Liam Neeson was a rather unexpected action hero.  With the exception of a few movies (most notable Darkman in 1990), when he starred in The Phantom Menace, he was really only know for serious dramas like Schindler’s List, Rob Roy and Michael Collins.  That he would do a Star Wars movie surprised many, including me.  I thought he was too serious and maybe even “high brow” for a movie as “fun” as Star Wars.   Turns out the casting was an inspired move.