Liam NeesonandEwan McGregorwere full into character on the set of 1999’sStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.In an interview withConan O’Brienfor theConan O’Brien Needs a Friendpodcast (recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike), the 71-year-old actor recalled how he and McGregor, 52, “automatically” started making lightsaber noises the first time they pulled out their intergalactic weapons for a scene on set.“George [Lucas]said, ‘Uh, let’s cut there. Boys, we can add that in later,’ " Neeson joked.Of his and McGregor’s responses, the actor recalled, " ‘Yeah, of course. We knew that,’ " before miming holstering a lightsaber.“That’s hilarious. I wish they had left that in — wouldn’t that be so great?” said O’Brien, 60, miming the lightsaber noises and combat gestures himself. “You two just spitting at each other. That would be so, so funny-looking.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor inStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace(1999).RGR Collection/AlamyNeeson played Qui-Gon Jinn, the mentor of McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, inThe Phantom Menace, and later made cameo voice appearances as the character inStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones(2002) andStar Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker(2019).Qui-Gon died at the end ofThe Phantom Menacein a duel with Sith apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park). Before dying, Qui-Gon made Obi-Wan promise he would take on Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloydas a child and, later,Hayden Christensenas an adult) as a Jedi apprentice.Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson forStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace(1999).Photo 12/AlamyIn an interview withColliderpublished in January 2021, Neeson appeared surprised to be told fans of the film franchise still clamored to see him return as his popular Jedi character.“I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t heard that at all,” the actor said of whether he’s aware fans want him to return to the beloved role.When asked if he would ever consider a miniseries for the character, Neeson said, “Sure, I’d like to, but I’m wondering ifStar Warsstarting to fade awayfrom the cinema landscape, do you think?“After hearing of McGregor’s then-upcomingObi-Wan Kenobiseries on Disney+, he added, “Oh, so they are sort of spinoffs are they?” before smiling and adding, “I’d be up for that! Yeah.”
Liam NeesonandEwan McGregorwere full into character on the set of 1999’sStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.
In an interview withConan O’Brienfor theConan O’Brien Needs a Friendpodcast (recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike), the 71-year-old actor recalled how he and McGregor, 52, “automatically” started making lightsaber noises the first time they pulled out their intergalactic weapons for a scene on set.
“George [Lucas]said, ‘Uh, let’s cut there. Boys, we can add that in later,’ " Neeson joked.
Of his and McGregor’s responses, the actor recalled, " ‘Yeah, of course. We knew that,’ " before miming holstering a lightsaber.
“That’s hilarious. I wish they had left that in — wouldn’t that be so great?” said O’Brien, 60, miming the lightsaber noises and combat gestures himself. “You two just spitting at each other. That would be so, so funny-looking.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor inStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace(1999).RGR Collection/Alamy
RGR Collection/Alamy
Neeson played Qui-Gon Jinn, the mentor of McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, inThe Phantom Menace, and later made cameo voice appearances as the character inStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones(2002) andStar Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker(2019).
Qui-Gon died at the end ofThe Phantom Menacein a duel with Sith apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park). Before dying, Qui-Gon made Obi-Wan promise he would take on Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloydas a child and, later,Hayden Christensenas an adult) as a Jedi apprentice.
Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson forStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace(1999).Photo 12/Alamy
Photo 12/Alamy
In an interview withColliderpublished in January 2021, Neeson appeared surprised to be told fans of the film franchise still clamored to see him return as his popular Jedi character.
“I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t heard that at all,” the actor said of whether he’s aware fans want him to return to the beloved role.
When asked if he would ever consider a miniseries for the character, Neeson said, “Sure, I’d like to, but I’m wondering ifStar Warsstarting to fade awayfrom the cinema landscape, do you think?”
After hearing of McGregor’s then-upcomingObi-Wan Kenobiseries on Disney+, he added, “Oh, so they are sort of spinoffs are they?” before smiling and adding, “I’d be up for that! Yeah.”
source: people.com
