‘Star Wars’ Prequel Trilogy Artist Explains Different Backstory That Was Initially Considered For Iconic Character

Over the years, Star Wars has introduced many iconic and recognizable characters through its movies and ancillary media. One of these characters, however, nearly had a very different backstory when it came time to explore his past.

Obi-Wan Kenobi has been a part of the Star Wars saga since the first film’s release in 1977. Played by Sir Alec Guinness in the original trilogy, Obi-Wan served as a mentor to young Luke Skywalker, giving him his father’s old lightsaber and guiding him in the early stages of his journey to become a Jedi.

In 1999, George Lucas released The Phantom Menace, which kicked off the prequel trilogy and introduced a younger Obi-Wan, this time played by Ewan McGregor.

Collider noted that the young Obi-Wan was under the mentorship of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson. However, their relationship was initially intended to unfold differently, and Obi-Wan was set to have a different origin.

While speaking with StarWars.com, Iain McCaig, who worked in the art department for all three prequels, discussed the original plans for the master-apprentice relationship between Kenobi and Jinn.

He explained that early planning for The Phantom Menace involved a role reversal between the two characters: the master would have been Obi-Wan, with the apprentice as Qui-Gon. When the master died at the hands of a newly revealed Sith, Qui-Gon would take on the name Obi-Wan, fulfilling his master’s dying wish to train young Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi.

“That’s why when you see Alec Guinness in A New Hope, he puts his hood down and goes, ‘Obi-Wan? Now that’s a name I’ve not heard….’ Because he’s not Obi-Wan, he’s Qui-Gon. And right at the end, George changed it,” McCaig said.

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