20 Years Later, Ewan McGregor’s Animated Classic Finds New Life on Streaming

BeforeEwan McGregorfought against Anakin Skywalker inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, he was a robot with big dreams in this 2005 animated classic.Robotswas released back in March 2005, and 20 years later, it became a streaming hit on Hulu. This not only features the Star Wars star, alongside him are some big-name actors likeRobin Williams,Halle Berry,Mel Brooks, andAmanda Bynes.

According to FlixPatrol,Robotsranked #7 on Hulu’s Top 10 Movies worldwide, just betweenOperation Fortune: Ruse de GuerreandIce Age.Robotsis a children’s film that takes place in a world filled with anthropomorphic robots, where it follows Rodney Copperbottom (McGregor), a robot with dreams of becoming an inventor. DuringRobots' theatrical run, it generated over $262 million worldwide and received a mediocre reception from fans and critics alike, earning a 64% critics' score and a 54% audience score onRotten Tomatoes. But despite that, it was reported that there were plans to give this feature a sequel. According toThe Sydney Morning Herald, Robots directorChris Wedgeshared plans to release the next installment the following year, citing the movie’s success as motivation to continue this story. Unfortunately, nothing came to fruition.

Ewan McGregor’s Acting Career, Explained

McGregor started his acting career in the early 90s when he appeared in projects such asLipstick on Your Collar, Shallow Grave, andBlue Juice. He made hisStar Warsdebut in 1999, when he was cast to play Obi-Wan Kenobi inStar Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, and has since played the character in two more films and the 2022 Disney+ series,Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his voice was featured inStar Wars: The Force AwakensandThe Rise of Skywalker. This landed him two nominations at the Saturn Awards. The first was in 2000 for “Best Supporting Actor” inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Then, later in 2022, he was nominated for “Best Actor in a Streaming Television Series” for his role inObi-Wan Kenobi.

Outside ofStar Wars, McGregor has appeared in other notable projects, such asGuillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, 2018’sChristopher Robin, Disney’s live-action adaptation ofBeauty and the Beast,andBirds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn. His work outside the hit space opera franchise led to numerous accolades and recognition. He won a Golden Globe for “Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television” for his role inFargoand a Primetime Emmy Award in 2021 for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie” for his work inHalston.