Ewan McGregor on Keeping Obi-Wan Return a Secret

TL;DR

Ewan McGregor shares insights on Halloween traditions and his experience with Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Transcript

JIMMY KIMMEL: Hey, thanks for coming. EWAN MCGREGOR: Thanks for having me again. JIMMY KIMMEL: Very good to see you. EWAN MCGREGOR: Great to be here. JIMMY KIMMEL: Is this-- EWAN MCGREGOR: How are you? JIMMY KIMMEL: I'm doing well, thank you. EWAN MCGREGOR: Good. Good. JIMMY KIMMEL: Is this an Obi Wan beard or is this just a beard? EWAN MCGREGOR: I... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 Ewan McGregor's beard symbolizes preparation for a character role, showcasing how actors engage with their parts creatively.
• 🍬 The Scottish tradition of "guising" adds a cultural dimension to Halloween, emphasizing performance and creativity over mere collection of candy.
• 💪 The excitement surrounding the Obi-Wan Kenobi announcement highlights the strong connection between actors and fans, illustrating the emotional stakes in franchise projects.
• 😱 McGregor's personal fears and experiences influence his approach to horror, revealing the complexity behind an actor’s relationship to genre films.
• ✋ The tension between secrecy and speculation in high-profile projects can impact an actor's reputation and sense of integrity professionally.
• 🌉 "Doctor Sleep" not only fulfills a narrative continuation but also bridges the gap between different fan bases, showcasing challenges in adapting beloved stories.
• 🛟 The discussion serves as a reminder that cultural practices surrounding holidays can vary widely, influencing how traditions are celebrated and experienced.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Ewan McGregor say about his beard?

Ewan refers to his beard as a "practice Obi-Wan" beard, suggesting it's not yet the full representation of his character. He enjoys the look but mentions people don’t comment much on it. McGregor describes it as a result of both laziness and preparation for upcoming filming.

Q: How does Ewan McGregor describe Halloween in Scotland?

He explains that in Scotland, children participated in "guising," which is different from American trick-or-treating. Instead of simply collecting candy, kids had to perform a song or recite a poem to receive treats, making it a more interactive experience than merely asking for sweets.

Q: What was Ewan McGregor's experience at Disneyland regarding the Obi-Wan announcement?

McGregor recounts feeling overwhelmed by the excitement at Disneyland when he announced that he would reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was an emotionally significant moment for him, comparing it to a personal “William Shatner moment” of feeling appreciated by the fans.

Q: How did Ewan McGregor feel about hiding the Obi-Wan project from fans?

He felt a mix of frustration and humiliation because he was raised to be honest, yet had to play coy about the Obi-Wan project for years. He mentioned how fans were constantly speculating about his return, making it difficult for him to avoid questions on the topic.

Q: What past experience influenced Ewan McGregor's view on horror films?

As a child, McGregor was exposed to “The Shining” in a scary context during a Halloween event at school. The frightening atmosphere and shocking moments made him avoid horror movies for a long time, leading to a fear of films that were highly regarded as scary.

Q: What insights does Ewan McGregor offer about "Doctor Sleep"?

McGregor describes "Doctor Sleep" as a sequel to "The Shining," focusing on how the director managed to satisfy both fans of Stephen King’s book and Stanley Kubrick’s film. He appreciates the clever way the film adapts the narrative to appeal to both audiences.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ewan McGregor shares his thoughts on his new beard, which he describes as a practice for his Obi-Wan Kenobi role, and opens up about public perception.

• He discusses Halloween traditions in Scotland, highlighting a unique practice called "guising" where children performed talents to earn treats.

• McGregor reflects on the pressure of keeping the Obi-Wan Kenobi project under wraps and the overwhelming excitement he felt at his unveiling at Disneyland.