Star Wars fans had the time of their lives when Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance at this year’s Star Wars Celebration weekend in London.
McGregor stars as the Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi in the titular Disney+ TV series.
The 52--year-old Scottish actor is the successor of the late actor Sir Alec Guinness–who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy between 1977 and 1983–and made his debut as the younger character in the prequel trilogy released between 1999 and 2005.
Lucasfilm kicked off the 2023 Star Wars Celebration on Friday to announce exciting updates and spate of new films and new Disney+ series in the franchise.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy made an appearance as well we several notable actors from Disney+ shows like Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew.
But fans really lost it on Sunday during a panel titled, “A Look Back at Obi-Wan Kenobi," when McGregor sauntered onto the stage and photobombed a group of Jedi-robed fans who were posing for a photo op.
You can see fans go wild here.
\u201cEwan McGregor just surprised Obi-Wan cosplayers onstage ahead of the \u201cA Look Back at Obi-Wan Kenobi\u201d panel at #StarWarsCelebration #SWCE #swce23\u201d— Brooke Geiger McDonald @ SWCE (@Brooke Geiger McDonald @ SWCE) 1681043417
\u201cKinda digging this pic I took. #ObiWanKenobi #EwanMcGregor #StarWarsCelebration\u201d— Who's the Bossk? @ Star Wars Celebration Europe (@Who's the Bossk? @ Star Wars Celebration Europe) 1681043473
Before leaving the venue, McGregor came out on stage another time to thank the most "amazing fans in the world" and express gratitude for their support and love for the franchise.
"We're lucky to have you as our fans and we love you so much," he said.
"Thank you all for coming from all over the world. It's been such a joy to meet you all, and I look foward to seeing you at the next one, whenever it is."
\u201cEwan McGregor's short appearance on the Star Wars Celebration LIVE! stage, sharing a message with the fans. #SWCE #StarWarsCelebration2023\u201d— Obi-Wan Kenobi Updates (@Obi-Wan Kenobi Updates) 1681071823
He then shouted the iconic Star Wars phrase of goodwill to the adoring crowd, followed by a jubillant scream.
"May the force be with you!"
\u201cEwan McGregor saying goodbye to the Star Wars Celebration crowd with \u201cMay the Force be with you!\u201d \ud83d\udc99\u201d— Star Wars Holocron @ SWCE (@Star Wars Holocron @ SWCE) 1681062967
Those who missed McGregor's surprise appearance had another opportunity to meet him and Anakin Skywalker–a.k.a. Darth Vader–actor Hayden Christensen up close and personal for a special meet and greet.
However, the intimate photo op cost fans upwards of about $600.
Which didn't seem to inconvenice these diehard fans.
\u201ci honestly feel so privileged to have shared such emotional moments with both hayden christensen and ewan mcgregor, my childhood heroes. thank you so much @SW_Celebration @starwars #StarWarsCelebration \u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u201d— zen (@zen) 1681146573
\u201cMet Ewan McGregor at Star Wars Celebration!!! \u2764\ufe0f\u201d— Dalya @ SWCE (@Dalya @ SWCE) 1680991708
The Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series debuted on May 27, 2022.
It is set ten years after the events of 2005's Star Wars: Episode III–Revenge of the Sith in which the Jedis were destroyed by Order 66 and when Anakin Skywalker became the Sith Lord Darth Vader.
Kennedy told the crowd earlier that there were no “active” plans for a follow-up to Obi-Wan Kenobi, but noted:
“I never say never, because there’s always the possibility.”
\u201c@sw_holocron Give this man a season 2 \ud83d\ude24\u201d— Star Wars Holocron @ SWCE (@Star Wars Holocron @ SWCE) 1681062967
Another major news announced the return of actress Daisy Riddley reprising her role of Rey in a new Star Wars film following the sequel trilogy.
The film will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy with a script written by Steven Knight.
It will take place 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and will focus on Rey’s journey to bring back the Jedi Order.
Two more future Star Wars films involving creator Dave Filoni and director James Mangold respectively are in the works and will take place in eras that are different from the one Rey will be featured in.
There are no official release dates for the new films at this time.
