Geroge Lucas changed the face of the galaxy far, far away when the first installment in the prequel trilogy of Star Wars movies was released in 1999. The Phantom Menace introduced viewers to the character of Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson, who plays an integral role in the stories of both Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
However, according to reports, Lucas’ original plans for the film almost did not include Neeson’s character. Moreover, when Lucas did plan to incorporate the Qui-Gon Jinn character, the initial idea was so outrageous that it would have not only upset loyal fans of the franchise but it is hard to imagine Obi-Wan actor Ewan McGregor being on board with it. Here is everything you need to know about the original plan for Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.
George Lucas’ Original Plans For The Phantom Menace Did Not Include Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn
The Phantom Menace marks the first installment of the prequel trilogy in the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. However, the film received mixed reviews from critics upon release and remains a divisive entry even after 25 years. Nonetheless, Liam Neeson’s Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn remains one of the more positively received aspects of the film.
According to a report, Lucas’ original plan for the film did not include Qui-Gon Jinn at all. Instead, the purpose Qui-Gon Jinn serves in the first installment of the prequels would have been fulfilled by Obi-Wan Kenobi. As a result, Lucas’ original plans would have seen Obi-Wan’s storyline drastically altered but Liam Neeson would not have featured in the franchise at all.
Lucas eventually conceived the character of Qui-Gon Jinn, who was added to the mix. However, the report claims that Lucas’ original idea for the character was extremely outrageous. In the initial drafts of the film’s screenplay, Qui-Gon would have been a much younger character compared to Obi-Wan, who was expected to be a fully-fledged Jedi Knight.
The Phantom Menace‘s Original Plans Would Have Drastically Changed Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi
Lucas’ original plan for Qui-Gon Jinn’s introduction did not stop with merely making the character younger. Instead, Lucas had allegedly planned a twist for the character that would have ripple effects on the franchise’s existing lore, retconning a major plot point from the original trilogy.
According to the report, Lucas planned to have Obi-Wan be the Jedi Master and Qui-Gon serve as his Jedi Padawan. The climax would have seen Obi-Wan perishing at the hands of the Sith apprentice Darth Maul. However, his Padawan Qui-Gon would have later taken over the name of his Master in honor of the fallen Jedi Knight.
The outrageous twist would mean that the Obi-Wan we meet in the original trilogy, played by Alec Guinness would not have been the original Jedi Knight to carry the name. Moreover, making Qui-Gon the younger of the two characters would mean that actor Ewan McGregor would likely have played Qui-Gon, with Neeson playing the older Obi-Wan. Therefore, given the outlandish nature of the twist, it is hard to imagine McGregor and the fans being on board with the idea.
The Phantom Menace is streaming on Disney+.
