Scottish actor Ewan McGregor recently revealed his initial reluctance to take on the iconic role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars.’ McGregor expressed his reservations, stating, “It wasn’t a done deal for me. I didn’t think it was at all who I was.” Despite seeking advice from various individuals, including director Danny Boyle, McGregor admitted that at the time, he considered himself a “Danny Boyle actor,” emphasizing the importance of his role in ‘The Beach.’
Reflecting on the challenging reception of the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, McGregor acknowledged the criticism, saying, “When these films came out, they were so disliked. That was hard. The first one was panned, and we still had to make another two! It was weird to be in a film that was hammered.” Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction with his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi and expressed interest in reprising the role for a potential second season.
During an appearance in Goteborg, McGregor also touched upon the significance of the film ‘Trainspotting,’ describing it as “such a special film.” He reminisced about the impact of his first movie, ‘Shallow Grave,’ and the expectations that followed. McGregor humorously recounted his dedication to securing a role in ‘Trainspotting,’ revealing, “I went, ‘….hell you have to let me play that role! John, the writer, didn’t think I was quite right, so I went away and stopped eating. Next time I saw them, I was super skinny.”
Looking ahead, McGregor expressed anticipation for a potential third installment of ‘Trainspotting,’ envisioning the characters in their 70s in a retirement home for former addicts. He also fondly remembered the late cinematographer Brian Tufano, acknowledging their shared departure from the Danny Boyle camp during the director’s fourth movie.
The article delved into McGregor’s early interest in acting, inspired by his uncle Denis Lawson’s performances in theatre, television, and ‘Star Wars.’ He clarified that despite claims in unauthorized biographies, he did not decide to become an actor immediately after watching ‘Star Wars’ at the age of 9.
McGregor’s acting journey began with the miniseries ‘Lipstick on Your Collar’ after dropping out of school at 16. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he said, “I was incredibly nonchalant because I was obsessed with another script. The last recall for both was on the same day, I had to get across town. I just did and said: ‘I have to go.’ They went: ‘Who is this guy?’ And they cast me.”
The actor concluded by sharing insights into his Scottish identity, stating, “Being Scottish is deeply who I am, but it means different things for different people. Leaving Scotland was hard, but I aimed for London. I knew that’s where I would start. And I was right! I am Scottish wherever I am.”
