Ewan McGregor: A journey through galaxies, revolutions, and Hollywood
From Scotland to Hollywood
Ewan McGregor’s career has taken him to some extraordinary places. From the galaxy far, far away in the “Star Wars” prequels and the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series, to post-Bolshevik Revolution Russia in “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and even to the depths of the worst toilet in Scotland in “Trainspotting,” McGregor’s roles have been as diverse as they are memorable.
Despite his extensive filmography, McGregor’s first dedicated trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame will be to receive his own star. This honor, akin to the lifetime achievement award he received at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in 2012, is something he feels both grateful and slightly embarrassed about. “If anyone gives you an award for anything, you’re pretty chuffed about it,” McGregor admits. “You’re always just pleased to be thought of.”
A career built on diverse roles
McGregor’s resume is nothing short of impressive. From “Velvet Goldmine” and “Moulin Rouge!” to “Black Hawk Down” and “Big Fish,” his work spans a wide range of genres and styles. His television projects, including “Fargo” and “Halston,” further showcase his versatility. Reflecting on his early days at the Perth Repertory Theatre in Scotland, McGregor recalls his youthful ambition. “I watched the actors and I learned from them. One of them was up for an advert or something, and I was 16, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’d never do that — I only ever want to do work that’s important’,” he remembers, laughing at his younger self’s arrogance.
The formative years with Danny Boyle
McGregor’s collaboration with filmmaker Danny Boyle was particularly formative. Boyle hired him for his directorial debut, “Shallow Grave,” and their partnership continued with “Trainspotting” and “A Life Less Ordinary.” “He understood how to direct in order to encourage and release good work. I always look back and think he set the bar so high,” McGregor says.
Trainspotting
The leap to Star Wars
Being cast in George Lucas’ “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” was a significant milestone in McGregor’s career, catapulting him to a new level of commercial success. “It’s always the same responsibility, to be believable in this character, in this story,” he says. The early days of green screen technology posed unique challenges, but McGregor’s love for the franchise helped him navigate these hurdles.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker, recalls McGregor’s mentorship. “He really took me under his wing,” Christensen says. “It’s easy to get caught up in the technicalities of making those films. But he always just brought it back to the emotional aspect of what we were doing.”
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Embracing the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi
McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi required him to compartmentalize his fandom. “Me and my brother watched the first ‘Star Wars’ films a million times, like most people my age. They were so important to us,” he recalls. Playing a younger version of Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi allowed him to delve into Guinness’ filmography, providing a benchmark for his own performance.
“I loved, more than anything, getting to know Alec Guinness’ work because I was playing him as a young man,” he says. “Even now with the series, that’s my personal challenge — if a take feels a bit like him, I’m happy.”
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Collaborations with renowned filmmakers
Throughout his career, McGregor has worked with a host of acclaimed directors, including Peter Greenaway, Todd Haynes, Baz Luhrmann, Ridley Scott, Roman Polanski, and Ron Howard. Each collaboration brought its own set of challenges and learning experiences. McGregor particularly remembers some pointed feedback from Woody Allen on the set of “Cassandra’s Dream.” “Once, he walked over to me and went, ‘I can hear every seat in the cinema flapping up,’ like I was boring everyone to death and everyone’s leaving,” McGregor recalls.
Moulin Rouge!
Directorial debut and future aspirations
In 2016, McGregor directed his first film, “American Pastoral.” While he loved the experience, he admits he’s unsure when he’ll direct again. “I’ve never felt more alive than and scared and responsible,” he says. One incentive to direct again is the opportunity to showcase his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. “I’d love to direct Mary in something,” McGregor says. “I think she’s an amazing actor, and I would love to find a script that was like an absolute powerhouse vehicle for her.”
American Pastoral
Expanding his skill set
McGregor’s recent projects, including “Halston” and “A Gentleman in Moscow,” have further expanded his skill set to executive producing. He hopes that his Hollywood Walk of Fame star will inspire others to feel more confident in claiming their space in the entertainment industry. “Sometimes when you see the Globes or the Oscars happening, you can think, that’s Hollywood,” he says. “I don’t know that I’m part of that gang, but this star might make other people feel more confident to claim their space in this world, and in this business — to feel worthy of it all.”
Halston
A Gentleman in Moscow
Ewan McGregor’s journey from a stagehand in Scotland to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication. His diverse roles and collaborations with renowned filmmakers have made him a beloved figure in the world of cinema and television.