Star Wars' Ewan McGregor explains why he thought the prequels were panned

Obi-Wan Kenobi actor and Star Wars legend Ewan McGregor has shared his thoughts on what caused the prequel films to receive a negative response from fans and critics alike.

In an interview with GQ, McGregor said he believed the films received a bad response due to moviegoers expecting them to be more like the original trilogy.

"To begin with, all we heard really was the critical side of things," the actor recalled. "That was the only voice I remember hearing, and they were not liked.

"I think the critics just wanted to feel like they were seven or eight again, and they didn't get that. So I was left with that [reaction] for years and years, and it took [until I started] meeting people, and I realised how important our films have been to them."

Related: Obi-Wan's Ewan McGregor recalls "rude" encounter

McGregor did however acknowledge the changing attitudes towards the first trilogy, especially for younger generations of fans. "I think [my relationship to the prequels] has changed for me as I've met more people in that generation," he added.

The actor was also complimentary to creator George Lucas, whose reputation took a hit after the initial release of the prequels. "I admire George for having tried to do something different with them," he said.

"He didn't just set out to make another three Star Wars films that felt like the original ones. I respected him for that. I think that's ballsy and interesting."

Related: Kenobi star replaces Lupita Nyong'o in Apple show

McGregor's return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Disney+ series has received widespread acclaim amongst fans.

While the rumours are yet to be officially confirmed by Disney, it's likely this won't be the last we've seen of McGregor in the role either, with a second season supposedly in the works.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is streaming on Disney+. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the entire Skywalker Saga are available on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K now, as well as on Disney+.

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Brenna Cooper

Reporter, Digital Spy
Brenna Cooper is a freelance journalist, who currently specialises in entertainment reporting. She joined Digital Spy in 2022, writing TV and movies stories for the site. After graduating with an NCTJ accredited Journalism Masters from the University of Sheffield in 2020 she has since embarked on a freelance career. 

Brenna previously produced lifestyle content for Checklists.co.uk and has a specific interest in music, reviewing live acts and interviewing bands such as Confidence Man and Amyl and the Sniffers.