Star Wars followers have been despatched right into a frenzy speculating the newest addition to the sequence has revealed iconic Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi’s sexuality.
The much-loved character, performed by Sir Alec Guinness within the unique movies and Ewan McGregor in each the prequel trilogy and the Disney+ miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi, is featured within the new spin-off novel Padawan, the newest addition to the Disney canon printed on Tuesday.
The younger grownup novel, written by creator Kiersten White, revolves round a teen Obi-Wan trying to show himself whereas apprenticing beneath Jedi grasp Qui-Gon Jinn, performed by Liam Neeson within the movies.
Social media customers rapidly highlighted one passage that seems to indicate the Jedi-in-training questioning his sexuality, with many concluding it confirms he's bisexual. Within the passage, Obi-Wan is being quizzed by one other male teenager, Casul, about romantic relationships.
Obi-Wan doesn’t seem to have thought of the choice and awkwardly tries to vary the topic. He then grows flustered as Casul propositions him if he's ever “curious”.
The character says, “Not many decisions round right here. I don’t suppose love is in my future, both, and I’m high-quality with that. So long as I've the Energy to maintain my household secure, that’s sufficient for me. Although I'll admit I’ve been interested by kissing and why Audj and Zae-Brii take pleasure in it a lot. So if you happen to’re ever curious, too, let me know.”
The passage continues, “Obi-Wan blushed. ‘I'll. Let , I imply. Not that I'll do this, proper now, with you. Or anybody.’
“Would he ever get to some extent the place kissing somebody felt like something lower than a betrayal of himself and the Jedi? And if he did get to that time, who would he wish to kiss? The Lenahrans had been assured and charismatic, which was engaging.
“However he couldn’t think about simply … kissing any of them. Possibly he didn’t wish to be with any of them however reasonably to be extra like every of them. Or perhaps he wished to kiss all of them.”
Some followers interpreted the passage as suggesting Obi-Wan was all for each women and men, whereas others took it as a sign he was asexual or aromantic, based on LGBT web site Pleasure.
“Right here is the half the place Obi-Wan questions his sexuality and talks about being aromantic/bi,” one fan wrote on Twitter, sharing the passage.
“Obi-Wan canonically confirmed as bi/ace is a win for the historical past books!” one other mentioned.
A 3rd wrote, “Obi-Wan being canonically bi aroace [aromantic or asexual] is the most effective factor to occur in 2022 and you'll quote me on that.”
Others pushed again on criticism that the character already had a feminine love curiosity, Satine Kryze, within the 2008 animated TV sequence The Clone Wars.
“The lively pushback in opposition to Obi-Wan being bi from dudebros as a result of he canonically ‘likes girls’ is so humorous as a result of clearly they don’t know what the f**okay bisexuality is,” one wrote.
The Twitter account Star Wars Queers Watch praised the creator, describing Padawan as a narrative of “self-discovery”.
“In a cute, relatable scene during which Obi tries to determine his attraction, any gender goes however he’s undecided if romance is for him in any respect,” they wrote. “No clear label however positively on the bi or asexual/aromantic spectrum.”
Star Wars Queers Watch listed a number of different “queer children Obi meets” within the e-book, together with “their chief, Audj”, “her nonbinary shapeshifting companion, Zae-Brii”, “Audj’ brother Casul, who’s right down to experiment with Obi” and “Mem, a woman who’s not down for love or attraction in any respect”.
“Queerness on this e-book feels very informal and I like it,” they wrote.
White has not but commented on the revelations, however just lately directed her Twitter followers to a February interview the place she mentioned the upcoming e-book.
“Additionally, earlier than anybody else asks, Satine isn’t on this novel,” she mentioned.
“Truly, she’s the explanation why there are not any romantic subplots in Padawan. Obi-Wan commits completely in every part he does – together with old flame. I couldn’t dilute that!”
White mentioned her purpose with the narrative was to “take him on a journey of self-discovery so he could be prepared for every part we all know he’ll face”.
“One other key facet of creating teen Obi-Wan was surrounding him with different younger folks, giving him his first style of freedom so he may study who he's when no authority determine is watching,” she mentioned.
“When he’s out of the Temple, which elements of his devotion to the Jedi Order nonetheless really feel proper? Can he let go and run wild? Does he even wish to? And now I’ve simply realized I might need written a Star Wars spring break novel.”
Earlier this yr, McGregor hit again at Star Wars followers after his Obi-Wan Kenobi co-star Moses Ingram obtained racist messages on-line.
In a video posted to the official Obi-Wan Kenobi Twitter account, the 51-year-old actor voiced his help for Ingram, who performs Reva Sevander within the sequence, and criticised followers abusing her.
“We love Moses,” he mentioned. “And if you happen to’re sending her bullying messages, you’re no Star Wars fan in my thoughts. There’s no place for racism on this world. And I completely stand with Moses.”
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