Ewan McGregor Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Ewan McGregor breaks down a few of his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Obi-Wan Kenobi,' 'Big Fish,' 'Halston' and 'Birds of Prey.'
Watch British GQ for more of Ewan McGregor's characters: • Ewan McGregor Breaks D...
00:00 Intro
00:11 Obi-Wan Kenobi
04:00 Big Fish
05:52 Halston
08:54 Birds of Prey
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[@sirspaceface]

Funny how he sees Alec Guinness as the one and only true obi-wan and the one he still has to match. When I think of the name Obi-Wan, I instantly think of Ewan.

[@mercatorjubio3804]

He is a fan of the original Trilogy, it makes sense. Although I am also an OG Star Wars fan, meanwhile I feel Ewan really owns the character. For me he is Obi-Wan as well.

[@readthetype]

I wouldn’t recommend you pursue a career in the film industry. Shot in the dark: You also consider Will Smith to be “old school” hip hop?

[@Comicbroe405]

@@readthetype Lmfao what?

[@toddsalkowski448]

That may be the most ridiculous statement I have ever read.

[@hyperrunner893]

That might be because Alec Guinness was mostly playing a kind of far off ghostly role in episodes 5 and 6 wile Ewan was more in the foreground playing a center character much more in the prequels so we kind of got more of him than we got of Alec.

[@CasperTheGhost64]

He's a phenomenal actor. In scenes where no one else is trying, he's going 110%

[@ethanfranzen6145]

Everybody who sees this should check out beginners (2010). It’s interesting because in that movie he gives a much more reserved performance, but I think it’s one of his strongest

[@armani6301]

The actor who plays Owen is phenomenal, he’s also goes 110%

[@ethanfranzen6145]

@@armani6301 yes!! Joel edgerton is amazing. He plays a villain really well too. In both the gift and the great gatsby he plays a great villain.

[@GorcStew]

So basically in ALL of the Star Wars movies? lol

[@Smolasty]

Absolutely

[@lincoln2324]

I can't believe this guy is 51. He ages so well, he's such a good actor but unfortunately I feel he is also a little underrated and he shouldn't be because his career is so versatile with very different characters

[@dashuntas.m4045]

He’s a lot more talented that 99% of the A-listers but he’s also low key and doesn’t deal with Hollywood drama m

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

People love to say someone is underrated. I disagree. He’s not constantly doing interviews or stunts. I think he’s living his life and doing blockbusters and little foreign films here and there.

[@jimmy22334]

He seems to enjoy doing smaller niche films more

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

How is he underrated if his character is so versatile, he's in demand, he is beloved by directors, critics AND people, has creative and financial freedom, choses his projects etcetera?

[@jeffrandolf5673]

Fargo. He played two ropes/ people, brothers awesome!

[@khalilahd.]

He’s such an incredible actor and I love how humble he is 💛

[@AudreyMealiff]

Absolutely. Isn't he a gentleman.

[@maisiefarrell8010]

Yes, they are all modest until they smell the snow

[@jumpforjoy6]

Not humble enough to not cheat on his wife though

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@jumpforjoy6 How do you know that's what happened? I mean sure, it is a possibility, and too bad if it's true but... We don't really know this

[@jumpforjoy6]

@@yevgeniyaleshchenko849 GOOGLE IT

[@kristy6643]

Ewan speaks so intelligently about his roles, and you can tell how much he really sinks into everything he does. He'll forever be my favourite actor

[@TyrellWellickEcorp]

Big fish is so underrated. I’ve never cried so much during a film in my life.

[@MrPhbahia]

should have talked about more roles! this guy is iconic!

[@yeezerweezer1183]

this is only part one

[@pseudonymousbeing987]

Part 2 is on the British GQ channel

[@teruphoto]

He's obviously done great stuff outside of Star Wars but for me, Ewan will always be the best part (dare I say the saving grace) of the Prequels.

[@randomgayguyman]

hayden was a perfect anakin... the dialogue just sucked, especially in the prequels

[@kevin02era50]

Prequels were great tbh, they’re just over-hated by people who are obsessed with the Originals

[@GorcStew]

or the *only* good part of the prequels.

[@Matchas117]

Let’s not forget he was in the 2001 film “Black Hawk Down” who played as “Grimes.” Such a great movie!

[@autumnjhs]

omg and moulin rouge ❤️

[@lancelotvox6933]

Literally everyone was in that movie!

[@mnikss03]

@@lancelotvox6933 seriously, so much current/future star power during that time.

[@michaelgriffin6709]

He was the coffee enthusiast.

[@Matchas117]

@@michaelgriffin6709 “It’s all in the grind Sizemore; can’t be too fine, can’t be too coarse…” ☕️

[@keynanmartinez]

We all know he has the high ground.

[@Ennahdee]

Definitely in Trainspotting

[@chasehedges6775]

💯💯💯

[@Sir-Seaniel]

@@Ennahdee underrated comment

[@747lch]

Awesome reference my fellow memer!!!! Only REAL fans will get this little reference!!

[@octaviocantu7905]

That's right Smash Bros.

[@wahn10]

Such a brilliant actor, with too much humility to call his characters "iconic". That said, it won't be long before we're calling him "Sir Ewan". He has more than earned it.

[@hassanmasood186]

Ewan has done great work over the years. He’s more than just Obi-Wan Kenobi. He’s also: Lumiere Black Mask Rodney Copperbottom Christopher Robin Dr. Sleep

[@austinlamonge4741]

Mark renton, Big Fish

[@cornbredx]

He's Mark Renton. You should choose life.

[@runtwer5700]

Yes, we know he's played more roles...

[@palmeristo]

@@runtwer5700 some people don't know everything.

[@kudasinezuko2881]

Aaaahhh Rodney !! I loved him in Robots

[@smiletea8940]

Can we please talk about how Ewan is a multi-million dollar rich, famous actor, and he still went to a supermarket to bleach his hair with some cheap hair dye instead of going to a professional. Like lmao the chaos of this man

[@jmcg2246]

One of my favorite actor, amazing in every role he played, how can you hate this guy? Sir Alec Guinness originated the role of Obi-Wan but Ewan perfected it.

[@Trapper4265]

He didn't mention "Moulin Rouge!" Darn, I was so looking forward to him giving more insight into that film. It's my favorite of all his movies, followed by "Big Fish."

[@autumnjhs]

me too!!

[@mei95]

Moulin Rouge is in part 2

[@dejabu24]

He is not only a great Obiwan but also an incredible gifted actor, I loved the series specially when he was on the screen I can’t wait to see him again as the great jedi master

[@guineveredawn]

Ewan overflowing with the “Scottish vortex of charm” 😍

[@jessicadavis8865]

Yay Ewan!! One of my very, very favorite actors. His filmography is ridiculously good, and what a pleasant human he is. Very handsome, gorgeous smile, and such a genuine person. Love him!

[@Deauxp._]

Ewan is one of the most beautiful actors to ever touch the screen!! Even as a “villainous” character you can’t help but to fall in love w him and his storytelling!

[@simplename80]

his earlier movies are willlld like the pillow book, hello? and velvet goldmine? he deserves two videos for this, I love him for being such an interesting actor whose filmography is so diverse and interesting.

[@gelseminun]

Big Fish is one of my favorite films, I fell in love with it when I was learning English, my teacher made us watch it without subtitles a million times until we understood the plot without fully knowing the language yet 😂😂, and I enjoyed every one of them 🐟🐟

[@gimenamelina]

It’s so beautiful how he can talk about all his films for hours 😍

[@grace3112]

I loved ewan in halston I was actually stunned by how versatile he is as an actor, he just captured halston so perfectly

[@sterling8298]

The movie big fish was amazing. I've seen it a few dozen times over the years.

[@TotalGore]

Loved his role in “I Love You Phillip Morris”, he did a very good job with Jim Carrey

[@therojopharaoh]

Ewan is one of my favorite actors he deserves the best he seems like such a kind guy

[@LILGHETTI]

I love ewan, he can talk for hours and I would listen.

[@casdeanwinchester483]

My favourite actor . He is always good even in movies that are not

[@cornbredx]

Trainspotting is, and always will be I think, my number one favorite film of all time. It hit me at the right time in my life, and is still so cynically right about so much. On top of this Ewen McGregor has always been in so many films that I have enjoyed consistently for such a long time I can't imagine not ever seeing him in something even when it surprises me (like when he was in Doctor Sleep). He's such a likable actor with an amazing list of great films in his career.

[@fanzon7660]

I couldn’t believe he didn’t talk about it!

[@pyatig]

Choose life 😜

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@fanzon7660 He did in the second part... Actors don't chose what to talk about in such interviews, they just answer questions or dwell on provided topics...

[@MegaBanne]

Is he for real? His acting as Obi-Wan is legendary. He saved the star wars prequels lol.

[@circa81]

His role in Moulin Rouge better be in the next part.

[@SchoolyardKiller]

That's my favorite McGregor role too.

[@J_Lauds]

I grew up on the Star Wars prequels, but Big Fish made me fall in love with Ewan. I watched it first in my English class during my senior year and had to write a reflection about it. Fun fact, it was the only time I got a 5/5 haha. It's one of my favorite movies and is one I always recommend :)

[@jackj9070]

I watched it in English class too! I first watched it only a week prior with my parents, so I got pretty excited that I'd get to watch it again when my teacher by some crazy coincidence announced that we'd be watching it. Ever since then it has grown to become one of my all time favorites.

[@spooksyyexe7894]

This man was born to play Obi Wan.... can't imagine any other face in the role. Goat.

[@chasehedges6775]

He’s absolute legendary in the role

[@chasehedges6775]

💯💯💯✅✅✅👍

[@hassanmasood186]

Prequels for life!

[@ty-gy8xz]

he's so humble like why wouldnt he call his characters iconic? they def are

[@thimovijfschaft3271]

He seems to be kinda insecure

[@KevinOblivion]

Is there a part 2of this? Would be a real shame if they don’t release the parts of him talking about Trainspotting or Moulin Rouge.

[@Hoopsy7714]

Yea no crap right that’s what I was thinking

[@carolinabeauty13]

There’s another video for original GQ

[@HJ-ju4ui]

I fricking loved him in Halston the Emmy he got for that was totally deserved he made the series incredibly addicting

[@mreeping]

Ewan IS the high ground!

[@KyloRen4238]

Ewan McGregor Show & Movies 1. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi, Episode 1 The Phantom Menace, Episode 2 Attack of the Clones, Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith, Episode 7 The Force Awakens, Episode 9 The Rise of Skywalker 1999 - 2002 - 2005 - 2015 - 2019 - 2022 2. Rodney Copperbottom - Robots 2005 3. Grimes - Black Hawk Down 2001

[@hbwatermelon]

Ewan always seems so down to earth and always has a smile at the ready :) what a great person

[@austriantruther4648]

This guy is a big part of my childhood! Thank you Ewan, my Obi Wan!!

[@ac2244]

Grown up with this guy. Proper legend now.

[@AnnieVesper]

I guess Curt Wild is absolutely iconic. Actually I love most of his characters (he's a very versatile actor), but I can admit Ewan's filmography isn't for everyone))

[@lauraplitt3840]

Yes!!!!! Velvet Goldmine forever!

[@scottlawson1800]

All these great films, yet the one that resonated with me the most was The Island as Lincoln Six-Echo. Such an underrated film

[@InTheBleakMidwinter]

His involvement in the new Obi One makes it a very special production, to come back to the character after such an extensive and brilliant career is, as any of his performances really, just brilliant

[@romatawazu8038]

I lowkey wanted the kenobi to be a movie more than the series. Either way, i am GLAD he came back to play obi wan again and i really enjoyed the series.

[@SandyDelMar42]

You forgot the most important one: "Looking at sea otters". I love this man so much he is so charming and beautiful, he could play the role of a lamp and I would still love to see it.

[@FluffyVicky]

I just like how amazed he is by everything.

[@denisenavarro]

YOU DID SUCH A GREAT JOB IN OBI WAN KENOBI YOU MADE ME CEY SO MUCH TIMESSSS

[@gewritez]

we need part two please his characters are amazing

[@aprylcanales3310]

I need a part three about The Island, The Impossible, Robots, and Angels and Demons please!

[@saelar3783]

10:28 “He doesn’t think he’s a bad guy… He just wants to take over the world.” Lmfao 😂

[@ironmarc7881]

If there is one person I wish I could talk like, it’s this man.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

I've always had a thing for his voice lol

[@eyemsoreel]

Man was he an idol to me as a kid, to this day still a huge inspiration (no more idols)

[@Dino1158]

Glad this is just a part 1. Otherwise I can't believe they didn't ask about Mark Renton (Trainspotting), Christian (Mulan Rouge), Grimes (Black Hawk Down), Catcher Block (Down With Love), Philip Morris (I Love You Philip Morris), or Christopher Robin.

[@leonprowse5806]

It's only part one, hopefully they'll cover all the other iconic roles too!

[@2Littletony]

He did an amazing job. The obi wan series was amazing

[@lisaannvieira9225]

Amazing actor. He was amazing in Halston.

[@porbenjamas]

Such a talent actor. I really wish to see him more in musical films.

[@Scraagy]

Am I the only one who remembers his brilliant performance In stay (2005) and deception (2008) most definitely his most under appreciated performances ever.

[@michelleobamagaming5937]

So glad ya'll decided to interview him.

[@chasehedges6775]

Ewan Mcgregor - A fantastic actor and the perfect Obi WAN Kenobi

[@NowhereNoOne]

Halston is so underrated

[@islomtuyjonov6952]

this gotta be 5 part series!!!

[@MMallon425]

Don't think I've ever seen one of these where they only talk about four projects. This could have easily been 20 minutes longer.

[@noahmagana137]

Only four characters? He’s clearly had more than four. Come on GQ

[@geetadhumane5793]

Ewan McGregor= Obi Wan Kenobi But other than that...he is a phenomenal actor....Big Fish is just one of my favourite films of all time

[@Tomdatruth]

He really blew me away in the Fargo series. Very talented

[@Mediaworkscpv]

Obi-Wan Season 2!!! PLEASE!!

[@mrboatshoe]

Him making the local paper for poor parallel parking 😂😂 never saw Big Fish but I'm def watching it now that he explained it.

[@dingsbums2624]

It was amazing to see how mcgregor inched closer to alec guinness's style in his own way in the obi wan series. The perfect segue.

[@Mister_Rosco_to_you]

"space is scudding past you"... Scud/scudding is a Scottish verb that he inadvertently used there without thinking. Love Ewan McGregor.

[@nazmusshahriar1636]

love him

[@pickle6846]

I wish he had a chance to talk about the film Beginners, directed by Mike Mills. It was the first thing I'd ever seen Ewan in and I immediately became a fan of his acting. Sadly, it wasn't included in Part 1 or 2 but hey, does anyone else here know that movie?

[@aliali-ce3yf]

His guest appearance on ER was the first time i saw him, he was fantastic, the whole episode was about him and Nurse Hathaway

[@kristineliljemark5158]

He was such a baby in that episode! So young and VERY Scottish lol

[@SkyFireDrone2022]

I just love that he enjoys laying in the Stat Wars universe as much as I would 🤓😎

[@jacquelyynorgana77]

He was great in Last Days in The Desert , loved him.

[@TheCooderix]

Big Fish is by far my favorite movie of all time. It's just MAGICAL.

[@xen815]

I love the obi-wan series and his christopher robin role

[@marlenfrank3108]

His perfomance in Birds of Prey was soo much fun to watch!

[@WonderfulHayden]

Ewan, I hope you have many, many more roles in the years to come. All the roles you want and many more accolades. Please don't forget about Obi-Wan, though. If you don't play him, who will? No one else could convincingly fill Obi-Wan's shoes. I think that Andrew Stanton would be a strong writer to help you tell more of Obi-Wan's story.

[@paulshaw9953]

Big Fish One of my all time favourites...

[@anxiousscribe]

I watched Big Fish after the death of my dad and it absolutely broke me. So moving.

[@ifrancescobarra]

Legendary. "Hello there!" ❤

[@jesse_king_of]

7:10 his laugh is just music ❤

[@kieferclarkf1674]

Halston was incredible.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

He was awesome in Repo Men!

[@GypsyHeart2012]

Ewan Mc Gregor would make a great Captain Greg in a remake of the ghost and Mrs. Muir.

[@JimmyH7]

Can we bring back the June 2022 vibe in life when these were released! 😮‍💨🙌🏻

[@sebastiangrimm4472]

Such a great Actor and nice Person. Also Big Fish is soo undertated!

[@NatassaLP]

Aw gawd I love him so much, it hurts.

[@dashuntas.m4045]

Incredibly charming guy, he just comes off as a humble, cool dude

[@denisenavarro]

GREAT NOW TIME TO REWATCH HALSTON, BIRDS OF PREY, BIG FISH AND OBI WAN KENOBI.

[@chanelhenderson8460]

Moulin Rouge me please 😁😁😂😂 I also love love love Halston I watched the series multiple times

[@TastySchu4]

This was too short. Love Ewan 😍❤️👍

[@bekindrewind9675]

Omg Shallow Grave and A Life Less Ordinary two of my fave films, but he didn't discuss darnit. Loved him in those so much

[@FIRSTNAMELASTNAME-zt4kf]

The voice he does for Halston 😆 🤣

[@trashleigh87]

Absolutely *glaring* omissions of Christian in Moulin Rouge! and Mark Renton in Trainspotting.

[@bunnym.2414]

there’s a part 2 ☺️

[@gmarz9611]

Gosh this is a weird smattering of characters, just his recent films. I mean trainspotting is iconic, I would argue the island is far more iconic than birds of prey. But love Ewan.

[@MJ-1973]

I love Big Fish. The end kills me every time though.

[@micahbparker]

I think we can all agree Rodney Copperbottom is one of his top 5 iconic characters. Iconic character iconic movie

[@6RshEuH2]

Ewan has such a stellar career that they had to break his interview up in two parts. he's one of those actors that even when the movie is a complete dud, he's always worth watching in it.

[@eyemsoreel]

I love that they’re making the environments for the shows and movies now instead of doing All the CJI post