Joel Edgerton recently shared insights on how the character of Uncle Owen, often considered the most mundane in Star Wars, evolved into one of its most compelling father figures. Edgerton, who reprised his role as Owen Lars in the series “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” highlighted the transformation of Owen from a seemingly overbearing guardian to a deeply protective and loving father figure for Luke Skywalker.
Owen Lars has always been a crucial, albeit understated, character in the Star Wars saga. From his first appearance in “A New Hope,” Owen’s primary role was to keep Luke safe and hidden from the dark forces of the galaxy, particularly Darth Vader. However, it wasn’t until “Obi-Wan Kenobi” that audiences got a deeper look into Owen’s motivations and the lengths he would go to protect Luke.
In a conversation with Ryan Britt of Inverse, Edgerton discussed his reasons for returning to the role and his goals for Owen’s character in the series. “I’ve always joked that I’m the most boring character in Star Wars history,” Edgerton remarked. “Everyone always saw Uncle Owen as just the uncle that won’t let Luke do something — which he is — but to understand why and to see his fierce protectiveness, I think is a nice way of humanizing him even more.”
Edgerton’s portrayal in “Obi-Wan Kenobi” indeed brought a new dimension to Owen Lars. In the original trilogy, Owen was often seen as a hindrance to Luke’s dreams, a character whose primary function was to keep Luke grounded on Tatooine. However, the series allowed Owen to demonstrate his deep love and commitment to Luke, even risking his life to protect him from threats like Reva.
The actor’s mission was clear: to participate in a way that felt authentic and meaningful without disrupting the established narrative. “I was like, ‘if I’m going to come back, I want to do something that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the way that the audience views that world and the characters, but I want to participate in a way that feels good.’ So I was really happy with the outcome,” Edgerton explained.
The series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” provided the perfect platform to showcase Owen’s heroism. While he may have been perceived as boring in “A New Hope,” his actions in the series revealed a man willing to go to great lengths to protect his family. This portrayal resonated with fans and added a layer of depth to a character who had long been overlooked.
Despite the newfound appreciation for Owen Lars, Edgerton acknowledged that a standalone series about the character is unlikely. “Imagine how much of a snooze fest it could possibly be if they just made a standalone series about Uncle Owen,” Edgerton joked. “It’d be more like a nature documentary as he goes out and farms moisture.”
However, the essence of Owen’s character — his dedication and love for Luke — is what makes him a great father figure. His ability to provide a safe and stable environment for one of the galaxy’s most important individuals is a testament to his quiet heroism. Owen’s legacy as a good father figure continues to influence the Star Wars universe, even if he doesn’t get his own series.
The theme of strong father figures has become increasingly prominent in Star Wars. “The Mandalorian” introduced Din Djarin as a protective and nurturing figure for Grogu, while “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” explored the bond between Hunter and Omega. Even “The Acolyte” touched on this theme through Master Sol’s relationship with Osha. Owen Lars’ portrayal in “Obi-Wan Kenobi” fits seamlessly into this broader narrative, highlighting the importance of good father figures in the galaxy far, far away.
While Owen’s time as an overt hero may be over, his impact on the Star Wars saga is undeniable. His role in “Obi-Wan Kenobi” showcased his bravery and love, cementing his place as one of the best father figures in the franchise. Through his actions, Owen Lars demonstrated that even the most ordinary characters can become heroes when it comes to protecting their loved ones.
Joel Edgerton’s portrayal of Owen Lars in “Obi-Wan Kenobi” has redefined the character, turning him from a seemingly boring uncle into a symbol of fatherly love and protection. This transformation has resonated with fans and added a new layer of depth to the Star Wars universe, proving that even the most unassuming characters can have a profound impact.
