Streaming on Disney+, we had the honour of speaking with the incredibly talented actor who plays Mark Hamill’s iconic Luke Skywalker [Grant Feely] in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. A story that follows Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in his quest to save young Leia after she is kidnapped, all the while being pursued by Imperial Inquisitors and Darth Vader [Hayden Christensen].
Whilst early in his acting career, Feely’s talents were not overlooked when auditioning for Young Luke Skywalker. “The audition for this role came in and I had no idea that it was for young Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was titled “Boy- Untitled Disney Series.” Feely admits that he was aware of the Star Wars franchise, although had no idea how successful the series would be once it was released.
As for taking on Mark Hamill’s iconic character, the young actor explains how this was an extremely exciting role to be taking on. Humbly admitting that he was aware of the huge shoes he was having to fill out of respect to the actors before him, and for the fans. “The Star Wars fandom is huge, and they had expectations for this character even before they saw the show. It has been an honour to bring a young Luke to life”.
Becoming Part of Star Wars’ Legacy
The young actor explains that he worked directly with Ewan McGregor and Moses Ingram on set due to the scenes they had planned into their schedule. Both taking the young actor under their wing and making him at ease. “When Ewan learned that I live in Alabama he told me some stories about his time filming Big Fish (filmed in Alabama)”. He goes onto highlight how he met Hayden outside the dressing rooms’ and was incredibly supportive. Going onto to sign the young actor’s shirt with “Luke, I am your father.” Very cool!!
Feely explains that he became interested in acting after watching behind-the-scenes videos from several different shows [i.e. Stranger Things]. Taking a leap of faith, the actor decided to investigate more about acting as a career. Starting with acting classes at a local acting academy 2 years ago, leading to agents and his now manager. He explains how his teachers helped teach him not to “act” but instead to make the characters as real as possible. A process he explains, that helps the individual to become the character rather than memorizing lines.
The young actor points to not usually getting nervous when it comes to auditions. Choosing to trick himself into saying “I’m really excited rather than nervous”. This method helps Feely get the negative thoughts out of his mind. Referencing qualities in actors such as Joe Edgerton, who he finds inspiration through, due to their ability to perform multiple roles on a film set [from acting through to directing and writing].
With his proudest achievement to date being part of the Star Wars family as the young Luke Skywalker. Feely opens up about the excitement of being able to explore characters’ lives. Placing himself in different scenarios and exploring how that character feels. #watchthisspace
