Liam Neeson Criticizes Star Wars Finale
Even years later, speaking about his scene in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson remains uncomfortable with being portrayed as an easily defeated Jedi rather than a masterful duel. In an interview with GQ, the actor openly admitted that Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn’s final act was unbecoming of his character. Despite this, he added that the filming process was still “wonderful” for him.
“Master Jedi Shouldn’t Have Fallen Like This”
Neeson described his character’s death scene in his duel with Darth Maul as “namby-pamby,” meaning weak and ineffective. “He pretends to aim for his face, then he hits me in the stomach. I’m like, ‘Oh, you got me!’ Please, though. Is that befitting of a Jedi master?” Fans of the character also reacted differently.
Years later, the renowned actor reprised his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi for the Disney+ series. Neeson, appearing on camera with Ewan McGregor, described the brief scene as “sweet” and nostalgic. He said their bond had become even more meaningful over time.
During the film series’ 25th anniversary celebrations, the production’s storyboard artist Iain McCaig revealed that George Lucas had envisioned a much more dramatic finale. In this alternate version, Obi-Wan would have starred, with Qui-Gon as his young Padawan. With Obi-Wan’s death, Qui-Gon would have inherited both his mentor’s mantle and his name.
Even if this change had been made, the storyline, which progressed through the training of Anakin Skywalker and then Luke Skywalker, would have remained unchanged. However, according to Neeson, his character’s on-screen farewell could have been handled more grandly. It seems that even in distant galaxies, some scenes don’t exactly reassure actors.
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