Obi-Wan Kenobi star Rupert Friend has explained a bit of the nuance regarding the relationship between his Grand Inquisitor and franchise icon Darth Vader.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Friend was asked about the working relationship between the two villains. “Well, obviously with the rule of two, in the HR chart, you’ve got the Emperor first, then you’ve got Vader,” the actor replied. “And I’d say [The Grand Inquisitor] is right there, I wouldn’t even say below. In his mind, he’s on a par with Vader. He’s not. Obviously, Vader would probably kill him. But I think it would be quite an interesting fight. Because you’ve got this idea of a fearsome guy, this Grand Inquisitor, who yes, reports to Vader. And I do think he respects the hierarchy and the order of command. But I think if there were ever a slip-up, he would be waiting in the wings.”
Originally voiced by Jason Isaacs, The Grand Inquisitor was introduced to the galaxy far, far away in Disney XD animated series Star Wars Rebels, serving as the main antagonist of its first season. He led the Inquisitors, an elite, lightsaber-wielding force that was tasked with hunting down the surviving Jedi in the aftermath of Order 66. The character will presumably be carrying out the same mission when he makes his live-action debut in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series from Disney+.
Friend’s Grand Inquisitor will be joined by fellow Inquisitor Reva — aka the Third Sister — as portrayed by Moses Ingram, as well as Sung Kang’s Fifth Brother. Regarding working alongside Ingram and Kang in their respective roles, Friend said, “Oh, it was great. What a fearsome trio. When you see them in that second trailer coming off their jump ship, you can just feel the whole of Tatooine kind of cowering. But I also loved how the three Inquisitors are so distinct. Their weapons are different from each other. Sung has that incredible kind of helmet thing. And then Moses brought such an original take to her character. So we were a happy, bad gang.”
Apart from the live-action debut of the Grand Inquisitor, Obi-Wan Kenobi marks Hayden Christensen’s first reprisal of his role as Darth Vader since 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Christensen previously remarked on his return to the franchise, as well as potential future reprisals, stating that, “The extent of this journey, I think, remains to be seen… But what a privilege to get to come back and do this, and to be a part of this project.”
Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres on Disney+ on May 27.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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