The Marvel Cinematic Universe is not the only major franchise under the Disney umbrella that is getting live-action spinoffs to its films on Disney+ streaming. “Star Wars” actually did it first, with “The Mandalorian” being one of the platform’s launch originals. And like with the MCU, “Star Wars” has a busy slate with other Disney+ series, each based on specific characters in the famous Galaxy. One of the planned series stars Ewan McGregor reprising as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, set eight years after prequel Episode III. Even Hayden Christensen is back as Darth Vader, and the cast keeps getting bigger.

Hollywood Reporter tells us that Disney+ has gotten a new addition for their planned series “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” which will join the various “Star Wars” live-action spinoffs begun by “The Mandalorian” that they will offer for future streaming. The newly-cast is British actress Indira Varma, part of the cast for HBO’s powerhouse fantasy epic “Game of Thrones,” and more recently a regular on “For Life” at ABC. As with the other “Star Wars” series being developed for Disney+, what Varma’s role will be in the series featuring one of the most famous Jedi in the franchise is unknown. Furthermore, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” comes behind other productions too.

A “Star Wars” spinoff about the master of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader has long been in discussion within Lucasfilm, especially the idea of the role being reprised by Prequel actor Ewan McGregor. Originally it was pitched as a “Star Wars Story” spinoff film in the vein of “Rogue One,” but it was scrapped following the dull reception of the follow-up, “Solo.” It was only reconfirmed in 2019 as a planned series for Disney+, with a story by “Underground” and “John Wick: Chapter 3” producer Joby Harold, and director Deborah Chow (“The Mandalorian” season 1 episode 7).

Presently, only two seasons of “The Mandalorian” comprise the “Star Wars” originals on Disney+, but it will soon be followed by “The Book of Boba Fett” starring Temuera Morrison. Other series include “Andor” starring Diego Luna reprising his “Rogue One” leading role, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” with McGregor and Christensen, “The Acolyte” which is set during the new “High Republic” period in the Galaxy’s past, and “Ahsoka” starring Rosario Dawson as the live-action version of the breakout character from the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated series.

Image courtesy of Cinelinx

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