WhileGeorge Lucas' name forObi-Wan Kenobi’s homeworld is still part ofStar Warscanon, it actually began as nothing more than a joke. Before Disney boughtStar Warsin 2012,Star Warscanon was divided into a hierarchical system with G-Canon (George Lucas canon) outranking everything else. This meant that theStar Warsmovies and TV showsLucas was directly involved in took precedence, but it also meant that Lucas' behind-the-scenes comments were considered.
One of Lucas' remarks during an interview, originally intended to be comedic, was taken seriously and turned into Obi-Wan’s homeworld.PreviousStar Warsreference guides had listed Coruscant as Obi-Wan’s place of birth, but once Lucas came up with a new world, future books were updated to reflect it. Even after the oldStar WarsExpanded Universewas rebranded as “Legends”, Lucas' name for Obi-Wan’s homeworld is still official canon, despite having started as a joke.
How George Lucas Created Obi-Wan’s Homeworld
Jon Stewart inspired it during an interview
Lucas jokingly replied that it was one of the first ideas he came up with forStar Wars, stating that the name of Obi-Wan’s planet was “Stewjon.”
George Lucas first came up with the name for Obi-Wan Kenobi’s homeworld atStar WarsCelebration Vduring an interview with comedian and TV host Jon Stewart. When asked what world Obi-Wan came from, Lucas appeared to be thinking of something, but Stewart insisted that he not make it up on the spot. Lucas jokingly replied that it was one of the first ideas he came up with forStar Wars, stating that the name of Obi-Wan’s planet was “Stewjon.” Those in attendance laughed hysterically at Lucas slightly rearranging Stewart’s name into a part ofStar Warshistory.
This wasn’t the only surprise Lucas had for Stewart during the interview, which R2-D2 came on stage to reveal. Lucas was pleased to hand Stewart a custom action-figure version of himself with two heads, one matching his current appearance and the other with a goatee he had shaved recently. It may have all been good fun, but not many non-Star Warsactors walk away from a George Lucas interview with their name and likeness integrated into the franchise.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi has been an important character in Star Wars from the beginning, but not everything about him is well-known, including these 10 facts.
Everything We Know About Obi-Wan’s Homeworld
Little is known about Obi-Wan’s planet of origin
Aside from a name inspired by a real-world comedian, not much else has been revealed about Obi-Wan Kenobi’s homeworld, especially inStar Warscanon.Obi-Wan once told Anakin Skywalker that he did not remember leaving his homeworld, and he later told Princess Leia Organa that he only vaguely remembered his family. The Legends timeline painted Obi-Wan’s homeworld as having a grassy terrain, but this was long before Lucas came up with a name.
George Lucas' “Stewjon” Joke Fixed A Star Wars Canon Problem
Lucas didn’t even intend to accomplish this
Hilariously enough, Lucas' joke actually did end up fixing a problem that already existed inStar Warscanon at the time. Though now regarded as Legends,the description of Obi-Wan’s homeworld having a grassy terrain - as mentioned above - did not fit with the homeworld assigned to him in other places: Coruscant. This was a major inconsistency, as Coruscant is clearly a metropolitan world with little grass in sight, aside from carefully created gardens such as those at theCoruscant Jedi Temple.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Complete Star Wars Timeline Explained
Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most recognizable characters in Star Wars, meaning he also has an extensive timeline within the franchise.
By creating “Stewjon,” Lucas offeredStar Warsa way to correct this issue. Obi-Wan was offered a newly named homeworld that could fit with the description provided in this Legends story, andhaving Coruscant recorded as his birthplace could simply be a result of those who took Obi-Wan in at the Temple not knowing his point of origin. Hilariously enough, this was something Lucas needed to do for the sake of continuity.
It’s unclear just how much about Stewjon will be revealed over time, though as mentioned before,Star Warscanon has taken some steps to give Obi-Wan’s past some important details. While these details are few and far between, it’s not out of the realm for them to develop, though that may be unlikely. SinceGeorge LucasintendedObi-Wan Kenobi’s homeworld to be a joke, only time will tell if futureStar Warsstories reveal more about it.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a Jedi Knight after his master’s death. Obi-Wan trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi, with his own apprentice knighted after the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi Master became a key player in the Jedi during the Clone Wars, and was heartbroken when Anakin turned to the dark side; Obi-Wan critically wounded Anakin before taking to the shadows, watching over the young Luke and Leia for years. He sacrificed himself for his two charges, becoming a Force Ghost and continuing to mentor them.
