any potential projects, while McGregor’s remarks remain limited to what he said he would like to do and what he is thinking about his own career trajectory. The festival interview provided a public snapshot of how he views both the roles that made him widely known and the conversations that followed them.