New screenwriter recruited for series on Obi-Wan Kenobi with Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor played the character of the famous Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi in the three films of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, which were shot from 1999 to 2005. Image: AFP/ Anthony Harvey

The Force is once again with Disney. Just when it seemed that the series on the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi had been suspended, the project is back in the news. According to reports in the American press, the “Star Wars” saga spin-off has unearthed a new leading light in the person of Joby Harold. The British writer, who co-authored the screenplay for the 2017 fantasy epic “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” also participated in the writing of the forthcoming Zack Snyder film “Army of the Dead,” which is currently in post-production.

Joby Harold is to replace Hossein Amini, who left the project in January. He will be working under the watchful eye of Deborah Chow, who has been announced as the director of the new series for Disney+. The Canadian filmmaker is no stranger to the world of “Star Wars,” having already signed off on two episodes of “The Mandalorian,” another highly successful series for the streaming platform that is also inspired by the universe invented by George Lucas.

It is known that Ewan McGregor will reprise his role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the new series; however, the details of the story have yet to be disclosed. Shooting for the project was to begin in August 2020, but, following Hossein Amini’s departure, production was pushed forward to January 2021. A timely postponement given the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put many Hollywood projects on hold.

Joby Harold is also noted for his work as executive producer on such films as “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” with Keanu Reeves in 2019 and “Robin Hood” with Taron Egerton in 2018. CL /ra

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