Star Wars rumors can come from any number of sources. From Mike Zeroh to leaked set photos, we’ve seen and heard a lot of different things about the Lucasfilm franchise. Now, however, it seems we’re getting Star Wars teasers from the unlikeliest of sources: government officials. Speaking at a conference recently, a former British Foreign Secretary hinted that the Obi-Wan Kenobi film may still be a go.
Former UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson did so at the Democratic Unionist Party’s annual conference last week. His intentions to sing the UK’s praises (as ComicBook notes) were clear. Johnson claimed the UK possesses “by far the most dynamic creative culture and media industries.” It was his next comment however, in which he name-dropped the Obi-Wan Kenobi film specifically, that stirred the Star Wars fandom up once more:
“Which was the biggest grossing movie last year? Star Wars. And where does George Lucas propose to make a follow-up about Obi-Wan Kenobi? Northern Ireland.”
Is the Obi-Wan Kenobi Film Back On With George Lucas?
Look, I want to see an Obi-Wan Kenobi film just as much as the next fan. But do I believe for a second that the film is still in the works? Sadly, no, I don’t. First and foremost, Lucas split from his Star Wars roots six years ago. Other than visiting a set here and there, he’s had no real, direct involvement with the Star Wars franchise since.
Further, Ewan McGregor all but confirmed that Kenobi film would not proceed in an interview months ago. Lastly, let’s consider the source. This nugget came from a politician bloviating at a political party conference. He was using The Last Jedi’s success to extol his nation’s virtues to excite political supporters. My guess is he was simply name-dropping to stir up his political base.
Sorry fans. If we’re being realistic, this was likely little more than an uniformed politician talking about something (i.e. the Kenobi film) that, in actuality, he knows little about. And if there’s something with which we’re far too familiar here in the States, its uniformed politicians.
We’ll continue to hold out hope that production will eventually begin on the “Star Wars Story” film Lucasfilm should have made in the first place. Until then, I wouldn’t reference Boris Johnson as authority for the Kenobi film returning to the production schedule.
Source: ComicBook