Ewan McGregor delights fans at a packed SpaceCon panel in San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO – Ewan McGregor, the beloved actor behind iconic characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi, captivated a packed house at SpaceCon San Antonio over the weekend. As the main headliner, McGregor shared insights into his illustrious career. He reflected on everything from his role in the Star Wars franchise to his experiences filming with cutting-edge technology.
The panel I enjoyed hosting was filled with humor, nostalgia, and engaging moments. It left fans cheering for more. McGregor was even complimentary of how I piloted the panel, expressing gratitude for the engaging conversation after the event concluded. McGregor is known for his versatile filmography. He was candid when discussing his journey as Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is a role he first embraced over two decades ago. He shared how playing the legendary Jedi Knight was a surreal experience. This feeling was especially strong given his childhood connection to the original films. “I was six years old when the first Star Wars movie came out, and it changed my life,” he shared. “To be able to step into that universe, especially playing the role that Alec Guinness originated, was an incredible honor.”
One of the panel discussion highlights was when McGregor was asked about the evolution of technology in Star Wars films. He praised the groundbreaking innovation of The Volume, a virtual production environment first utilized in The Mandalorian, and subsequently in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. “Back when we filmed the prequels, it was mostly blue screen and green screen. Now, with The Volume, actors can feel more immersed. If you’re in the desert, you actually see the desert around you,” McGregor explained. “It’s so much more exciting for us, and it makes the acting experience richer.”
While discussing the intricacies of the production, McGregor revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbit.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber hilt, a distinctive piece of Star Wars lore, was personally selected by him. “The prop master brought out a box with several designs, and I got to choose,” he said with a smile. The fans were delighted to hear this level of personal involvement, adding a layer of authenticity to his portrayal of the character. The conversation also veered into memorabilia and keepsakes. McGregor teasingly hinted that he might have kept a box containing two lightsabers. They are the same ones Obi-Wan digs up in the desert in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. “I might have that box,” he quipped, leaving the audience laughing and speculating.
McGregor’s love for his craft and the Star Wars community was evident throughout the panel. He reflected on the challenges and joys of reprising his role in the recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series after a 15-year hiatus. “Putting the costume back on was incredibly emotional,” he said. “It felt like stepping back in time, yet also like I was seeing an old friend after so many years. The connection with the fans, especially now that we can hear their voices online, is something I didn’t experience back when we made the prequels. It’s been heartwarming to feel that love.”
McGregor also spoke about his long-standing friendship with Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker.
He fondly recalled their time on set, particularly during the prequel trilogy. “Hayden was only 19 when we started working together, and I felt a bit of a paternal connection to him, much like Obi-Wan did with Anakin,” he said. “It was amazing to reunite with him for the series. Seeing him back as Vader brought back so many memories, and it felt like no time had passed.” In a lighter moment, McGregor shared an amusing anecdote from the set of Revenge of the Sith, where he and Christensen practiced their epic lightsaber duels. “We used real metal blades back then, and when you got it wrong, it really hurt,” he laughed. “There was even a guy on set whose job was just to repair the lightsabers after each take because we kept bending them.”
The panel wasn’t just about Star Wars. McGregor talked about other memorable roles. He discussed his portrayal of Christopher Robin. McGregor also mentioned his turn as the villain Black Mask in Birds of Prey. He highlighted the diversity of his projects and how each character brings something unique to his acting journey. “I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of films, from epic space operas to intimate dramas. Each role challenges me in different ways, and I love that.”
McGregor also shared touching stories about working with his family, specifically his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and daughter, Clara McGregor. He spoke fondly of meeting Winstead on the set of Fargo and how they have since collaborated on projects. “Most recently, we did a series called A Gentleman in Moscow, which I’m so proud of. Working with Mary has always been special; she’s my favorite actor,” he said. He added that despite the challenges of navigating different timelines within the Star Wars universe, he hopes they might someday find a way to appear in a project together.
One of the most poignant stories was about filming Bleeding Love with his daughter Clara.
The film, loosely based on personal experiences, allowed father and daughter to explore their dynamic on screen. “It was very personal, and it was beautiful to make with her,” McGregor said. “I played the dad, and she played the daughter. Through it, a lot of things were healed for us, and it was an amazing experience. Watching her grow and hold herself as a professional on set was a proud moment for me. She’s got the chops.”
As the session drew to a close, McGregor expressed his hope to continue playing Obi-Wan in future projects, a sentiment that was met with thunderous applause. “I’d love to do another season of Obi-Wan Kenobi,” he said. “It was such a success, and the fans really connected with it. Hopefully, we can find the right time to bring it back.”
The event at SpaceCon San Antonio was a resounding success.
The panel showcased McGregor’s charisma and deep connection to the roles that have defined his career. The packed audience, filled with lightsabers and Star Wars memorabilia, echoed their appreciation for McGregor and Tajipour, whose lively hosting kept the energy high. In the end, McGregor’s warmth and humor shone through, proving why he remains a beloved figure in the world of cinema. Fans left the venue not just with stories of the galaxy far, far away but with a deeper understanding of the man who brought those stories to life.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
