After its final episode last night, the long-anticipated Disney+ limited series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” comes to a close. But not without a nice little surprise (spoiler alert for those who haven’t watched yet!). As if Ewan McGregor‘s return as Kenobi wasn’t enough, Liam Neeson showed up in force ghost form in the show’s final moments as Obi-Wan’s master, Qui-Gon Jinn. It’s Neeson’s first appearance in a “Star Wars” vehicle since 1999’s “The Phantom Menace,” where Darth Maul killed Jinn in front of Obi-Wan.
With all of the various cameos from old characters in “Star Wars” shows, CGI or not, it’s not exactly a surprise Neeson showed up. Except it is a surprise, as Neeson stated in recent interviews that he had no intention to reprise the character if it wasn’t in a film. So, in retrospect, it’s clear that Neeson wants to throw fans off the scent of his return with his comments. Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Neeson said he decided to return for the show for a couple of different reasons. “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 he created,” Neeson said. “Plus, Ewan [McGregor] is a pal, and I loved working with him on “The Phantom Menace” 25 years ago.”
Granted, Qui-Gon’s return is very brief, lasting only a matter of seconds as he ushers Obi-Wan further along his physical and spiritual path. But the scene harks back to the end of “Revenge Of The Sith,” when Yoda tells Obi-Wan that he’ll teach him how to connect with his fallen master’s force ghost. Now, seventeen years later, fans finally get to see Obi-Wan reunite with Qui-Gon in that way, after the character’s many years of forced exile, hiding his ways with the force.
With “Obi-Wan Kenobi” over, it’s time for the next “Star Wars” show in the Disney+ pipeline. “Andor” comes next, premiering on August 31, followed by the third season of “The Mandalorian” in February 2023. Beyond that lies “Ashoka,” “The Acolyte,” and more. Those shows will also undoubtedly have familiar faces show up, but those cameos may not be quite as surprising as Neeson’s return as Qui-Gon. But given Neeson’s trickery about his involvement in “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” the lesson here is this: don’t believe any “Star Wars” actor about them not returning to reprise a role.