How Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn Could Appear In The Disney+ Obi-Wan Series

Qui-Gon Jinn Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Disney+

Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series has rolled out a slew of new information lately, including a full cast list of allegedly everyone who will appear. I say allegedly because some new Star Wars material has now provided credible evidence that at least one other major character is slated to appear, Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn.

Qui-Gon Jinn was Obi-Wan Kenobi's master, and as fans may remember, he was tragically killed by Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Despite that, it looks like there's a good chance the Jedi Master will make an appearance in the upcoming series, based on an Obi-Wan-centric excerpt from Kristen Baver's official Star Wars biography titled Skywalker: A Family At War (via Screen Rant).

Shortly after his arrival on Tatooine, he became known as Old Ben among the children of Mos Eisley and the sprawling surrounding settlements, an eccentric hermit of no import. Kenobi's beard and hair turned gray, the harsh environment and the stress of all he'd endured aging him rapidly. For years he remained hidden yet cautiously vigilant. He studied the Tusken Raiders and their culture, wishing to understand their brutish nature. And in the stillness he expanded his knowledge of the Force. Before he and Yoda had parted ways, the old Jedi revealed that Obi-Wan's beloved master Qui-Gon Jinn had returned from the netherworld of the Force, manifesting his conscious mind even after death. It took 10 years, but eventually Obi-Wan was able to commune with his dearest friend, resurrected within the cosmic force.

The final part is especially interesting, considering it has been reported that the Obi-Wan series is set 10 years into the character's exile on Tatooine. I think it's more than just a mere coincidence that the series is set during this important milestone, and it makes me fairly convinced that the Obi-Wan series will feature some kind of scene in which Liam Neeson reprises his role as Qui-Gon Jinn in Force Ghost Mode.

I assume that if Liam Neeson actually does appear as Qui-Gon Jinn, it would only be for a scene or two. After all, Neeson was not listed on the full cast list, and it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense for him to be a series regular. Considering Disney was willing to put it out there that Obi-Wan Kenobi will feature Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader, my thinking is that Neeson's presence would be fleeting at most.

Despite how much or how little he would get used, Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn has remained a popular character in Star Wars even after the character's early death in the prequel trilogy. So it would make sense to try and bring him back into the fold. However, it was only two years ago when Neeson sparked some racially charged controversy in bringing up his reaction to a friend's rape. Neeson did apologized for his wording at the time, and has still continued to find success in Hollywood in the aftermath, so it's unclear what Disney's stance would be.

Disney and Star Wars are still dealing with pissed-off fans after The Mandalorian's Gina Carano was fired for her own controversial statements, and it's hard to say whether Neeson would fall under the same category. For now, we can only point to the literary evidence that Qui-Gon Jinn could certainly appear, and see if any further clues support that notion in the coming weeks.

Disney+'s Obi-Wan series doesn't have a release date just yet, so there's plenty of time for the show to make a decision about Qui-Gon Jinn's ghostly future. Star Wars fans can share their opinion in the poll below and let us know if they'd like to see Neeson return as the character in the upcoming series.

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Mick Joest
Content Producer

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.