Key Takeaways:
– Ewan McGregor was warned about the perils of joining the Star Wars franchise by his uncle, Denis Lawson.
– Despite Lawson's warning, McGregor was more determined to land the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
– Denis Lawson became popular for his brief role in the franchise, ironically causing him frustrations.
– Lawson does not hate the Star Wars films, he simply disliked the constant media focus on his small role.
Ewan McGregor's Unexpected Push Towards Star Wars
Actor Ewan McGregor, widely acclaimed for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels, rose to stardom soon after his entry into the franchise. However, a significant push to accept this role came from an unexpected place, his uncle and Star Wars alum, Denis Lawson. In a recent interview, McGregor revealed that Lawson strongly warned him against accepting a position in the overly scrutinized space opera franchise.
Denis Lawson's Role and Warnings
Lawson, who played Wedge Antilles, a rebel pilot and friend of Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, did not want McGregor to join the franchise initially. He was concerned about his nephew facing the same media and fan scrutiny he experienced during his time on the Star Wars set. But rather than nervously heed to his uncle's advice, McGregor was even more captivated by the idea of joining the franchise.
McGregor's Perspective on Lawson's Frustrations
McGregor, who considers Lawson as his hero, also tried to explain his uncle's nuanced frustrations with the franchise. Lawson gained immense popularity for his brief role, despite working for just a few weeks inside a makeshift spaceship. This irony seemed to irritate Lawson.
Lawson's Unfavorable History with Star Wars
Whilst Lawson achieved fame for his brief appearance in Star Wars, he was notably unhappy with his tenure. During a 2017 interview, Lawson voiced his annoyance at the constant fan and media attention he received, specifying that he didn't dislike the films, but merely got bored of repeatedly talking about his small role in them.
Lawson and The Franchise Reunion
Despite previous frustrations, Lawson returned to the franchise in the final installment of the sequel trilogy, 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, playing Wedge Antilles once again. This marked his first appearance in the franchise after approximately four decades.
In an episode of Star Wars: Visions, Lawson also reprised his role in a voiceover capacity. Fans can stream all Star Wars movies on Disney+.
Final Thoughts
While Ewan McGregor accepted the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi despite his uncle's cautionary advice, he too experienced the scrutiny that comes with being a part of such a huge franchise. However, his favorable experience and iconic role became a game-changer for his career.
You will find an alluring lesson in McGregor's journey: at times, a discouraging word could act as a catalyst toward your own dream or aspiration. Sometimes, your biggest push may come from unexpected places. Just as McGregor did, sometimes, defiance of advice could possibly lead to a career-defining opportunity.
