If you had to single out just two characters from the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy that left a positive impression even with the films’ detractors, they would likely be Darth Maul and the Ewan McGregor version of Obi-Wan Kenobi. And since the former made a surprise appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story, it’s hardly the most absurd of notions to suggest that old Ben could potentially pop up in Star Wars: Episode IX.
Granted, we still have no proper evidence that he’ll be making an appearance, but in a new article from CinemaBlend, the case is made that there’s at least a good chance director J.J. Abrams has a McGregor cameo in mind, if only in Force Ghost form. The piece references a rumor which made the rounds earlier this year that McGregor is secretly filming scenes for the upcoming trilogy-closer, and while we’ve seen nothing to confirm nor refute this claim in the months since, it’s observed that the actor has already made it clear that he’d be willing to get involved in future Star Wars movies.
What’s more, there’d be precedence for his appearance, not just in Yoda’s cameo in The Last Jedi, but also in Kenobi’s subtler cameo at the end of Rey’s vision in The Force Awakens, in which a voice comprised of audio from both McGregor and Alec Guinness is heard saying, “Rey, these are your first steps.”
On top of all that, the argument is made that with the Obi-Wan solo movie seemingly on ice, an Episode IX cameo could serve as a consolation prize for fans hoping to get at least a little McGregor on their screens, while also allowing Lucasfilm to gauge interest for a spinoff project.
Yes, it’s all just speculation, but we’ll find out what blasts from the past the notoriously nostalgic Abrams has planned when Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20th, 2019.
