Liam Neeson returned to the “Star Wars” universe with a brief cameo in last year’s Disney+ limited series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Granted, it lasted two lines of dialogue, but it happened nonetheless. But don’t expect Neeson to return for a Qui-Gon Jinn series any time soon. Variety reports that Neeson isn’t keen on the idea for one main reason: there’s too much “Star Wars” stuff now, and all of the spinoffs are “diluting” the franchise’s mystique.
Neeson made his comments on the February 16 episode of “Watch What Happens Live!,” where he was a guest with Paul Rudd. “No, I’m not,” Neeson responded when asked if he’d return to play Qui-Gon again. “There’s so many spinoffs of “Star Wars.” It’s diluting it to me, and it’s taken away the mystery and the magic in a weird way.” So, straight from the actor’s mouth: don’t expect Neeson’s Jedi master back onscreen anymore.
It sounds like Neeson has changed his tune a bit from last year. After his brief return in “Obi-Wan Kenobi” last summer, the actor told ComicBook.com that he would considering playing Qui-Gon Jinn again, but only in a movie, not a TV series. “Oh, I think so, yeah, yeah, yeah, I think so…if it was a film,” Neeson said in that interview. “Yeah, I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to TV, I must admit. I just like the big screen, you know? Qui-Gon, I can’t believe it’s 24 years since we made “The Phantom Menace,” I just cannot believe where the time has gone. It was a terrific experience, shooting that film in London.”
With all of the various “Star Wars” content out now over various media platforms, it’s no surprise Neeson feels the way he does. Along with the recent new trilogy of “Star Wars” films, there’s also been “Rogue One” and “Solo.” Then there’s the plethora of Disney+ series, including “The Mandalorian,” which has its third season premiere on March 1, “The Book Of Boba Fett,” “Andor,” and “Kenobi.” Even more are on the way, too, including “Ashoka,” “The Acolyte,” and “Skeleton Crew.” And then there’s all of the animated series in the “Star Wars” universe, too. So, no, Neeson’s not off-base in his aside that maybe the franchise’s magic is gone because there’s now way too much of it.
Take a peek at Neeson’s interview on “Watch What Happens Live!” below. Sorry, “Star Wars” fans: the further live-action adventures of Qui-Gon Jinn aren’t happening.