The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Makes Obi-Wan Kenobi Very Happy

The Star Wars universe doesn’t feature many car-like vehicles, so there are limited opportunities for partnerships with automobile manufacturers, unless you count the Porsche-designed star ship or the Nissan Rogue One Star Wars Edition. That lack of connection hasn’t stopped Volkswagen, which just released a new commercial for its upcoming 2024 ID. Buzz electric van. This isn’t the first time VW has incorporated Star Wars into an ad; the company’s 2012 Super Bowl ad with Darth Vader as a kid is still talked about a decade later.

Unlike the Super Bowl spot, which featured a kid dressed as Vader, this new ad boasts a much greater connection to the Star Wars universe. The ad ties in with the upcoming release of the Obi-Wan Kenobi show on Disney+, which begins on May 27, 2022, and features several familiar character interacting with the ID. Buzz.

We first spot a Jawa and the famous two moons of Tatooine. It then cuts to a film studio where our two favorite droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO approach the ID. Buzz thinking it’s a fellow robotic friend. R2-D2 is scared when the ID. Buzz fires up its LED front lights, but C-3PO consoles him by saying the van is smiling (referencing its adorable front fascia). Before the three are able to bond any more, a mysterious figure hops in the ID. Buzz and drives away.

A quick tagline reads “Great things start with a smile” before it’s revealed that the mysterious figure was none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Ewan McGregor.

McGregor is set to reprise his role as Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi for the first time since 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. The events of the new show will take place after Episode III but before the events of the original Episode IV – A New Hope.

Though we doubt the ID. Buzz will make an appearance in the show, McGregor will serve as a brand ambassador for Volkswagen, so we could see him in future ads as Obi-Wan. “I have been a Volkswagen enthusiast for all my life. Since I had my first Volkswagen when I was 16 years old. And I have collected them ever since,” McGregor said. “The ID. Buzz has really got character. That is unusual for a new car and it puts a smile on my face. I think it is a really happy car.”