There are a number of exciting Star Wars projects in the works for Disney+, but the one that may have the fans most excited is Obi-Wan Kenobi. The limited series will see Ewan McGregor don his Jedi robes once more to reprise his fan-favorite role. In addition, the show will also see franchise alum Hayden Christensen return to do battle with his former mentor as Darth Vader. With Kenobi’s former pupil making an appearance, it’s natural to wonder if his deceased former master, Qui-Gon Jinn, could also appear in some capacity. Now, Qui-Gon actor Liam Neeson has weighed in on whether or not he would return.
Despite the largely negative reaction to Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace when it released in 1999, Liam Neeson’s performance as Qui-Gon Jinn was one of the bright spots viewers highlighted. With this, many fans have been wanting to see the character return in a major project. Neeson was recently made aware of Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and, when he was asked if he’d be up to reprise his role, he gave a short and simple answer:
Sure, I'd be up for that, yeah.
Well, Liam Neeson’s recent statement to Collider seems pretty clear. He would indeed return to the role of Qui-Gon Jinn for Obi-Wan Kenobi, if asked. Although this isn’t the first time the actor has been asked about making a Star Wars comeback, this is arguably the most direct answer he’s ever given on the matter.
In the past (and during this recent interview), Neeson has stated that he’s unaware of the sheer number of fans who want to see him play Qui-Gon again. He’s also confirmed that Lucasfilm has not reached out to him about any live-action Star Wars projects.
It should be mentioned that if Liam Neeson was to return for Obi-Wan Kenobi, it wouldn’t be his first time playing the character since The Phantom Menace. The actor previously reprised the role in a voiceover capacity for a few episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. One of these installments saw Qui-Gon return as a Force ghost to speak with Obi-Wan.
Bringing Qui-Gon back as a Force ghost in Obi-Wan Kenobi would make sense, as Kenobi could seek guidance from his former master through the netherworld of the Force. On the other hand, the series could utilize Qui-Gon through a flashback that further fleshes out his relationship with his student. Either way, an appearance from the late Jedi could add a more emotional component to the series.
It remains to be seen if Lucasfilm and Disney will give Liam Neeson a call but, given the fact that actors like Hayden Christensen and Temuera Morrison have been brought back into the fold, it’s not an impossibility. With any luck, we could see master and apprentice reunite once more in Obi-Wan Kenobi.
