An infamous couple who fought to the death in one of the most well-known pop culture franchises came together for what may be the last time.
Disney + released the final episode of its six-part miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi on Wednesday, and the eponymous series was once again facing its former Padawan, 10 years after the heartbreaking turn of the Jedi Knight towards the dark side.
“It’s been a surreal experience to return to this character,” said Canadian actor Hayden Christensen, who reprized his role as Anakin Skywalker turned Darth Vader in the Star Wars series.
The series follows Obi-Wan as he sets out to rescue Princess Leia who, at the age of 10, has been kidnapped, causing a chain of events leading up to the confrontation with Darth Vader.
Hayden Christensen on reunion with Ewan McGregor
After 17 years, Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader reunites with co-star Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Disney + series
The last time Christensen put on the costume of Darth Vader was 17 years ago, then in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, after Kenobi, played by Ewan McGregor in the film and the new series , left him for dead and rescued him. for the Emperor, a cryotank and a lot of new hardware.
But the fight that preceded it remains a key moment in the canon of Star Wars, chasing both characters in the latest installment.
Canadian director Deborah Chow said it was important for her to bring together two intensely connected characters, especially in a show so tied to the events of previous films.
“I felt really strongly that it should be Hayden,” said Chow, who first introduced her to the idea in Toronto a few years ago.
Deborah Chow on the direction of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series
Director Deborah Chow explains why it was a challenge to direct a series that fills a gap in the Star Wars timeline
Christensen said he was never expected to return to the role, but that he didn’t hesitate to take it on when Chow called.
“It was a very easy decision,” he told CBC News, because he wanted to explore Vader’s evolution.
Another part of the draw? Returning to work with McGregor after nearly two decades, as the two actors had come closer during the filming of previous films.
“The whole experience was very nostalgic,” Christensen said. “Being able to swing a lightsaber together brought back a lot of old memories.”
The actor receives racist comments
But there have also been noxious moments after the series premiere.
Several weeks ago, black actor Moses Ingram, who plays imperial inquisitor Reva Sevander, posted a series of stories on Instagram saying he received racist comments after the show aired.
“There’s nothing anyone can do to stop this hatred,” he said in the video.
Ingram as the evil inquisitor in Obi-Wan Kenobi. The actor posted on his Instagram account about receiving racist messages after the show aired. (Disney +)
He also thanked those who came to support him.
“We all felt a little bad,” said Chow, who said the franchise publicly supported Ingram.
“We love him as a person and as an actor.”
10-year history lag
When Obi-Wan Kenobi resumed a decade after Sith Revenge and filled a gap in the Star Wars timeline, directing the episodes posed a welcome challenge for Chow.
“We have these huge iconic inherited characters and we’re in between trilogies, so there was a lot of responsibility,” he said.
Chow said there are currently no plans for a second season.