Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) is just weeks away, and while we'll likely see a second trailer before it premiers on Disney+, the fanbase is already keeping itself occupied by speculating on a number of things they're expecting to see in the third live-action Star Wars show. But those unfamiliar with canonical animated shows such as Star Wars: Rebels (2014 - 2018) are wondering who the main antagonist in the trailer is. So, who is the Grand Inquisitor? Let's find out...
The Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer, which you can check out below, shows an armored antagonist who wields a red lightsaber. This is the Grand Inquisitor, who is played by Rupert Friend in the upcoming limited series. But who is he?
Related: Will There Be a Star Wars Movie Featuring Boba Fett, Din Djarin and Ahsoka?
Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Star Wars: Rebels.
Known as The Grand Inquisitor or simply The Inquisitor, he is the main antagonist in the first season of Star Wars: Rebels, voiced by Jason Isaacs of Harry Potter fame.
His first appearance, however, dates back to Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 -- 2020), in which he appears as a Pau'an guard at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, who goes rogue after the events of Order 66.
Related: Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 Faces Potential Delays
He consequently turns to the dark side of the Force and leads a group known as the Inquisitorius - Jedi hunters who serve the Empire in its quest to wipe out all remaining Jedi across the galaxy following the Great Purge.
The Inquisitors are famous for wielding red lightsabers, which can also spin, serving as a deadly blade. They also typically dress in black armor, and can be any species, from human to Pau'an, like the Grand Inquisitor.
Related: 5 Biggest Reveals in the Obi-Wan Trailer
In Rebels Season 1, the Grand Inquisitor commits suicide after duelling with Kanan Jarrus (Freddie Prinze Jr) and Ezra Bridger (Taylor Gray), fearing repercurssions from Darth Vader for failing to execute the Jedi.
He returns in a later season as a redeemed spirit who guards a Jedi temple, similar to a Force Ghost, known as The Sentinel, and help Kanan Jarrus against his former fellow Inquisitors.
Related: 10 Characters Who Could Appear in Obi-Wan Kenobi
However, while Rebels is set 14 years after the Clone Wars end, Obi-Wan Kenobi actually takes place 10 years later, so four years before the animated show begins, and nine years before Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977).
This, of course, means that the Grand Inquisitor is alive during the time of the live-action show, and as seen in the trailer, is hunting down remaining Jedi, with his sights set on Obi-Wan, and perhaps even Luke Skywalker (Grant Feely).
Related: All the Upcoming Star Wars TV Shows
In the Rebels pilot, the Jedi hunter is tasked by Vader to hunt down the Children of the Force, as well as remaining Jedi, which comes as a result of the Emperor having forseen a "Chosen One" who would ultimately defeat him.
While we know this villain is destined to fail where Obi-Wan and Luke are concerned, it will still be thrilling to see him brought to life in live action - even if many fans are complaining he looks nothing like his animated counterpart.
Related: Will Grogu Return to The Mandalorian?
Obi-Wan Kenobi is a limited series which will consist of six episodes, and takes place 10 years after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) and nine years before Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.
It sees the return of Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, having played the character in the prequel trilogy. Hayden Christensen will also be reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader.
Related: Iconic Star Wars Characters Who Could Appear in The Mandalorian Season 3
Disney and Lucasfilm have previously described the show as "the rematch of the century", which undoubtedly speaks to a second battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader.
Vader is nowhere to be seen in the trailer, however, we do see plenty of action, with Obi-Wan watching over Luke on Tatooine, going off-world, and being pursued by both The Inquisitor and Reva (Moses Ingram).
Related: Which Other Rebels Characters Might Appear in the Ahsoka Series
Like The Inquisitor, Reva is a Jedi hunter, and is also known as the Third Sister. The Inquisitors often have second names such as "Sister" and "Brother" preceded by a ranking.
Other cast members include Grant Freely (Luke Skywalker), Joel Edgerton (Owen Lars), Bonnie Piesse (Beru Lars), Moses Ingram (Reva/the Third Sister), Sung Kang (the Fifth Brother), Rupert Friend (the Grand Inquisitor), Indira Varma, O'Shea Jackson Jr, Simone Kessell, Benny Safdie, Kumail Nanjiani, Maya Erskine, and Rory Ross.
Related: The Mandalorian Season 3 Rumors, Theories, and Predictions. What will happen in season 3?
Obi-Wan Kenobi will premiere on Disney+ on May 27, 2022.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!