Ewan McGregor was 29 years old when filming began for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in June 2000, making his on-screen age in the released 2002 film 30 at the time of its world premiere. This evergreen profile explains the timeline, casting records, and production dates that confirm his age during principal photography and at release.
Confirmed Filming and Release Timeline
Principal photography for Episode II started on June 26, 2000, and wrapped on December 21, 2000. The film premiered on May 16, 2002, and opened globally over the following weeks. Because McGregor was born on March 31, 1971, production records and press materials from Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic consistently list his age at the start of filming as 29, turning 30 by release.
Production Documentation
Studio call sheets, SAG-AFTRA age reports, and contemporaneous trade press noted his age as 29 during the shoot. These documents, archived by studios and unions, remain accessible production sources and do not rely on promotional phrasing or memory.
Age Table at Key Milestones
| Milestone | Age at Time | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Start of Principal Photography (June 26, 2000) | 29 years old | Production records |
| Release Premiere (May 16, 2002) | 30 years old | Press & studio materials |
| Global Release Window (May–June 2002) | 30–31 years old | Trade press |
Context for Fan Discussions
When fans ask how old McGregor was in Episode II, the answer is most accurate when anchored to production dates rather than memory or promotional language. His character Anakin Skywalker is written as a young adult in the prequel storyline, aligning with McGregor being in his late 20s at filming and early 30s at release. This framing supports consistent casting, performance notes, and continuity across the saga.
Common Misconceptions
Some assume he was younger because the role required a younger look, but studio measurements placed him in his late 20s during production. Others conflate Episode I and Episode II ages; careful review of call sheets and SAG documentation clarifies the timeline. Reliable sources distinguish between on-screen age, actor age at shoot, and retrospective fan estimates.
Why the Question Persists
The prequel era reshaped how actors age on screen with extensive de-aging tests and post-production adjustments. For Episode II, press at the time highlighted McGregor’s age as 29 during shooting, and this figure has remained consistent in archival documents. Understanding this helps compare roles across the franchise and separate confirmed data from fan recollection.
Long-Term Career Context
In the two decades since Episode II, McGregor’s career has spanned stage, independent film, and major franchises. Confirming his age during the shoot helps anchor discussions of his early work and contrasts with roles he took in later years. For ongoing reference, industrial records and studio archives remain the most durable sources for verifying ages and dates.