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Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Kumail Nanjiani Has Perfect Reaction to Star Wars Debut
Kumail Nanjiani, who plays fake Jedi con-man Haja Estree in Obi-Wan Kenobi, shares his reaction to becoming part of the growing Star Wars universe.

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Kumail Nanjiani Has Perfect Reaction to Star Wars Debut

Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Kumail Nanjiani shares a priceless reaction to his Star Wars debut on Twitter. Obi-Wan Kenobi recently premiered on Disney+ and will have episodes airing weekly until late June. Ewan McGregor stars, reprising his role as the series’ titular character, which he previously played in the Star Wars prequels back in the early 2000s. Hayden Christensen, who played young Anakin Skywalker in the prequels, also reclaims his place in the Star Wars universe, playing an adult Darth Vader. 

These familiar faces are joined by newer talents, including Najiani. Pen19 writer and star Maya Erksine will also feature in episodes of the series, along with Good Time and Uncut Gems director Benny Safdie. Nanjiani plays Haja Estree in the series, a con-man masquerading as a Jedi. Nanjiani’s role in Obi-Wan Kenobi is a departure from the actor’s usual genre, who got his start in comedy. He has acted in features such as Life as We Know It and his semi-autobiographical The Big Sick.

Now, Nanjiani shares his reaction to this leap into the Star Wars spinoff on Twitter. His tweet was accompanied by a solo poster of Nanjiani in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, revealing just his character and a small image of Darth Vader. The actor jokes that he now has the upper hand on his cousin, who he says always had a better collection of Star Wars action figures. Nanjiani’s original tweet can be seen below:

Click here to view the post on Twitter

Imbued with Nanjiani’s classic sense of humor, the actor’s tweet also shows how honored the actor is to be acting in such a major series. Nanjiani is not entirely new to the world of major blockbusters. Though the bulk of his past titles still skew towards comedy, Nanjiani made his debut in the Marvel universe last year when he acted as Kingo in Eternals. Nonetheless, Nanjiani’s entry into the Star Wars universe is definitely a significant step in his career as he breaks into the blockbuster spotlight once more. 

Perhaps this is why Nanjiani is “so overwhelmed” by seeing his debut in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan Kenobi will be a great chance for Nanjiani to show off his charisma in this character role. Unlike Eternals, wherein most of the actors were new to the Marvel universe, Nanjiani will have to act alongside veteran Star Wars actors in the role. However, it’s unknown if Nanjiani’s character will return in Obi-Wan Kenobi now that Obi-Wan has saved Leia and left the planet.