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George Lucas Cut a Bombshell ‘Star Wars’ Twist From ‘Phantom Menace’: Liam Neeson Was Going to Play the Real Obi-Wan Kenobi Who Died

George Lucas originally planned to have the real Obi-Wan die in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'

Love it or hate it, “ Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” is at least universally beloved for its casting of Ewan McGregor as young Obi-Wan Kenobi. A recent interview with “Star Wars” concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig (via StarWars.com) to mark “The Phantom Menace’s” 25th anniversary reveals that George Lucas was originally planning a bombshell twist for the movie. McGregor reprised the role of Obi-Wan in two “Star Wars” sequels: 2002’s “Attack of the Clones” and 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith.” He’d go on to lead the Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” 20 years later, and he’s been open in interviews when asked about his interest in making a second season despite the show being originally conceived as a limited series.

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