With a franchise as huge, old, and extensive as Star Wars, what doesn’t help fans is that most of their films/TV shows are not released in chronological order. The recently released Obi-Wan Kenobi is no different, making even the most hardcore fans scratch their head on where the show falls in the Star Wars timeline.
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
Taking place in 9 BBY, Obi-Wan Kenobi is set after Solo: A Star Wars Story and before Star Wars Rebels.
As you’re already aware, the show depicts that period of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s life when he self-exiles to Tatooine to watch over young Luke Skywalker.
But the show is also set against the larger background of when the Jedis were being hunted and killed. As such, the first three episodes reveal how the Third Sister kidnaps Leia in order to lure Obi-Wan out and get himself killed while trying to save the princess.
If you want to understand the show in more detail, we have to look at Obi-Wan’s story with Star War’s history as a context.
- The Republic’s stronghold begins to shakes, and in 32 BBY, Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan are sent to inspect one of these conflicts. It’s here where they also meet Anakin Skywalker, who is unusually powerful in the Force.
- With the steady fall of the Republic, Anakin is tasked with protecting Padmé Amidala, the former queen of Naboo. Going against the Jedi code, they fall in love.
- During the Clone Wars, Anakin is promoted to Knighthood and serves as a Jedi General alongside Obi-Wan.
- Anakin is influenced by Darth Sidious, who had posed as Palpatine, Naboo’s Supreme Chancellor. Anakin is then transformed into Darth Vader, who issues Order 66: A commands to all the clone troops to kill their commanding Jedi Generals across the galaxy.
- Obi-Wan learns about Vader and has a light saber duel with him on Mustafar. He emerges victorious, cutting off Vader’s legs and left arm and leaving him to die on a lava bank which badly burns the villain.
- Leia and Luke are born, but Padmé dies shortly. Leia is adopted by Bail Organa, the Senator of Alderaan, while Luke is taken in by his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru in Tatooine.
- We finally reach the first episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi! This is super exciting because between this and the original Star Wars trilogy where Luke is all grown up, we don’t really know what happens in Obi-Wan’s life.
Fans have always joked about how Obi-Wan is depicted as a hermit. The prequels do prove he wasn’t one, with this show now adding in some more action to his life. It may also explore in depth what ultimately led to Obi-Wan’s lifestyle decision later in the original trilogy.
About Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Star Wars spinoff series directed by Deborah Chow for Disney+. It premiered on May 27, 2022 on Disney+.
The main cast includes Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, who will be reprising their roles for Obi-Wan and Vader, respectively. Additionally joining them are Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Joel Edgerton, Bonni Piesse, and Rupert Friend among many others.
The show follows Obi-Wan Kenobi ten years after the events of Revenge of the Sith where he faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
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