Liam Neeson Opens Up on 'Star Wars' Role and What Went Wrong
His Jedi death didn’t quite meet his expectations.
I have to admit, I was surprised to learn Liam Neeson once had a bone to pick with how his character Qui-Gon Jinn died in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Neeson, during his interview with GQ, eflecting on his iconic Jedi Master role, openly called his on-screen demise "a bit namby-pamby." Yep, the man who brought gravitas to the Jedi Order felt the death scene didn’t quite live up to the Jedi Master rep.
He explained it perfectly: "My character fell for that, ‘Oh I’m going for your face. No, I’m not, I’m going for your stomach! Oh, you got me!’ It’s like, oh please, hardly a Master Jedi."
Honestly, it’s hard not to chuckle at that honest self-critique. But he added, "Still, it was great," showing his love for the role despite the quibble.
So, will Neeson ever return to Star Wars again? He’s hinted he might be done with Qui-Gon Jinn but then showed up in animated form, leaving the door open just a crack. Fans are crossing fingers, especially with whispers of a second season for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
If that happens, who knows — maybe the Force will call Neeson back once more.
For now, I’m just glad we get to revisit this Jedi legend, even if his death scene wasn’t quite what he hoped for. Because at the end of the day, it’s the heart behind the character that sticks with us the most.
