There are a number of exciting Star Wars TV shows on the horizon, but one that’s really getting fans pumped is Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi. The limited series will mark the long-awaited return of Ewan McGregor, who will be re-donning his Jedi robes for a new story set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Of course, McGregor’s Obi-Wan won’t be the only returning character, as he’ll be joined by Hayden Christensen’s Darth Vader. It wouldn’t be surprising if the show also brings back other characters as well, but could Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Satine be brought back -- and should she?
Clone Wars fans are sure to be familiar with Satine Kryze given the major role she played over the course of several seasons. Introduced in Season 2’s “The Mandalore Plot,” Satine was established as the pacifist leader of Mandalore, whose ways earned her quite a few enemies both on and off Mandalore. However, what was arguably the most surprising aspect of her story is that she and Obi-Wan were once in love. Clone Wars’ exploration of their past and their relationship in the present was compelling, which made it all the more devastating when Satine was murdered by Maul right in front of Kenobi.
Despite Satine’s tragic demise, Star Wars fans know very well that death doesn’t necessarily span the end for a character in this franchise. There are still a few ways Satine can return and make her live-action debut in Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, one has to consider whether or not the character should even be included in the new show. So why don’t we weigh how Satine can be used and whether it not she should be utilized in the story at all:
How Can Satine Kryze Be Brought Into Obi-Wan Kenobi?
As previously mentioned, Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place during the two-decade gap between Star Wars Episodes III and IV, specifically the period in which Kenobi remained in hiding on Tatooine. So this would be years after Satine’s death in The Clone Wars. However, that doesn’t mean she can’t still make an appearance. The obvious solution is that Satine can be resurrected through the use of flashbacks. We may not know much about Obi-Wan’s time on Tatooine (aside from the few things we’ve learned through comics), but one can imagine that it gives him time to be reflective, and his deceased love may be on his mind.
Chronicling Obi-Wan and Satine’s relationship through flashbacks would provide more insight into their relationship. But if not with flashbacks, showrunner Deborah Chow and her team can take a different kind of approach. Satine could return to Kenobi in the form of mental visions. Not as a Force ghost, think more of Kylo Ren’s encounter with Han Solo in The Rise of Skywalker. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a haunted individual and such a vision (or two) would be a way of having him confront different shadows of his past.
Both of these methods serve as practical ways to bring Satine back, especially considering that the Star Wars franchise has employed both before. And her presence would absolutely create more connective tissue within the franchise. But should she really be brought back for either kind of role?
Should Obi-Wan Kenobi Actually Bring Back Satine At All?
It’s not uncommon for Star Wars movies or shows to circle back and tie up loose ends from past projects. The Mandalorian alone is clear evidence of that fact. So the chances of Satine playing some role in Obi-Wan Kenobi aren’t necessarily slim. But for the sake of the story, it may actually be best not to bring her into the story.
Over the course of several seasons, Star Wars: The Clone Wars gave us quite a bit of Obi-Wan and Satine together. The show not only gave the two former lovers intimate time together, but it also gave them a number of cool moments that saw them fighting side by side. The series also filled in a number of blanks regarding their early years together. All in all, Clone Wars managed to paint a nice picture of their relationship, eventually bringing it to a solemn yet definitive conclusion. Given how well their relationship was covered on that show, there really isn’t much reason to pull on that thread again. Fans understand the emotional heft of their relationship, and anything else may feel excessive.
Despite Satine’s importance to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s characterization, the upcoming show would be much better served by focusing on other aspects of his current situation. As mentioned by showrunner Deborah Chow during Disney’s Investor Day sizzle reel, this is a dark and dangerous time for Obi-Wan. She even mentioned Jedi hunters -- presumably Inquisitors. There’s also the fact that Kenobi also has the task of watching over young Luke Skywalker. And on top of all this, there are plenty of elements the show can introduce on its own. As mentioned, there are still a few unknowns regarding Kenobi’s time on Tatoonine. Who knows what else he could’ve gotten into while he was in exile?
So all in all, having Satine on Obi-Wan Kenobi wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. However, her story (at least in regard to Obi-Wan’s journey) feels like it's been told. With this, the show should look ahead to bringing other elements into Kenobi’s life. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, especially when it comes to Star Wars, and the franchise has been venturing into familiar territory as of late. And while this show does center on a character we know, hopefully, it’ll add some new elements to the canon.
Even though Satine may not be the best fit for the story Obi-Wan Kenobi appears to be aiming to tell, she’s definitely still a great character. The fact that Star Wars fans continue to discuss Satine is a testament to how important she has become to Star Wars lore. And who knows… maybe fans will get the opportunity to see her in some other capacity in the future?
Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to kick off production soon and, ahead of its release, you can check out the Jedi with Satine by streaming Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+.
