— Ch. 1 · The Independent Master —
Qui-Gon Jinn.
~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
George Lucas created the character Qui-Gon Jinn for the 1999 film The Phantom Menace. He originally envisioned an American actor in the role but ultimately cast the Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson. Lucas described Neeson as a master actor who possessed the qualities of strength that the character demanded. He said the Jedi Master has a magical quality that enables him to see into the future. Neeson described Qui-Gon as wise, confident, philosophical and very skilled in martial arts. He said the Jedi Master is not really a rebel but he has his own code. Lucas had considered making Qui-Gon the younger Jedi even though he was actually older than Obi-Wan Kenobi. He described the character as independent and always testing the rules. He said Qui-Gon refuses to go along with the program.
The Chosen One Discovery
On the planet Tatooine they encounter a young slave named Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon believes this nine-year-old boy is the Chosen One destined to bring balance to the Force. His potential with the Force is the highest ever detected by any Jedi. When Anakin's mother tells him that the boy had no father the Jedi Master becomes intrigued. Qui-Gon secures the boy's freedom and decides to bring him before the Jedi Council on Coruscant. On Coruscant Qui-Gon asks the Council to allow Anakin to be trained as a Jedi. Master Yoda senses fear in the boy and the Council denies the request. Undaunted Qui-Gon vows that he will train Anakin himself. Before leaving Tatooine Qui-Gon duels with a mysterious warrior dressed in black who reveals himself later to be Darth Maul.