Thanks to insider Jeff Grubb, fans know a lot about Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2. He had previously stated that it would be revealed at Star Wars Celebration and has remained adamant about that. He has also stated that it would release on current-gen consoles only, meaning PS5 and Xbox Series X, and he recently doubled down on its 2023 release window.
SPOILERS FOR STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER AHEADThat’s not all, though. Jeff Grubb has recently stated that the official title isn’t Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2, but Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (as transcribed by VGC from his recent Grubbsnax show). This new subtitle means big changes could be coming to the next entry in the franchise, and while this is pure speculation on the title changes, it stands to reason that it could feature a new protagonist. And there’s a strong case that the new protagonist could be Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Why Cal May Not Be Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s Protagonist
Sometimes, punctuation matters little in a title, but that’s not the case for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Respawn intentionally placed the colon after Jedi, and this naming convention is important. “Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order” would imply that it’s a Star Wars game harping on the Fallen Order. “Star Wars Jedi:” could imply that this is not a direct series of sequels, but a more anthological approach based on Jedi in the Star Wars universe. Obviously, Fallen Order 2 would likely continue Cal Kestis’ story, but this is reportedly not Fallen Order 2.
Fallen Order 2, also, would be a bit redundant. In the first game, Cal and friends seek a Jedi Holocron containing a list of Force-Sensitive children across the galaxy. They pursue it to rebuild the fallen Jedi order, but at the end of the game, Cal destroys it so the Empire cannot get their hands on it. In other words, the idea of rebuilding the fallen order—central to this game and to its title—is no longer relevant outside of indicating a potential direct sequel.
If Star Wars Jedi, then, is meant to be more of an anthological approach, the subtitle has to reflect the character and story. Survivor could arguably fit Cal Kestis, but that would be more of the past than the present. Cal is no longer cowering from the Empire, forced into hiding and trying to survive. He is looking for his next adventure. Now, if Cal isn’t the protagonist, that doesn’t mean he won’t appear in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor or somewhere else down the line, but Cal’s story may be done for now.
Why Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Good Fit for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
This begs an important question: if not Cal, then who? This is pure speculation, but past comments could indicate Obi-Wan Kenobi playing a role in the game, and if that game doesn’t have Cal and isn’t Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2, then he could be the lead role.
During a recent interview on the Jimmy Kimmel show, Obi-Wan actor Ewan McGregor discussed a variety of topics related to Star Wars. He specifically praised Obi-Wan Kenobi director Deborah Chow for her understanding of the greater Star Wars multimedia universe. The most important bit was where he said that all Star Wars storylines have to add up and that there can’t be “some fact in a video game that doesn’t match up with the movie.”
Many have understandably taken this as a hint toward Obi-Wan Kenobi and the new Star Wars Jedi game. At the time, this suggestion could have meant that Obi-Wan appears in the new Star Wars Jedi game, perhaps as a cameo or important side character, or that Cal could make his live-action appearance in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Either of these could remain true, and the latter doesn’t really contradict anything about this theory.
But the title of Star Wars Jedi 2 could add a different context to these comments. If this is an anthological series and Cal isn’t the protagonist, then McGregor could have been slyly remarking about the show storyline adding up with Obi-Wan’s game storyline. It lines up perfectly. Disney Plus’ Obi-Wan Kenobi is 10 years after Revenge of the Sith, which means there are another 8 or so years before A New Hope. The show could show Obi-Wan’s encounter with the inquisitors and Darth Vader, while the game shows what happens after.
Survivor would be a fitting subtitle for a game featuring Obi-Wan. No matter what happens in the show, fans know that Obi-Wan must hide from the empire and continue to survive for another 8 years. Plenty of stories like the Disney Plus show could fill this time, and it makes more sense to call Obi-Wan, who is on his own, a survivor than it does Cal.
There is the timing to consider, too. The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi premiere on May 27; Grubb has said that Star Wars Jedi 2 will “100%” be at Star Wars Celebration, which takes place May 26-May 29. A new game with a new protagonist doesn’t take away from the show, but airing the show and shortly after confirming that there will be a game with Obi-Wan Kenobi would 100% be the power play EA needs as its Star Wars exclusivity contract comes to an end.
This theory admittedly draws connections between things that may not be connected, and it’s likely nothing is known for sure until the Star Wars Celebration. But an Obi-Wan Kenobi game reveal following the show would be a huge way to end the month. Ewan McGregor has appeared in one game before, playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the PSP version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, so while it does seem unlikely, it’s not impossible.
If Not Obi-Wan or Cal for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Then Who?
Now, it could be that Star Wars Jedi being an anthological series holds true (or doesn't), but that McGregor’s comment amounts to a cameo or Cal Kestis’ live-action appearance and nothing more. This poses another question: if not Cal or Obi-Wan, then who?
A former Respawn employee recently commented that many of the devs on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order wanted the protagonist to be “black and/or a woman.” Thus, either a new character or perhaps Jedi: Fallen Order’s Cere would be good to step into this role and fulfill the devs’ original desire. Ultimately, a new character is the most likely option for an anthological series, if a powerhouse like Obi-Wan Kenobi is not an option.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor reportedly releases in 2023 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.