![]() You can understand why: Yes, no doubt being part of a huge franchise probably has its financial incentives, but unlike just about everyone else connected to the Star Wars prequels, he emerged unscathed - if anything, he might have even been elevated in the process. and Chris Evans seemed ready to walk away from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but McGregor has never grown tired of his association with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Star Wars might have been just a silly, escapist entertainment - turning motion pictures into rollercoaster rides - but Guinness gave the franchise gravitas.įor more than two decades, Ewan McGregor has filled Guinness’s shoes, but whereas Guinness always seemed a bit reluctant to fully embrace Star Wars, the 50-year-old Scottish actor has been all-in. Guinness’ regal bearing made the Force sound like a spiritual, mythic power worthy of being studied by only the most honorable individuals. Guinness was among the most respected British actors of his generation, and he somewhat famously didn’t think much of George Lucas’ sci-fi saga, but for generations of filmgoers, he’ll always be known as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the wise old Jedi who serves as a kindly mentor to young Luke Skywalker. In Alec Guinness: The Authorized Biography, writer Piers Paul Read mentions that the Oscar-winning star of The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Lavender Hill Mob agreed to do the original Star Wars, in part, because he was promised a percentage of the movie’s profits. Ever since there have been blockbusters, there have been revered thespians who will jump at one for a sizable paycheck. All those big-budget films our best actors are signing up for potentially keeps them from the more interesting, exciting movies they could be doing. People should make the career choices they want, but it’s hard not to be a little demoralized as a viewer. ![]() Ethan Hawke, the epitome of the actor’s actor who has been rightly critical of how much superhero movies dominate Hollywood, is going to be part of a Marvel TV series. ![]() Ariana DeBose was incredible in West Side Story - she’s probably going to win the Oscar for it - and now she’s doing Kraven the Hunter. But at the same time, there’s also something a little disappointing about an industry mindset that suggests that the only sure sign of being successful - of having “made it” - is that you’re cast in an event movie. When Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver were cast in the Star Wars sequels, it was hard not to be intrigued by the possibility of seeing what they could do on that big a canvas. And whenever it happens, I always feel mixed emotions. Sure, you can be an acclaimed performer doing incredible work in theater or independent film, but sooner or later you’ll be lured by one of the big franchises. Welcome to Misleading Men, a regular feature where we look back at the actors who ruled Hollywood for one brief shining moment.įor a lot of modern actors, you’re nobody until you sign up for your first blockbuster.
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