Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae revealed his extreme commitment to his role in The Acolyte, and his homage to Liam Neeson.

In his latest venture beyond the world of Squid Game, as Lee Jung-jae entered the Star Wars universe with the Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte, the actor showcased his dedication to his craft in a remarkable manner. Revealing behind-the-scenes details of filming, Jung-jae recalled going to extraordinary lengths to learn English for his role.

Lee Jung-jae in Star Wars: The Acolyte (2024) | Lucasfilm
Playing the High Republic Jedi character of Master Sol, Lee Jung-jae disclosed the thorough preparation he undertook for his role. Beginning tireless dialect preparation four months ahead of production, to perform in English, Jung-jae credited Star Wars legend Liam Neeson’s Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn from whom he took cues for his preparation.

Lee Jung-jae’s Meticulous Dialect Preparation for The Acolyte

Ahead of the release of his latest project Star Wars: The Acolyte, which launched him in Hollywood, following his Squid Game fame, Lee Jung-jae took his fans on a behind-the-scenes journey of his preparation. Appearing as a guest on Sung Si-kyung’s YouTube channel, Jung-jae disclosed the tireless physical and verbal training that he underwent for his role as Master Sol.

Speaking about the filming tenure as well as the pre-production training period, Lee Jung-jae noted filming a total of 8 episodes over 8 months. But ahead of beginning production, the actor revealed undergoing two months of martial arts training and four months of English language practice for The Acolyte, which now marks his first English-speaking role.

There were four dialogue coaches, and we took turns practicing (together) every day. They don’t talk much about emotions. They talk a lot about diction (pronunciation), and when it comes to emotions, they say, ‘You are an actor, so talk to the director about whether that emotion is right or not.’ 

Lee Jung-jae as Master Sol in The Acolyte | Lucasfilm

As I continued to correct my pronunciation, read in pauses, and flow (with coaches), both sides of my tongue were worn out, so I had a hard time eating. Even if I was sleeping, I had to mutter when I opened my eyes.

Meanwhile, Lee Jung-jae is expected to show various aspects of his character Master Sol in Star Wars: The Acolyte, who pursues a serial murder case in the show.

Lee Jung-jae Paid Tribute to Star Wars Legend Liam Neeson

Following Lee Jung-jae’s conversation about his required preparation for the role of Master Sol in The Acolyte, the Emmy-winning Squid Game actor told EW, how took cues from Liam Neeson’s Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn from The Phantom Menace. While preparing for his character, Jung-jae went to extreme lengths to perfect his performance, when he took inspiration from Neeson.

Admitting that he didn’t want to take inspiration from anywhere but the Star Wars franchise, Lee Jung-jae mentioned immersing himself in a galaxy far, far away. Venturing on the journey, Jung-jae recalled coming across Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, where Liam Neeson played Jedi Master Qui-Gon. Now, although the characters had no connection, Jung-jae mentioned trying to establish a connection.
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn in a still from Star Wars Episode I — The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm

I definitely was inspired by a lot of the past Jedi Masters and the wonderful actors that played them. And one of my favorite characters was Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson. I really kind of tried to find the connective tissue between him and my character, Master Sol.

Star Wars: The Acolyte explores the darker aspects of the Star Wars universe as a mystery-thriller that delves into the unprecedented Jedi serial murder case. Offering a unique perspective on the Force and the conflicts between Jedi and Sith, The Acolyte starring Dafne Keen, Manny Jacinto, Rebecca Henderson, and Lee Jung-jae, promises to be a captivating addition to the franchise.

Star Wars: The Acolyte episodes 1 and 2 are available on Disney+.