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However, the original concept for Obi-Wan Kenobi by Star Wars creator George Lucas was quite different from what fans know today. In a discussion with StarWars.com, Iain McCaig, a behind-the-scenes artist for Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, revealed that Lucas initially planned to switch the names of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, portrayed by Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson, respectively. “It’s fascinating to see how concepts change over time,” McCaig noted. “At one point, the elder Jedi was going to be called Obi-Wan while the younger one was named Qui-Gon.”
McCaig elaborated that Lucas envisioned a scenario where McGregor’s character ultimately took on his master’s name in a way that honored Qui-Gon’s mission to train Anakin. “As Obi-Wan meets his end and Qui-Gon defeats Darth Maul, he stays with his Master until he passes away. By doing so, he not only embraces his Master’s quest but also adopts his name. Qui-Gon becomes Obi-Wan,” McCaig explained. This twist was meant to clarify why, in A New Hope, Alec Guinness’ character expresses surprise at the name Obi-Wan: because, until that point, he identified as Qui-Gon.
McCaig did not provide specific reasons for Lucas’s choice to abandon this narrative twist. While it could have added depth to Obi-Wan’s introduction in A New Hope, it seems Lucas opted for a more streamlined depiction of the character’s backstory as it unfolded in The Phantom Menace.
This revelation provides fascinating insight into Lucas’s detailed approach to character development and storytelling within the prequel trilogy, as well as its ties to the larger saga, including A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Fans are left to ponder how many other ideas were considered and ultimately set aside during the making of the franchise’s initial six films.
Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
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