Who Played and Voiced Obi-Wan Kenobi? All Live-Action and Animated Portrayals Explained

Hello there…

You know Obi-Wan as a dedicated Jedi Master who fought in major battles and trained key figures like Anakin and Luke to bring balance to the Force. But you may wonder why different actors portray him at different stages. Kenobi's journey spans decades, so multiple actors have taken on the role. Each actor adds depth to Obi-Wan's character. This blog covers all who played the renowned Jedi Master in live-action films, animated series, and Disney+ shows. It will be fun to explore those who brought your favorite character to life. Keep reading.

Alec Guinness: The Original Obi-Wan Kenobi

The legendary Alec Guinness was the first actor to bring the Kenobi figure to the galaxy. He was the one who lived on Tatooine, protecting Luke Skywalker from the world. He appeared as a wise, calm, and mysterious person. He was known as “Ben Kenobi” to Luke. He told Luke about his father, Anakin, who had been a powerful Jedi master. He also revealed the truth of the Force and trained Luke with the lightsaber. He also sacrificed his life on the Death Star. He dueled Darth Vader to give Luke time to escape and change the galaxy's fate. He has played the character in the Original Trilogy, including 

• A New Hope (1977)
• The Empire Strikes Back (1980) 
• Return of the Jedi (1983) 

The performance of Alec Guinness brought significance to the character that felt like more than a sci-fi fantasy. It felt mythological. He also returned as a Force ghost in Star Wars: Episodes V and VI.

And do you know a fun fact about Alec? He was nominated for an Academy Award for playing the best supporting role in A New Hope. 

Ewan McGregor: The Prequel Jedi Knight 

When the Star Wars prequels launched, George Lucas cast Ewan McGregor as young Obi-Wan. Shifting from Alec Guinness wasn’t easy. Still, Ewan added passion, dedication, and emotional depth while respecting Alec's original portrayal. He started as Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan, fought alongside his master, and later became a Jedi Master. After Qui-Gon’s death, he started training Anakin, who was considered the Chosen One. He taught Anakin everything about the Force, making him one of the best Jedi in the Order. 

Ewan played this role in the following films:

• The Phantom Menace (1999)
• Attack of the Clones (2002)
• Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Some of the major duels in which Ewan McGregor played his role include the Duel of the Fates, the Battle of Geonosis, the Battle of Utapau, and the Battle of Mustafar. In all of these duels, Obi showcased his combat skills, which proved him to be a skilled screen fighter. He also remained the key figure who saw Anakin go from a dedicated Jedi to become a ferocious Sith Lord, with everything falling apart in the Jedi Order. Ewan said a heartbreaking line during the battle of Mustafar that became very famous among fans: “You were the Chosen One, Anakin.” 

James Arnold Taylor: The Animated Version

Ewan McGregor played Obi-Wan on screen, while James Arnold Taylor voiced him in the animated series. You can hear his voice in The Clone Wars and briefly in Star Wars Rebels. Taylor portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi as a loyal warrior, bringing authority and calm to the Jedi Master.

With a background in animation and video games, Taylor brought skill and depth to the role. He didn’t just mimic McGregor’s version; he expanded it. He showed a balanced Obi-Wan who carried the weight of war while staying true to the Jedi code.

He voiced Kenobi as a strong leader in key battles, including the Siege of Mandalore. Taylor highlighted Obi-Wan’s inner conflicts, especially regarding Anakin Skywalker’s deepening darkness. His performance connected with a new generation of Star Wars fans. It also helped shape Obi-Wan's character for years after the films.

Stephen Stanton: The Voice of “Old Ben”

In one of the most emotional scenes in Star Wars Rebels, Obi-Wan returns as an older Jedi in exile on Tatooine. Stephen Stanton voices this version, skillfully mimicking Alec Guinness’s tone to bring “Old Ben” to life.

In the episode “Twin Suns,” Obi-Wan faces Darth Maul in a quiet, poetic duel. This moment gives closure to their long rivalry. Stephen Stanton voiced Obi-Wan in Season 3, Episode 20: “Twin Suns” (2017).

Stephen Stanton is a veteran voice actor. He has a rich background in animation, film, and video games. He has voiced multiple characters in Star Wars. This includes Admiral Raddus in Rogue One and Wilhuff Tarkin in The Clone Wars and Rebels. His skill in replicating Alec Guinness’s tone and emotion adds depth to Obi-Wan’s older character.

Some of the key moments in which you might have heard his voice include:

• The scene in which Luke Skywalker is saved from danger.
• When the Sith Lord, Darth Maul, meets his end on the planet Tatooine.

Ewan McGregor: The Obi-Wan Kenobi Series 

Ewan returned to the screen after years of fan demand. He reprised his iconic role in the Disney+ limited series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, released in 2022. This was nearly a decade after Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. In this series, Ewan once again showcased his talent by portraying the character in the best way ever. The series bridged the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy. Ewan portrayed a deeply hurt and broken Jedi filled with guilt and shame after his padawan, whom he loved like a brother, was turned to darkness and became Darth Vader. 

The performance of Ewan was full of emotions and depth in the series. At first, he appeared mature and disconnected from the Force, as his role demanded. But when his responsibilities demanded that he fulfill them, he bravely accepted the challenge of saving Leia Organa. During this mission, Kenobi faced the Inquisitors and stormtroopers. He was reluctant about his abilities, as he had been in exile for a long time without using his lightsaber. But as the series progressed, he again revealed his strength and wisdom to combine skills and strategies to protect Leia from Vader’s hands. 

Ewan also confronted the galaxy’s dangerous Sith Lord, Darth Vader, and defeated him. He once again secured his position as one of the best Jedi in the galaxy, who faced the worst battles and duels but survived for the right time to become one with the Force.

FAQ’s 

Who was Obi-Wan Kenobi? 

Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the well known Jedi of the Star Wars galaxy. He is the one who trains the Chosen One in the hope that he will bring balance to the Force. He also trains Luke and ultimately becomes a Force Ghost, guiding the next generations of the Jedi. 

Who played Obi-Wan Kenobi for the first time?

Alec Guinness first portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in the galaxy far, far away! He appeared as an old, mature, and wise Jedi who lived in an exile, hidden from the world, protecting someone important for the future of the Jedi Order.

Who played Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace?

Ewan McGregor played the role of Obi-Wan as a Padawan under Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace. He fought alongside his master, showcasing his combat skills and courage as a true Jedi. 

How old was Obi-Wan Kenobi when he died? 

Obi-Wan died on the Death Star at the hands of Darth Vader, his former padawan, Anakin Skywalker. His age at that time was 57 years. 

Who played Obi-Wan in the Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series?

Ewan McGregor played Obi-Wan once again in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. He was emotionally and physically hurt in the series, but as he went on the mission of saving Leia from the Inquisitors, he regained his strength and rebuilt his connection to the Force.

What's the cast of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series? 

Some of the cast of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series include the following actors: 

• Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan 
• Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader
• Moses Ingram as the Third Sister named Reva Sevander 
• Jimmy Smits as Senator Bail Organa
• Grant Feely as Luke Skywalker 
• Rupert Friend as the Grand Inquisitor
• Indira Verma as Tala Durith
• And more. 

Which two actors played Obi-Wan Kenobi’s role in Star Wars? 

Alec Guinness and Ewan McGregor played the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars. They both appeared as the most intelligent actors who brought life to the Jedi.