Lee Jung Jae Called Qui-Gon Jinn His Source of Inspiration When Playing Jedi Master Sol in The Acolyte

Know Your Idol – The new series of the Star Wars franchise titled The Acolyte has aired the first two episodes since Wednesday (5/6/2024) on the Disney+ streaming service. Interestingly, the series directed by Leslye Headland also collaborates with the famous South Korean actor, Lee Jung Jae, who starred in the mega-hit Squid Game a few years ago. Unmitigated, in this series, which is his acting debut in Hollywood, Lee Jung Jae is believed to be a Jedi Master named Sol, one of the main characters. Master Sol is depicted as a Jedi who investigates the mysterious murder of another Jedi allegedly committed by a former Padawan or his own student, Osha. Lee Jung Jae shares his journey from being a fan of the Star Wars franchise to having the opportunity to join it as Jedi Master Sol. He also loves the main antagonists in the Star Wars universe, the Sith lords.

“Among the many characters in the Star Wars universe, there are many impressive and memorable Jedi characters. “There are also Sith Lords who I really like, and many cute and adorable characters in the story,” said Lee Jung Jae in a limited virtual interview.

Qui-Gon Jinn Becomes a Source of Inspiration

In playing the wise and respected Jedi Master Sol, Lee Jung Jae admitted that he was inspired by a Jedi figure named Qui-Gon Jinn. “However, I think the Jedi who really inspired me was Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson,” he explained. For your information, Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn is the mentor of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode 1). In the Star Wars universe, Qui-Gon Jinn is known for his courage and wisdom. Not only a warrior, Jedi Qui-Gon is also a mentor who is full of confidence. No wonder, Lee Jung Jae claims Qui-Gon Jinn as an ideal Jedi. “The way he plays that Jedi, I almost feel like he’s the standard of a Jedi,” he admitted.

Wants to Follow in Qui-Gon Jinn’s Footsteps

So impressed with the figure of Jedi Qui-Gon, Lee Jung Jae wanted to follow in his footsteps. “He really portrayed the classic image of a Jedi so well, that I felt I had to follow in Qui-Gon Jinn’s footsteps,” the 52-year-old actor continued. Without a doubt, he would choose the character Qui Gon Jinn among the many characters in the Star Wars saga FOR4D. “So, if I had to choose among the many existing characters, I would choose Qui-Gon Jinn,” he stressed.

Feel Grateful

Not only was it a Hollywood debut series, The Acolyte also made Lee Jung Jae the first Asian actor to play a Jedi Master. He never imagined he would have the opportunity to play in this series.

“Being part of the Star Wars family is a great honor, especially having the opportunity to play the role of a Jedi. Something that is hard to imagine happening, has happened to me. So, I am very grateful for that,” he said.

“And I want to repay my gratitude by doing my best in playing Master Sol,” he concluded.