The Star Wars prequels are often considered inferior to the original trilogy… And now Ewan McGregor admits that he understands why Star Wars fans are quite so critical.
The 43-year-old actor is famous for taking over the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels – a part previously played by the wonderful Alec Guinness. But while the prequels were met with a fairly lukewarm reception, it seems he doesn’t mind. And seems to understand why the fans felt quite so strongly.
“I watched it once, at the premiere,” he revealed to Details. “So I’m not in a good position to judge.”
“They had a tall order, the three films did. The fans waited so long and wanted to feel like they did when they watched the first film, but they were grown-ups by that time.”
“I don’t mind the criticism,” he added. “I’ve heard it to my face.”
Of course, the Star Wars franchise holds a very special place amongst fans – particularly those who grew up watching the originals as a child. And so it’s certainly understandable that many were disappointed by the inferior Phantom Menace. Even if it wasn’t that bad.
But how does Ewan McGregor handle the fans?
“I don’t have any experience with them,” he admitted. “I’ve never been to one of the conventions. The people I meet are the f**kers who want me to sign Star Wars photos so they can sell them on the Internet or the people at premieres who are crushing children against barriers to get me to sign their f**king picture of Obi-Wan Kenobi. They’re not fans—they’re parasitical lowlifes and f**king w**kers.”
Clearly, it’s a subject he’s rather ‘passionate’ about… and I can’t help thinking that perhaps he’s met the darker side of Star Wars fandom. Still, as a former Jedi Knight, perhaps he can bring balance to the more forceful fans? I certainly wouldn’t want to get on his dark side.
What do you think of Ewan McGregor’s comments? Are you a fan of the Star Wars prequels? Let us know in the comments below…
