Liam Neeson has revealed why he returned to play Qui-Gon Jinn in the finale of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The sixth and final episode of Disney+'s latest offering from the Star Wars franchise saw the return of Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson.
The emotional cameo saw Obi-Wan reuniting with his former Master Qui-Gon in the form of a Force ghost, prompting him to remark that he didn't think he would ever come.
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The late Jedi Master told Obi-Wan: "I was always here, Obi-Wan. You were just not ready to see." Fans of the show will note that Kenobi had been seen trying to contact Qui-Gon throughout the series.
The former Jedi Master then tells Obi-Wan: "Come on, we’ve got a ways to go….”
Neeson first appeared as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace. He also voiced the character in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as voicing part of an audio message in Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker.
His recent cameo has come as a surprise to Star Wars fanatics, as it was only a year ago that the actor shutdown the idea of reprising his role for the Disney+ series.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he said: "No, I don’t think so. No, I haven’t been approached."
Although Qui-Gon Jinn's return has been teased since the opening episode, there was some uncertainty about whether Neeson would reprise his role, especially considering how much time has passed since he played the the Jedi Master.
Neeson has since addressed the surprise cameo, explaining to The Hollywood Reporter his decision to return. He said: "I certainly didn’t want anyone else playing Qui-Gon Jinn, and I wanted to show my respect for George [Lucas] and that mythical world that he created.
“Plus, Ewan [McGregor] is a pal, and I loved working with him during The Phantom Menace 25 years ago."
Neeson has revealed that he is a fan of the film a number of times over the years.
In 2020, he told Andy Cohen on SiriusXM Channel: "I like Phantom Menace. I am proud of it and proud to have been a part of it.
"I got to be a Jedi. I got to play with those wonderful lightsabers and stuff. It was terrific, Andy, it really was."
The Academy Award-nominated actor's return to the franchise received a positive reception from fans on social media.
One happy Twitter user wrote: "I cried with happiness when I saw Qui Gon (Liam Neeson) return! I was like omg QUI GON!!!! That was what I was hoping for in the Obi Wan series. Qui Gon Jinn is a character that i absolutely love!"
Another user wrote: "When i saw Liam Neeson In the last episode of @obiwankenobi I SQUEELED like a little girl!
"Sorry everyone, Episode 1 is my favorite Star Wars and Qui-Gon is one of my favorite Jedi. Hope to see more come next season!"
Obi-Wan Kenobi is available to stream on Disney+ now.
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Topics: Disney Plus, Star Wars, Film and TV, Celebrity
Shiala Mahmood