Liam Neeson – Proud of Star Wars: Episode I
In Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon Jinn told Obi-Wan Kenobi, “Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs.”
But we’re happy that Liam Neeson ignored his own advice to think back over the years to Episode I.
![Phantom Menace](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/EpisodeIPoster-691x1024.jpg)
Neeson: Remembering The Phantom Menace
Speaking on SiriusXM and reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Neeson said, “I like the film. I am proud of it and proud to have been a part of it.
I got to be a Jedi [and] got to play with those wonderful lightsabers and stuff. It was terrific… it really was.”
An Episode I: Renaissance
Many fans agree, and the movie is experiencing a renaissance of sorts as fans look back fondly to what was — for many — their first exposure to Star Wars on the big screen.
However, one piece of the film’s history that Neeson does NOT appreciate is the hate directed toward his co-star, Ahmed Best.
“He came into a lot of criticism, I mean to the point where it really hurt his career,” Neeson said to Radio Andy. “And I have to say when I was making that film … he was probably one of the funniest guys and talented guys I have ever worked with.”
![Ahmed Best, Episode I](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1080x360-1024x340.jpg)
![Ahmed Best, Episode I](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1080x360-1024x340.jpg)
Image: Ahmed Best on Twitter
Apparently, Neeson was so impressed that he told others Best could be the next Eddie Murphy.
“And I still believe that,” he added.
Of this praise, Best — who has experienced a personal comeback through Star Wars Jedi Temple Challenge — gratefully tweeted:
https://twitter.com/ahmedbest/status/1305595850148593664?s=20
Neeson: The Entire Interview
The whole Neeson interview is embedded below:
More Qui Gon?
Just sitting here wondering: How awesome would it be to see Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon again?
I mean, the upcoming Kenobi series will surely feature some moments of Obi-Wan in meditation. Perhaps Jinn, who was famously bested by Darth Maul in Episode I, could appear as a Force ghost or in a flashback?
We’ve seen as much in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and we heard Neeson speak to Rey.
It just makes sense, no? Make it happen, Disney!