Ewan McGregorandHayden Christensenhave been working in Hollywood long enough to know they can’t please everyone with everything they make or in which they appear.
One previously sensitive spot for both theStar Warsalums was their high profile work inStar Wars: Episode IIandIII(2002’sAttack of the Clonesand 2005’sRevenge of the Sith), whichdidn’t receive great reviewsat the time of their release.
20 years later, however, that perception has changed for the better as a new generation of fans are discovering (some re-discovering) and more fully embracing the earlier films which, despite critical consensus, went on to make a combined $1.52 billion at the box office.
Speaking to PEOPLE in the latest issue, after rousing applause from fans during theirObi-Wan Kenobipanel at Star Wars Celebration last week, McGregor, 51, and Christensen, 41 open up about their evolving relationships — and personal pride — with the earlier films versus the public’s perception.“I think there was something about the aftermath of the prequels when we made them that maybe made me a little blinkered to theStar Warsworld for awhile,” says McGregor. “I’ve always been very happy to be involved in it. I still thank my lucky stars that I was part of this legend.”
“It’s amazing, artistically, but also for my career,” he continues. “I loved the films when I was a kid, so to be part of it is amazing, but the reaction was pretty tough when they came out.”
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“And I feel it’s nice now,” he notes. “I feel the work that we did in the prequels, but also the films, themselves, have got their audience. They’ve always had their audience, I just didn’t know it for a long time because they were kids.”
He adds, “And they had the same feeling about our films as I had aboutA New Hopewhen I was seven years old, but I wasn’t aware of it, really, until more recently. And it does mean a lot. It helps me to feel like I can claim my part in them back. I can be proud of it and proud of them and I’m happy about it.”
Christensen says his perspective is always shifting, but he’s always been grateful to be a part of the franchise.
“For me, the experience of working on the prequels was amazing,” he says. “My relationship withStar Warsis I guess, ever-evolving. I’m just in a really good place with it right now and just really grateful for all of this.”
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The actors are particularly excited about returning to their characters now, via their new Disney+ seriesObi-Wan Kenobi, which is set 10 years after the events inRevenge of the Sith, and eager to share the episodes with their families.
“My daughter is certainly curious about [Star Wars],” says Christensen, who is dad to daughter Briar Rose, 7, with ex Rachel Bilson. “I haven’t showed her the films yet, but she understands what a lightsaber is. There are these things that permeate our culture in a way that you don’t even need to know the stories and still,Star Warswill resonate with you. It’s remarkable.”
For more from Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.McGregor — who is dad to daughters Clara, 26, Jamyan, 20, Esther, 20, and Anouk, 11, with ex Eve Mavrakis, as well as 11-month-old son Laurie, withnew wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead— says his oldest kids might not loveObi-Wanas much as others.
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“It’s got to be the coolest thing to have Obi-Wan Kenobi as your dad,” notes Christensen.
“But at the same time, at school, you might just not want that kind of attention or it might be unwanted,” offers McGregor. “I don’t know. That’s why I wonder, because they don’t talk to me about it very much.”
With the first few episodes now available, both actors — who are close friends in real-life despite playing onscreen rivals — are eager for fan reactions.
Obi-Wan Kenobiis now streaming on Disney+.
source: people.com
