We all have an idea of what Obi-Wan Kenobi is like as a Jedi Knight and as a mentor to the young Anakin Skywalker. However, it looks like the Jedi Master wasn't always the level-headed warrior we thought he is. A new YA novel could confirm that the teenage Kenobi was fairly similar to Anakin in his own way!
Star Wars has announced the new YA novel Star Wars: Padawan written by Kiersten White and set for release in July. The book will follow the young Kenobi as an impatient youth eager to start a mission even without the presence of his master Qui-Gon Jinn. As Kenobi sets off to a lush planet, he meets other teenagers and realizes there is more to life than what the Jedi could offer.
So what exactly was Obi-Wan Kenobi like as a Padawan? White revealed in an interview with StarWars.com that Kenobi had some similarities to a young Anakin Skywalker.
“Obi-Wan and Anakin have youthful rebellion in common, but while Anakin’s was rooted in trauma, anger, and entitlement (I say with love about one of my other favorite characters), Obi-Wan’s is rooted in anxiety. Anakin was eager to have power and authority to try and heal his pain and quiet his fears,” White said.
She continued by sharing Kenobi's mindset in the book.
“In Padawan, Obi-Wan is anxious to know his place in the galaxy and the Jedi Order — not to be powerful, but to be the best servant of the Force he can. His motivation is less, 'I’m the greatest, why can’t they see that?' and more, 'Maybe I don’t deserve any of this.' He’s terrified he won’t live up to his potential, letting down Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi, and the galaxy as a whole,” White said.
It's interesting to know that Kenobi had the same thoughts as Skywalker when he was younger. With that in mind, we can't wait to meet the teen Kenobi this summer.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi series will premiere on Disney+ on May 25, 2022. Star Wars: Padawan will be released on July 26, 2022.
Related: The Mandalorian: Marvel Comics to Adapt First 8 Chapters of Star Wars Series
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!