Credit: LucasfilmFew Star Wars characters have been portrayed by as many performers as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Sir Alec Guinness originated the role in George Lucas’ original trilogy, appearing as the older Obi-Wan in A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983). Decades later, Ewan McGregor took over the character for the prequel trilogy, playing a younger Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith (2005).
McGregor eventually returned to the role in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022).
The character has also been voiced by James Arnold Taylor, who became particularly associated with Obi-Wan through Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and numerous video games.
Now, Lucasfilm has officially recast Obi-Wan Kenobi once again.
Related: Disney and Lucasfilm Rewrite ‘Star Wars’ History After Nearly 50 Years
Rhys Ifans Is the New Obi-Wan Kenobi
Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales have announced the first-ever official Welsh-language version of Star Wars: A New Hope, with the 1977 classic being completely redubbed in Welsh as part of the film’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
Titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, the new version features an entirely new Welsh voice cast, meaning fans will hear different performers playing many of the characters who have become synonymous with the original movie.
Among them is Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, who has officially taken over the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi from Alec Guinness’ original performance.
Ifans is joined by an impressive Welsh cast, including Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia, and Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker.
For Rhys Ifans, the role adds another Star Wars connection to his career. The Welsh actor is already familiar to audiences through major Hollywood productions including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Amazing Spider-Man.
However, his portrayal of Obi-Wan will sound very different from the performances fans have previously heard from Guinness, McGregor, or Taylor.
Star Wars Is Coming to Wales
Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has highlighted the importance of bringing the original movie to Welsh-speaking audiences.
“Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language,” she said in the announcement. She added that she hopes Welsh speakers will be able to experience the movie with “the same emotional impact” as watching it again for the first time.
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd will premiere on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
What do you think of Rhys Ifans taking over as Obi-Wan Kenobi? Let us know in the comments below!
