Enough time has passed that Ewan McGregor has fresh eyes to look back at his time making the “Star Wars” prequel films. He needs a new perspective because, apparently, a lot of his memories, specifically regarding the release of ‘The Phantom Menace,’ aren’t very positive.
Speaking at the Goteborg Film Festival (via Variety), where he received the Honorary Dragon Award (aka lifetime achievement), Ewan McGregor talked about quite a few roles from his career. However, when the time came to talk about “Star Wars,” where he starred as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Prequel Trilogy, the actor remembered a time when people trashed his work. Back when people thought the Prequel Trilogy was absolutely dreadful.
“I am happy that I am this character for a lot of people, but when these films came out, they were so disliked,” explained McGregor. “That was hard. The first one was panned and we still had to make another two! It was weird to be in a film that was hammered.”
For those that remember the time when ‘The Phantom Menace’ arrived, they understand what McGregor is talking about. When that film was released, hype surrounding “Star Wars” was at an all-time high. People were fully expecting George Lucas to return with a masterpiece. Instead, the film was filled with a young actor (Jake Lloyd), who didn’t turn in the best performance, as well as lots of exposition about trade agreements and Senate hearings. It was a far cry from the whimsy and fun of the Original Trilogy. And at the time, people hated it.
Of course, as the years have gone on, people have started to turn around on the Prequel Trilogy. That’s partially because the kids who grew up watching those films are now adults and hold the movies near and dear to their hearts. Also, it doesn’t hurt that a lot of what has been made in the “Star Wars” universe over the past decade hasn’t been all that wonderful, making people long for the days when George Lucas had control. All that to say, the Prequel Trilogy isn’t looked at as films that ruined lives, as they were when they were released.
The love of the Prequels, as well as just love of McGregor’s Obi-Wan led to Disney and Lucasfilm bringing the actor back for a limited series recently. That series, though not perfect, seemed to do really well for the studio. Many wondered if there would be a Season 2. Well, as of now, it doesn’t appear like that’s in the cards, though McGregor is ready to do it if called upon.
“I would love to do the second season, but there’s no talk of it yet,” he said. “There is a lot going on at Disney.”
McGregor’s newest film is “Bleeding Love,” which teams him up with his daughter, Clara. That movie will be released in theaters on February 16.
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