Fans are in a frenzy about a new Star Wars spin-off novel published by Disney because they think it implies that Obi-Wan Kenobi is bisexual.
The spin-off novel book “Star Wars Padawan” by Kiersten White, written for kids and young adults, examines the Jedi’s early years, and readers were eager to speculate about his sexual orientation.
Sir Alec Guinness and Ewan McGregor both portrayed the beloved character in the original movies in the Disney+ miniseries.
And now he appears in the movie Padawan where he tries to impress Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Jedi teacher Qui-Gon Jinn.
“Romantic complexities, unexpected disclosures, and a looming threat to both the planet and his new companions will put Obi-Wan face-to-face with his darkest fear: that maybe he was never destined to be a Jedi at all,” says the Disney Books description of the book.
In one confusing episode, Obi-Wan expresses his Jedi piety and discusses the prospect of kissing another male with another teen named Casul in the Disney-Lucasfilm Press book.
There aren’t many options in this area, says Casul. I’m okay with the fact that I don’t think love is in my future. I’m content as long as I have the ability to protect my loved ones.
Though I’ll admit that I’ve been interested in kissing and the reasons why Audj and Zae-Brii find it so enjoyable. So please let me know if you ever have any questions.
The novel, which was just released, goes on to say: “Obi-Wan blushed. To let you know, that is.
Not that I’d do that with you right now. Or anybody.
Would he ever reach a stage when a kiss seemed anything less than a betrayal of himself and the Jedi?
Who would he like to kiss if he did reach that point? The gregarious and self-assured Lenahrans were appealing.
But he was unable to picture simply kissing any of them. Perhaps his goal was to become more like each of them than to be with any of them. Or perhaps he wanted to kiss them all.
Young fans have gone bonkers on social media, thinking that this suggests Obi-Wan would be willing to kiss a man and that this proves he is a bisexual figure.
Others thought that the character’s remark that he might not want to kiss “anyone” might indicate that he is asexual.
Obi-Wan Kenobi bearing the letter “b” twice in his name was not a coincidence, a fan asserted.
Any gender is OK in a cute, relatable scenario where Obi tries to determine his attraction, but he’s unsure if romance is even for him.
Definitely on the bisexual or asexual/aromantic spectrum, but no distinct classification.
‘One side of me thinks his sexuality shouldn’t be anything addressed due to his Jedi Code and it somewhat cheapens how wonderful Satine was to him,’ a third, more sober admirer commented.
The other believes it is possible for a Padawan who has been instructed from the beginning not to love to be extremely interested about his own sexuality.
Another person questioned, “Is this really necessary? This is by no means a major deal.” to alter a well-known character’s sexual orientation?
Again, not a big thing; I support diversity and all that, but they ought to make one of their new characters bi rather than an established one.
White has not yet offered any commentary on the interpretations readers are making of her most recent book.