Qui-Gon Jinn

A towering Jedi Master with an unorthodox approach to the Force, Qui-Gon Jinn stands apart from his peers through his willingness to challenge the Jedi Council’s rigid doctrines. Born in 92 BBY, this human Force-wielder developed a deep connection to what he calls the “Living Force” — the immediate, ever-present energy that flows through all living things, rather than the cosmic Force that governs destiny and prophecy.

Portrayed by Liam Neeson, the character made his debut in The Phantom Menace as mentor to young Obi-Wan Kenobi. His discovery of nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine sets the entire saga in motion, as he becomes convinced the boy fulfils an ancient prophecy about bringing balance to the Force. This belief ultimately leads to his fatal lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord Darth Maul, though not before he extracts a promise from Obi-Wan to train the child.

The Jedi Master’s maverick tendencies often put him at odds with the Council’s conservative approach, earning him a reputation as a “pathfinding” Jedi who follows his instincts rather than protocol. His unconventional methods and philosophical differences with established Jedi doctrine suggest he might have been a powerful ally to Anakin during the young man’s later struggles with the dark side.

Following his death, the character appeared posthumously in Attack of the Clones and made brief appearances in The Clone Wars animated series, whilst his voice featured amongst other fallen Jedi encouraging Rey in The Rise of Skywalker.