Ewan McGregor is astaple of theStar Warsfranchise. From the young and impulse Obi-Wan Kenobi inStar Wars: A Phantom Menaceto the mature and distraught Jedi Master inStar Wars: Revenge of the SithandObi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor delivers a performance impossible to replicate. Nevertheless, there are several seasoned actors that, if given the chance, could offer their own take on theiconicStar Warshero. Here are nine actors who could have been greatas Obi-Wan Kenobi.
9Nathan Fillion
Best known forCastleandFirefly,Nathan Fillionexhibits all the mature sensibilities required for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Considering his work onA Series of Unfortunate Events, where he serves as a surrogate guardian for the Baudelaire orphans, Fillion has a natural onscreen presence as a mentoring figure.
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8Christian Bale
Christian Balecan portray just about any character. From the charming psychopath inAmerican Psycho; the traumatized insomniac inThe Machinist; a self-sacrificing vigilante inThe Dark Knight, to more mature roles inAmerican HustleandVice, Christian Bale is an acting gem. He would certainly offer a vast emotional range to his portrayal as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
7Michael C. Hall
Michael C. Hall’s talent is limitless. From his Broadway work inHedwig and the Angry Itch,Chicago,Cabaret, to his iconic Dexter Morgan inDexter, this versatile actor gives audiences unforgettable performances. While Dexter is a serial killer, there is one other role the forensic investigator executes flawlessly, that of a mentor. Whether as a stepdad to Astor and Cody, a loving father to his own son, Harrison, to taking Zach Hamilton under his wing, Michael C. Hall can portray a convincing mentor effortlessly.
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6James McAvoy
James McAvoyis another Hollywood gem that would bring layer after layer to Obi-Wan Kenobi. McAvoy has already done a similar portrayal in theX-Menfranchise, starting off as a youthful, hopeful mutant activist inX-Men: First Class, a jaded recluse inX-Men: Days of Future Past, and culminating as the seasoned professor inX-Men: Dark Phoenix.
5Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbendercan portray anything from a conniving villain to a tragic antihero. Similarly to James McAvoy, it’s his work in theX-Menfranchise that makes him an ideal fit for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Fassbender portrays the conflicted anti-hero Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto to the tee. He initially works alongside Charles Xavier to maintain the peace between mutants and humans, but ultimately succumbs to his nihilistic view of the world inX-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse. By the finalX-Meninstallment, Magneto finally puts his resentment to rest to save the world; with such a layered character arc, Michael Fassbender would have shined as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
4Chris Pine
Much like Ewan McGregor betweenStar Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menaceto the miniseriesObi-Wan Kenobi,Chris Pinehas grown before audiences through projects such asThe Princes Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement,Just My Luck, toWonder WomanandDon’t Worry Darling. Chris Pine’s seasoned charisma makes him a believable fit to portray Obi-Wan Kenobi, or any mentor character for that matter.
3Joaquin Phoenix
Easily the most versatile actor of his generation,Joaquin Phoenixalways brings something new to his characters. While his standout performances are inJokerandGladiator, the movies that showcase Phoenix’s ability to portray Obi-Wan Kenobi areSignsandC’mon, C’mon. Both these movies show Phoenix’s more paternal side as he cares for children.
2Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalois very selective with his projects, accepting only a handful of films per decade. Some of his best-known works includeEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Minds,Zodiac, and his portrayal as Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That noted, Mark Ruffalo isn’t the first, or even the second actor to portray the doctor-turned-Hulk, but he definitely adds a depth to the character that solidifies him in the role.At the end ofAvengers: Age of Ultron, Ruffalo’s Banner goes into hiding to protect those around him from his seemingly uncontrollable power. The conflict and guilt Ruffalo brings to Hulk matches Ewan McGregor’s throughout his entire arc as Obi-Wan Kenobi; Marc Ruffalo would bring a moving emotionality to the Jedi Master if given the chance.
1Edward Norton
Mark Ruffalo isn’t the onlyHulkactor that would make an excellent Obi-Wan Kenobi.Edward Nortonhas shown that he can execute any role offered to him, making audiences forget every time that it’s the actor onscreen. From a troubled youth inPrimal Fear, the antihero inAmerican History X, the narcissistic actor inBirdman, to the love-sick, temperamental Bruce BannerinThe Incredible Hulk, Edward Norton’s talent would bring something unique and unforgettable tohis Obi-Wan Kenobi.
