Ewan McGregor at New York Comic Con 2023: A Panel Review

The Empire Stage room at New York Comic Con was buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly awaited the appearance of Scottish actor Ewan McGregor. Known for his roles in the Star Wars prequels, Trainspotting, and Moulin Rouge!, McGregor was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated guests at NYCC 2023, second only to Chris Evans, the beloved Captain America star.

The Bittersweet Panel
Despite the high expectations, McGregor’s spotlight panel turned out to be somewhat disappointing. The fault, however, did not lie with ReedPop or the moderator, Ashley V. Robinson from Popverse, who skillfully steered the conversation. McGregor himself was charming, with his dry sense of humor and undeniable charisma. In fact, the audience was smitten with him, expressing their adoration and affection throughout the panel.

The Restless Audience
As the panel progressed, it became apparent that the audience was growing restless. They craved insight into McGregor’s iconic roles, particularly his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, McGregor was unable to discuss any of his past or ongoing projects affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). He expressed his unwavering support for the strike, urging the AMPTP to address important issues such as streaming residuals and AI restrictions. McGregor’s commitment to the cause was admirable, but it left fans yearning for more.

Tea-Making Tips and Bagel Confessions
To fill the void left by the strike, McGregor engaged the audience in light-hearted conversations. He shared his expertise on tea-making, emphasizing the importance of using a teapot and steeping the tea for precisely three minutes to achieve the perfect balance of color and taste. Surprisingly, he admitted that he was not a fan of honey or sugar in his tea. However, his preference for strong black coffee sparked a playful disagreement from the audience, showcasing their eagerness to engage with the star.
In a somewhat controversial statement, McGregor confessed that he was not a big fan of bagels, surprising the New York crowd. While some chuckled, others narrowed their eyes in disbelief. McGregor’s candid admission sparked a lively discussion about the merits of different bagel flavors and textures, revealing the passion of New Yorkers for their beloved breakfast staple.

Navigating the Strike
Throughout the panel, McGregor and Robinson navigated the limitations imposed by the strike with finesse. McGregor shared anecdotes from his theater background, particularly his experience playing Iago in a London production of Othello. He praised his co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance and expressed his desire to tackle the role of Macbeth, a Shakespearean character he covets. McGregor’s passion for Shakespeare and his craft injected a fresh and unexpected element into the panel, captivating the audience with his insights.

The Challenges of Hosting NYCC During a Strike
The presence of major Hollywood celebrities at NYCC has become a significant draw for fans in recent years. However, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has limited the participation of these stars and their ability to discuss their work. While some fans understand the reasons behind the strike, the absence of discussions about iconic roles like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Star Wars left a void that could not be easily filled. The strike highlights the challenges of hosting a major entertainment event like NYCC during an industry-wide labor dispute, affecting both actors and fans alike.

The Evolution of Comic Book Conventions
The landscape of comic book conventions has evolved over the years, with a shift towards mainstream entertainment and a decrease in the prominence of comic creators. While some enthusiasts lament this change, the reality is that celebrities like Ewan McGregor and Chris Evans play a crucial role in attracting a broader audience and filling convention spaces. Their involvement may be unrelated to comics, but their presence adds excitement and helps ensure the success of events like New York Comic Con.
VIZ Media Manga Announcements
In addition to McGregor’s panel, New York Comic Con 2023 also featured exciting announcements from VIZ Media regarding new manga licenses. Fans were thrilled to learn about upcoming titles such as Battle Royale: Enforcers, Let’s Do It Already!, My Neighbor Totoro: All-In-One Edition, Haikyu!! 3-in-1 Edition, GoGo Monster – Second Edition, Spy x Family: Mission Report – Official Anime Guide, and I Wanna Do Bad Things With You. These announcements added to the overall excitement and anticipation at NYCC, showcasing the diverse range of content that manga enthusiasts can look forward to.
Conclusion
Ewan McGregor’s spotlight panel at New York Comic Con 2023 provided a glimpse into the challenges faced by actors during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. While fans may have been disappointed by the lack of discussion on iconic roles, McGregor’s charm and wit kept the audience engaged. The panel also shed light on the ever-evolving nature of comic book conventions and the importance of celebrities in attracting a wider audience. Additionally, the exciting manga announcements from VIZ Media added to the overall excitement of NYCC, showcasing the diverse and captivating content that awaits manga enthusiasts. Despite the limitations imposed by the strike, NYCC 2023 remained a vibrant
and memorable event for fans and industry professionals alike.