James Arnold Taylor Facebook Q&A Transcript

Voice actor James Arnold Taylor chatted with fans on Del Rey's Star Wars Books Facebook page this afternoon, about a week after the release of John Jackson Miller's Star Wars: Kenobi. Taylor recently helped promote the novel by lending his signature Obi-Wan voice to an audio excerpt. During the Q&A, Taylor discussed everything from The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels to Episode VII and Star Wars Weekends. He also shared his favorite thing about Obi-Wan Kenobi, and it's ... pretty surprising.

Below is a lightly-edited transcript of fans' questions and Taylor's responses.

Q: Do you make a point of reading Obi-Wan-related EU materials like Karen Miller's Wild Space or some of the young adult books by Jude Watson?
A: This was my first as over the last 8 years I was refraining from the EU due to work on Clone Wars I didn't want it to flavor my role too much!

Q: What is the hardest voice that you've ever done?
A: Electro in a Spider-Man Video Game I screamed for 4 hours and lost my voice

Q: Will you have a role in the upcoming animated series Star Wars Rebels?
A: This is not the question your looking for... Move along! : ) Seriously I don't know.

Q: Did you have to take any voice lessons to sound so much like Ewan McGregor?
A: No it came naturally thankfully

Q: Will you please record more if not all of the meditations like you did for the first one? It was awesome. I loved your intro show before Carrie's at CVI. Hopefully you're involved in Rebels.
A: Thanks, One never knows...

Q: Can you tell us if Obi-Wan will have a role in The Yoda Chronicles?
A: I have no idea

Q: Have you met Ewan? If so, what does he think of your portrayal?
A: Never met him hope he likes it

Q: What was your favorite episode of The Clone Wars that you voiced?
A: I loved them all every chance to voice such an amazing character is a gift!

Q: Will there be more TCW episodes?
A: There will be more "bonus content" I'm told

Q: Do you have other projects in the works besides Star Wars?
A: The new Ratchet and Clank film will be out in 2015 in which I star as Ratchet, a new Lego Marvel VG where I play Spider-Man and others, the new HD version of Final Fantasy is coming soon, Hulk Agents of Smash just began and more Johnny Test of course! to name a few!

Q: I'd like to know if you are going to have a role in the Disney animated series [Rebels]?
A: Not sure, one never knows...

Q: What does Obi-Wan Kenobi think of John Jackson Miller's novel Kenobi?
A: Obi-Wan thinks it's a stunning tale and that the leading man is pitch perfect! : )

Q: Are we going to see you again this year at Star Wars Weekends, and if not do you want to come to my wedding on May 24th?
A: I'm sure I'll be at SWW but I'll have to pass on the wedding, but May the Force be with you!

Q: What do you think of the rumor that Ewan McGregor might show up in Episode VII as Obi-Wan's Force ghost. I would much rather hear your take on Guinness, voice only, à la Episode IV.
A: Very kind but I'm all for Mr. McGregor reprising his role!

Q: Can you tell us if Obi-Wan will show up in any of the upcoming bonus episodes? Also, with Star Wars Rebels set for release on Disney XD in Fall 2014 and helmed by Dave Filoni, can we expect you to return as Obi-Wan since he is still alive during this new series?
A: I don't know about any of that... sorry.

Q: Would you like to have a role in Episode VII? Or perhaps in Star Wars Rebels? And is there any news on the TCW bonus content?
A: I would love to be in Ep. 7 who wouldn't do you know someone that can get me the job?

Q: Would you like to have your own panel at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015 just like you did at Celebration VI?
A: Well hopefully they will need a host again... one never knows...

Q: Would you ever be interested in narrating a Star Wars audiobook?
A: Perhaps someday I will voice an audio book, but it is a very specific art in Voice-Over

Q: How was it like voicing Barry Allen (The Flash) on Young Justice?
A: I loved voicing him as the Flash is one of my all time fav characters!

Q: How do you keep your vocal cords in shape?
A: Rest, warm water and vocal exercises

Q: What is your favorite thing about Obi-Wan?
A: His perfect hair

Q: What’s your favorite Star Wars film and are you a theatrical cut or Special Edition fan?
A: I love them all for different reasons.

Q: If you could write a story for Obi-Wan, any idea what you would do?
A: I'd like to see him as a shoe salesman

Q: What do you think about Obi-Wan and his many girlfriends (Asajj Ventress, Duchess Satine, Annileen, sort of, etc.)?
A: He's a ladies man, what can I say!

Q: If Disney asked you to host Star Wars Weekends again in 2014, would you say yes? Also, since we all know Dave Filoni is such a huge Plo Koon fan, did you place more pressure on yourself to perform his voice?
A: I always love hosting SWW and will come back as long as they ask me... I loved voicing Plo for Dave and he made it a true joy to do so.

Q: What has been your favorite Obi-Wan moment ever?
A: Hard to say, but probably from the outtakes of the show that know one will ever hear! Locked in a vault in Dave Filoni's safe

Q: If you do ever officiate a wedding, would you be willing to do so as Obi-Wan?
A: I have done some pre-recorded messages as Obi-Wan in the past but they are very special circumstances.

Q (from a Facebook user with the name “Cad Bane”): Will there be more episodes of The Clone Wars besides the bonus content later on in the future?
A: I don't know and I am surprised Cad Bane is asking me... : )

Q: Is there a chance for The Clone Wars to return?
A: Clone Wars is done. As sad as it may be for all the fans and us cast members it is a great memory in the history of SW.

Q: What would you think of using a computer-generated image of Sir Alec Guinness as a Force ghost in Episode VII? Would you be unwilling to voice him in such a fashion? Also, what's your opinion on voice dubbing for foreign markets, including deleting a voice actor's role from the movie/TV show/video game?
A: Thanks for your kind words and interesting questions. I think that they should go with Ewan McGregor as Ghost Ben as he would be the natural choice in my opinion as he was the last on camera actor to portray him in a film. Using a voice double and a CG Sir Alec just seems a little strange to me.

Q: This is a throwback, but did Scott Fellows know you were the voice of Obi Wan when he put you on Big Time Rush that one time?
A: Scott Fellows is the creator of Johnny Test which I play Johnny and many other roles in and we go back at least ten years. It was a fun cameo to do.

Q: How was it like voicing Spider-Man for the upcoming LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Game? Especially since this is your first LEGO game where you didn't do Obi-Wan's voice!
A: Not TRUE! I've voiced other characters not just in SW games like Plo Koon and more, but also I am the voice of Robin in a Batman Lego Game to name a few. But I loved voicing Spidey! : )

Q: James, can you say anything about the canceled TCW Season 6?
A: Not much to say really. But thanks for all the support and love of the show!

Q: With the making of more Star Wars movies do you see yourself getting busier as the Star Wars universe expands?
A: The life of a voice-actor is always busy and I'm blessed to do any of it!

Q: Which one do you like better, Jedi or Sith, and why?
A: How could you even ask a Jedi such a question!!???

Q: What do you like best about the character of Ben Kenobi?
A: His dashing good looks!

Q: What was your favorite story for Obi-Wan over the course of The Clone Wars?
A: I loved the last season and the Mandalorian arc from season 2...

Q: Any chance of Obi-Wan making an appearance in Rebels?
A: Not sure.

Q: If you were to recommend a Star Wars book to a beginner, which one would it be and why?
A: Well I would think a beginner would need to read Star Wars: A New Hope by George Lucas Circa 1976

Q: Were you happy with how Obi-Wan’s character was handled in The Clone Wars?
A: Yes, I loved the way he was being written

Q: With your talent for voice work, have you ever considered doing audiobooks?
A: It would have to be the right book I guess.

Q: When you recorded voices, did you record Obi-Wan and Yoda at the same time (talking with each other)?
A: Well I'm not the voice of Yoda, Tom Kane is so...

Q: If you could have brought any character into The Clone Wars, who would it be and why?
A: I'm fond of Spock... oh wait...

Q: Do you think Obi-Wan will confront Darth Maul once again for a final battle?
A: If so I'll aim for his head

Q: What books do you tend to read?
A: I truly enjoyed Jon Jackson Miller's Kenobi!

Q: What were some of the highlights from your USO tour earlier this year?
A: Meeting our amazing troops and families thanks for asking!

Q: What would you like to see in Episodes VII, VIII, and IX?
A: Lot's of stars and planets and stuff

Q: Who is your favorite character (other than Obi-Wan) in The Clone Wars?
A: I love Ahsoka

Q: Who is you favorite character from the original trilogy besides Old Ben?
A: Is there any other characters besides old Ben?

Q: What was the last TCW scene in which you voiced Obi-Wan?
A: I don't think I remember and if I did I couldn't say... : )

Q (from Kenobi author John Jackson Miller): Just wanted to pop in and thank James for his support and enthusiasm for the Kenobi novel -- recording the chapter that appeared on EW.com and appearing in a joint interview that'll be out soon. Much appreciated -- the Force is with you, my friend!
A: You're awesome John! Thanks for writing such a great novel about my favorite character! MTFBWY!

Related Stories: