Warning: Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3
Despite his current situation, Ewan McGregor’s Star Wars character still wears his Jedi robes in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Aside from some obvious aging, Obi-Wan hasn’t changed much since he went into exile at the end of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. His look has remained the same, all the way down to his iconic Jedi robes.
As one would expect, Obi-Wan’s life has changed considerably since he fought Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith’s ending. In the past, Obi-Wan was a well-respected member of the Jedi Order who had the freedom to come and go as he pleased. He employed stealth and caution when necessary, but normally didn’t need to hide his identity. Now, hiding and laying low has become a permanent way of life for the character. In his new Disney+ series, he’s having to do all he can to avoid attention so he can evade Darth Vader’s Inquisitors and somehow get Princess Leia safely back home. And so far, being inconspicuous hasn’t really worked for him.
Obi-Wan tried to fool storm troopers and a transport driver into believing that he was just a simple farmer in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3, but in the end, his ruse failed. It’s been suggested that Obi-Wan would have better luck blending in if he just adopted a new wardrobe and left the Jedi robes behind. While this would make sense when taking into consideration the dilemma he’s in, it may not actually be necessary. It’s important to note that robes like Obi-Wan’s aren’t unique to the Jedi. It’s true that they were tied directly to the Jedi Order in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but they’re not exclusive to them in any way. They’re worn by normal people on planets across the galaxy.
Since robes are a typical fashion choice for the common folk of the Star Wars franchise, he isn’t exactly flaunting his Jedi status by wearing them in Obi-Wan Kenobi. That being said, he’s ittedly not making a real effort to distance himself from the Jedi image either. However, the decision to maintain his Jedi look allows Obi-Wan Kenobi to keep with Star Wars canon. After all, it’s already known from A New Hope that he’ll be still wearing his robes when he’s on Tatooine as an old man. As noted above, this story was originally told at a time when the robes weren’t regarded essentially as Jedi uniforms.
In a sense, Obi-Wan Kenobi electing not to change the character’s look works for the show in that it reflects a key element of his character. Though Obi-Wan seems to be of the mindset that the Jedi are no more, he hasn’t totally abandoned his ways and despite his initial trepidations, he’s still carrying out his duties. At heart, Obi-Wan is and always will be a Jedi Knight in the Star Wars universe.
Obi-Wan Kenobi releases new episodes on Wednesdays on Disney+.
