Disney Plus series Obi-Wan Kenobi didn’t completely resonate with all Star Wars enthusiasts back in 2022, but might a different release timeline have influenced the outcome? Ewan McGregor, who revived the beloved character after nearly twenty years, intimates that another Star Wars production overshadowed their debut on the freshly launched streaming platform.
“They launched Disney Plus and aimed for a major impact, and I believed that’s what we were going to be, and then just prior to our release, The Mandalorian was unveiled,” McGregor disclosed in some recently unearthed remarks from his appearance at the Fan Expo Chicago 2025 (via Popverse).
The inaugural season of The Mandalorian premiered on November 12, 2019, coinciding with the debut of Disney’s streaming platform in the United States, followed by a warm response from critics and fanbases globally. Obi-Wan Kenobi made its entrance three years later, on May 22, 2022.
“I thought, ‘Hold on, I believed we were meant to be the major highlight.’ I pondered, ‘Hold on, what’s this all about?’ But it appeared there was plenty of space for all of us,” he furthered.
There was undoubtedly space for everyone, but The Mandalorian has demonstrated significantly greater popularity among viewers than the nostalgic and cameo-filled Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Regrettably, adhering to the initial release schedule likely wouldn’t have altered that situation.
While Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2 is far from realization at this juncture, The Mandalorian has emerged as one of the most celebrated narratives within the sci-fi franchise. Following three successful seasons on Disney Plus, Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda) are set to appear on the big screen next year with the film The Mandalorian & Grogu. The movie is scheduled for release in cinemas on May 22, 2026.
For additional details, explore our guide to all the forthcoming Star Wars films and series.
