Liam Neeson Keen To Revisit Role Of Qui-Gon Jinn In Star Wars Spin-Off: ‘I Could Return As A Hologram’


Liam Neeson has revealed it would be ‘terrific’ to play Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn again in the Star Wars franchise, and believes it could one day become a reality, because despite the character being killed by Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, Neeson argues, “He’s a Jedi, anything could happen, it’s Star Wars world!”

In an interview with Yahoo! Movies, the 62-year-old actor was asked if he’d ever consider picking up the lightsaber and playing Qui-Gon Jinn again.

“Yeah, I’d say so. Yeah, that would be terrific. I certainly loved shooting the prequel [Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace] but that was many years ago now.”

As any Star Wars fan knows, the only problem with Neeson becoming a Jedi master again, is his character was famously killed in an epic battle with Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace. Neeson cheerfully concedes a Jedi dying isn’t really an issue, after all, just look how many times Obi-Wan Kenobi returned in the original Star Wars trilogy after getting on the wrong end of Darth Vader’s lightsaber.

“I don’t know [how he would return], unless you went back in time or he becomes a hologram or something. He’s a Jedi, anything could happen, it’s Star Wars world!”

If Qui-Gon were to return, it would probably be in one of the scheduled spin-off films and not one of the saga stories which kick off later this year with The Force Awakens. And let’s be honest it would probably be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. The Star Wars franchise is more popular than it’s ever been, and Neeson continues to be consistent box office draw despite entering the twilight of his career.

In a recent piece on Neeson, Variety wrote, “Even though he himself is an older actor, Neeson fits the current zeitgeist. In an era beset by financial fraud and terrorism, Neeson has emerged as a figure of authority who knows how to operate in a world without rules. He is a tortured, brooding avenger for a bleak and morally problematic time.” Sounds a lot like Qui-Gon doesn’t it?

Interestingly, after shooting George Lucas’s first Star Wars prequel in 1999, Neeson appeared to have nothing but disgust for films and Star Wars films in particular. To the point he told reporters he was quitting the movie business.

“I’m getting out, I’m retiring from movies next year. Honest to God, I’m not happy doing it – I don’t want to do it anymore. Film is a director’s medium, it has nothing to do with actors. We are basically puppets, walking around, hitting marks, saying lines.”

Whatever was bothering Neeson then, isn’t bothering him any more. Like millions of other Star Wars fans, Neeson avidly watched the first trailer for Star Wars Episode VII with interest. To the point he has even voiced his concerns over the practicality of the cross-blade lightsaber wielded by the mysterious Kylo Ren in the 88-second teaser.

“I had a couple of worries about that lightsaber. I thought if it comes in [towards the body] and is close to you, it’s like having a jet of [burning] fluid hitting your clothes and your skin, but I’m sure they’ve thought that out.”

“[Qui-Gon] would use the nice green one still. I still have it, I keep it polished.”

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