Liam Neeson is interested in returning as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn for a Star Wars project… but there is a catch. The veteran actor will only come back for a film project.
Star Wars films had been a mixed bag of critical and box office performances. While Rogue One was a surprise hit for both critics and fans, the sequel trilogy of films have become a powder keg of heated debates as to its actual success. On the other hand, the Star Wars shows on the Disney+ streaming service have received largely positive reactions, such as The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
Could Neeson be wooed to appear on the streaming platform? Read on and discover what the actor had to say.
Interested, but only on film
Comicbook.com spoke with Liam Neeson as part of the promotion for his upcoming movie Memory. The fan-favorite actor was asked if he was interested in returning to the Star Wars franchise. Neeson had this to say about that possibility:
Oh, I think so, yeah, yeah, yeah, I think so … if it was a film. Yeah, I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to TV, I must admit, I just like the big screen, you know? Qui-Gon, I can’t believe it’s 24 years since we made [Star Wars:] The Phantom Menace, I just cannot believe where the time has gone. It was a terrific experience, shooting that film in London.
Neeson previously played Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in the first of the Star Wars prequels, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. In the 1999 film, he played the role of a maverick Jedi Master mentoring a young padawan, Ob-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor).
Tasked by the Jedi Council that included Yoda and Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), Master Qui-Gon and Ob-Wan must protect Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from the threat of the Trade Federation. Along the way, they encounter the boy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) on the planet Tatooine. Qui-Gon suspects Anakin may be the prophesied Chosen One, who will bring balance to the Force.
In the end, Qui-Gon perished in the hands of the Sith apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park), leaving Obi-Wan to ensure Anakin is trained to be a Jedi and learn the ways of the Force. Since that time, Neeson has not returned to the role, save for recordings of his voice and mentions of his character across different media.
Using the Jedi Mind Trick?
Rumors persist that Neeson will appear as a Force Ghost at some point in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series. It would be appropriate, as in the canon, Qui-Gon Jinn was the first Jedi who learned how to retain their consciousness beyond death. He would then teach this to both Obi-Wan and Yoda.
However, Neeson’s comments seem to cement his reluctance of returning to the Star Wars universe unless it is a movie role. Or could the thespian simply be deflecting suspicions that he will be appearing soon?
After all, actors who have been rumored returning to their famous roles have been known to deny them at first. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, for instance, held up the cover story that they are not involved in Spider-Man: No Way Home. And this proved to be false.
Moreover, streaming platforms have become just as lucrative and prestigious as theatrical films. Many movie stars have transitioned to exclusive projects on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and Disney+. Perhaps Liam Neeson’s reluctance is just a ruse to throw off attention?
We’ll find out soon enough. Obi-Wan Kenobi lands on the Disney+ streaming service on May 27, 2022.
