Obi-Wan Kenobi Writer Explains Decision to Have Kenobi Learn of Anakins Survival 10 Years After Their Duel on Mustafar

The premiere two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi showcased that the title character did not know of Anakin Skywalker's survival until a decade after Revenge of the Sith. Writer Joby Harold explains the thought process behind showing Obi-Wan's reaction to learning the truth at the end of the first act of the six-part narrative.



In a recent interview with The Wrap, Harold noted that the decision to have Obi-Wan believe that he'd killed Anakin on Mustafar, only to learn the truth years after the fact, came from a place of finding the story as it was being told. Harold also noted that he made sure to consult with Lucasfilm's story team (and specifically Pablo Hidalgo, who is credited as a 'special lore advisor' for the series) for various storytelling decisions:

The canonicity of when Obi-Wan learned the truth was not established in canon until this series, and while there are concerns of 'retcons', the series is more consistent with existing canon than some give it credit for. Those familiar with Revenge of the Sith know that Obi-Wan knew of Anakin's 'Darth Vader' moniker, as he heard Darth Sidious address him by that title when looking through security footage of the Jedi Temple Massacre. But contrary to popular belief, Darth Vader was not an omnipresent figure in the day-to-day operations of the galaxy far, far away until he took a more active and public role in fighting the Rebel Alliance after the destruction of the first Death Star. During the time when Obi-Wan Kenobi is set, Vader instead operated as a figure in the shadows unless called upon by the Galactic Empire.



Combine that with the fact that Tatooine was far removed from the goings-on of the Empire, being an Outer Rim planet left under the jurisdiction of the Hutt Cartels, and it's pretty understandable to as to why Obi-Wan wouldn't figure out the truth until after he reconnected with the Force and encountered adherents of the Dark Side. The only real inconsistency is how Obi-Wan hears Padmé's dying words that she believes that there is still good in her husband. Even still, given that he lived with the guilt of assuming that Anakin died on Mustafar for a decade of his life, it is likely that he didn't believe that his apprentice could have possibly survived their encounter, and he may have dismissed these words as a delirium from someone dying of grief (and, presumably, untreated internal injuries after Anakin choked her).







Canon musings aside, Harold noted that part of the reasoning to have Obi-Wan learn the truth onscreen was to give Ewan McGregor a dramatic scene to work with that would really put what the character believed in up until that point into question. Not only was Vader very much alive, but Obi-Wan's actions made him more dangerous and determined despite his grievous injuries, and his guilt over not putting his apprentice out of his misery has taken the place of the guilt over thinking that he had killed him.

Harold further praised Hidalgo's responsiveness to his questions and working as a story partner:

For more insight on the series so far from its writer, you can check our other articles covering his interviews here and here.



The first three episodes of Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi are currently streaming on Disney Plus, with the remaining three set to air on Wednesday nights. There has not been official word about a follow-up to the limited series, though Ewan McGregor has stated that he is interested in further exploring the character, and Lucasfilm is said to be discussing options.



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