Writer Of Disney+ Series Obi-Wan Kenobi Talks About Connection To Sequel Trilogy’s Kylo Ren

Joby Harold, the series' main writer, discusses Leia and "Ben" Kenobi's connection, which connects the narrative to the original and sequel trilogies

Following the contentious sequels from Lucasfilm/Disney, the galaxy far, far away has made its way to the tiny screen on Disney+. Ewan McGregor reprises his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the new live-action series, which explores his years in exile on Tatooine as "Ben." Obi-Wan Kenobi follows up 10 years after Revenge of the Sith and the destruction of the Republic, with its hero keeping an eye on a young Luke Skywalker. Darth Vader and his Inquisitors are on the search for Jedi who survived Order 66. In the first episode of the series, Inquisitor Reva devises a scheme to abduct young Princess Leia Organa in order to force Obi-Wan out of hiding. The series has concentrated on Obi-Wan and Leia's connection, which spurs the latter's faith in the former years later.

Harold, Obi-Wan Kenobi's lead writer, recently spoke with THR about filling in the gaps between Episodes III and IV. He specifically mentioned Obi-Wan as "a huge component in her life," so much so that she not only sends R2-D2 the classic message, "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi," but also names her and Han Solo's kid Ben. Read the entire quote below:

“It was very helpful to know where they were going because it answers the question of, 'Why him?' So, 'Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope,' feels less arbitrary as a choice and a decision now that we know the depth of the history they have together. The context within which Leia says that in A New Hope is now canon, and it’s clear. So, it will be articulated as the show continues, but I liked the fact that it helped reinforce and better articulate a little piece of the jigsaw that is already in place. If you watch all of the Star Wars stories in a row right now, you’d be like, 'Of course, she’s going to go to Obi-Wan.' She also ends up naming her son, Ben [Adam Driver]. So I liked the fact that he was a big component in her life, as much as he was in Luke’s life up until now. It felt right after everything that happened with Anakin and those two children that he would be there for both children, to the degree he now has been in canon."

Harold went on to say that only Leia's captivity could have driven Obi-Wan to flee Tatooine. While Leia's central involvement in Obi-Wan Kenobi is unexpected, it makes perfect sense from a narrative, character, and canonical viewpoint. She has, however, become a far greater role of the tale than fans anticipated. If Obi-Wan Kenobi set out to explain how Kylo Ren received his birth name, then the series' existence may have been justified as more than a financial grab. One of the most significant compliments fans can offer the series is that it improves Leia's bond with elderly Ben. Furthermore, Vivien Lyra Blair's portrayal of the famous princess has gained widespread acclaim.

With only two episodes left, it may be time to leave Leia on Alderaan so Obi-Wan may enjoy some Clone Wars flashbacks and a real battle with his fallen apprentice. Unless, of course, the Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2 rumors are true.