Mini Steps: The Evolution Of The Qui-Gon Jinn Minifigure

The Prequel Trilogy – for some it is the revival of Star Wars for the next generation and for others it is an entire portion of canon that should be forgotten. Regardless, the Prequel Trilogy has undoubtedly brought a whole array of new characters and vehicles into the world of Star Wars, and in this Mini Steps column, one of those characters will be discussed.

Qui-Gon Jinn is – in movie chronology – the first Jedi Master that viewers meet in the Star Wars universe. Although he only appeared in The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon has still managed to get quite a few LEGO minifigure renditions.

With the release of the first wave of Episode I sets in 1999, Qui-Gon Jinn played a significant role and was found in four of the eight sets that year and five sets in total. This version is the only one to feature the classic yellow head and hands. Qui-Gon is unique because he required a specially molded hairpiece which was the first new male hairpiece since the original introduction of the minifigure in 1978. This hair would go on to be used for other minifigures in later years.

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We would not get an updated version of this Jedi Master until 2007. The minifig was completely different from its predecessor and featured all tan robes and a hood. This version was only found in the 7665 Republic Cruiser. Interestingly some versions of the set came with a Qui-Gon with the head print previously used on Obi-Wan Kenobi minifigures. Therefore, two similar variants exist. 

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It wouldn’t be until 2011 that the next Qui-Gon would be created. This time he had a flesh colored head, and his hair had been updated to reddish brown color. A new torso print was also created which would remain the same on all future Qui-Gon figures. He was exclusive to set 7961 Darth Maul’s Sith Infiltrator. The following year a very similar version was released with the updated 9499 Gungan Sub. Only the head was different and featured a breathing apparatus print to represent when Qui-Gon had to swim down to Gunga City. 

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Two years later Qui-Gon Jinn received another update and for the first time leg printing was added. The next three versions all share this same leg print. The first of these was featured in 75058 MTT and came with a “raised eyebrow print” head. The second was found in 75096 Sith Infiltrator and came with a “frown print” head. A cloth poncho was also added to this figure. The last version was found in 75169 Duel on Naboo and came with a “scared print” head. Interestingly this is the only version that doesn’t come with a cloth garment around his neck!

Qui-Gon Jinn may not be as prolific as the other characters that have received a Ministeps review, but eight variants featuring in eleven sets is not bad for a character that was only in one movie. Are there any other opportunities for a Qui-Gon to be included that we haven’t already seen? Is there any chance that we will see other podracers made in LEGO form that he could be included with? Share your thoughts below!

If this article has got you interested in minifigs then be sure to track all of these variants using the LSW Collector mobile application for Apple devices.