Behind the scenes: the surprising original plans for ‘The Phantom Menace’

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace may spark a range of emotions among fans, but one thing is universally appreciated: the casting of Ewan McGregor as the young Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, did you know this role almost went an entirely different direction?

An unexpected twist

Recently, insights emerged from a conversation with a Star Wars concept and storyboard artist, revealing that George Lucas originally envisioned a surprising plot twist for The Phantom Menace. Instead of McGregor as the seasoned Jedi apprentice, Liam Neeson was meant to play the real Obi-Wan Kenobi. This stunning alteration would have flipped the established narrative fans have come to love.

The original plan

In the early stages of development, the older Jedi was named Obi-Wan, and the younger Jedi, portrayed by McGregor, was Qui-Gon.

“It was a very poignant shift,” the artist remarked. The initial script had Obi-Wan, played by Neeson, dying and leaving his legacy to Qui-Gon, who would then adopt his master’s name. This decision meant that Obi-Wan’s real identity was Qui-Gon, significantly altering what audiences understood about the characters’ names and identities.

Imagine the depth of this backstory: Qui-Gon becoming Obi-Wan adds layers to the iconic line delivered by Alec Guinness in A New Hope: “Obi-Wan? Now that’s a name I’ve not heard…” It suggests that the Obi-Wan we revere might merely be a moniker passed on, rather than a single persona.

The change in direction

Before cameras rolled, Lucas decided to reconfigure this narrative. McGregor was permanently set as Obi-Wan, directly aligning with his character’s arc as seen in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope. However, just imagine if Lucas had stuck to his original vision: the franchise would have unveiled one of the most dramatic reveals in cinema history!

Impact on the franchise

This narrative switch has profound implications—not just for The Phantom Menace—but for the broader Star Wars universe. This would have reshaped viewership’s understanding of the mentor-student relationship within the Jedi hierarchy. It could’ve carved out even more emotional depth and continuity for the series, giving new life to characters whose journeys we believed were already set in stone.

Ewan McGregor’s journey as Obi-Wan

Despite the altered course, McGregor has beautifully embodied the adventurous spirit of Obi-Wan throughout multiple films. He reprised his role in sequels such as Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Fast forward 20 years, and McGregor led the Disney+ series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’, exploring the character in unprecedented ways. Though the show was conceived as a limited series, McGregor has expressed hopes for a second season, enriching the narrative further:

“If I could do one of these every now and again—I’d just be happy about it,” McGregor shared, reflecting the enduring connection both actor and audience have with the character.

The legacy of Star Wars

Star Wars remains an ever-evolving saga, with fans’ eagerness for new content and deeper insights into their favorite characters never waning. This revelation about the original plot twist for The Phantom Menace is a testament to the rich, interwoven tapestry that Star Wars storytellers have been meticulously crafting for decades.

Exploring these behind-the-scenes decisions only fuels the fire of curiosity and appreciation for the franchise’s intricacies.

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