The film followsJedi MasterQui-Gon Jinn and his apprenticeObi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protectPadmé Amidala ofNaboo in her mission to resolve an interplanetary trade dispute. They also confront the mysterious return of theSith with the Force-sensitive young slaveAnakin Skywalker joining their efforts.
Following the release ofReturn of the Jedi (1983), talks of a follow-up were proposed, but Lucas was not motivated to return to the franchise. During the hiatus, the backstories he created for the characters, particularly Anakin's, sparked interest in him to develop a prequel trilogy during the 1990s. After he determined thatcomputer-generated imagery (CGI) had advanced to the level he wanted for the prequel trilogy'svisual effects, Lucas began writingThe Phantom Menace in 1993, and production began in 1994. Filming started in June 1997—at locations atLeavesden Film Studios, at theRoyal Palace of Caserta in Italy and the Tunisian desert—and ended in September.
The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, almost 16 years after the premiere ofReturn of the Jedi. The film's premiere was extensively covered by media and was widely anticipated because of the large cultural following theStar Wars saga had cultivated. Upon its release,The Phantom Menace received mixed reviews from critics. While the visual effects were praised, criticism was largely focused on its exposition and characters—particularlyJar Jar Binks.
The film was a box-office success and broke numerous records. It grossed $924 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, becoming thehighest-grossing film of 1999, thesecond-highest-grossing film of all-time, and the third-highestin North America (behindTitanic andStar Wars), as well as the highest-grossingStar Wars film at the time (not factoring in inflation). The film has been re-released several times, including a 20123D reissue which brought its overall worldwide gross to over $1 billion.Attack of the Clones (2002) andRevenge of the Sith (2005) followedThe Phantom Menace, rounding out theStar Wars prequel trilogy.
The Trade Federation has disrupted order in theGalactic Republic byblockading the planetNaboo in secret preparation for a full-scale invasion. The Republic's leader, Supreme ChancellorFinis Valorum, dispatchesJedi MasterQui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice,Obi-Wan Kenobi, to negotiate with Trade Federation ViceroyNute Gunray.Darth Sidious, aSith Lord and the Trade Federation's secret benefactor, orders the Viceroy to kill the Jedi and begin their invasion with an army ofbattle droids. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan escape and flee to Naboo. Amid the invasion, Qui-Gon rescues a bumblingGungan outcast,Jar Jar Binks. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fail to persuade the Gungan leaderBoss Nass to aid the planet's surface dwellers but manage to obtainJar Jar's guidance and underwater transport to Theed, the capital city of Naboo. After rescuing QueenPadmé Amidala, the group makes their escape from Naboo aboard her royal starship, intending to reach the Republic capital planet ofCoruscant.
The ship is damaged passing through the Federation blockade but spared from destruction byastromech droidR2-D2, and the group lands for repairs on the outlyingdesert planet ofTatooine, situated beyond the Republic's jurisdiction. Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, R2, and Padmé, disguised as one of her own handmaidens, visit the settlement of Mos Espa to purchase a new part for the hyperdrive. They encounter a junk dealer,Watto, and his nine-year-old slaveAnakin Skywalker, a gifted pilot and engineer who has built aprotocol droid,C-3PO. Qui-Gon senses a strong presence ofthe Force within Anakin and is convinced that he is the prophesied "Chosen One," who is destined to restore balance to the Force. With Watto refusing to accept payment in Republic currency, Qui-Gon wagers both the required hyperdrive part and Anakin's freedom on apodrace. Anakin wins the race and joins the group to be trained as a Jedi, leaving behind his mother,Shmi. En route to their starship, Qui-Gon is attacked byDarth Maul, Sidious's apprentice, who was sent to capture Amidala. After a brieflightsaber duel, Qui-Gon escapes on board the starship with the others.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan escort Padmé to Coruscant so she can plead her people's case to Valorum and theGalactic Senate. Qui-Gon asks theJedi Council for permission to train Anakin as a Jedi, but the Council refuses, concerned that Anakin is vulnerable to the dark side of the Force due to his age. Undaunted, Qui-Gon vows to train Anakin anyway. Naboo's SenatorPalpatine persuades Amidala to call for avote of no confidence in Valorum to elect a more capable leader and to resolve the crisis. Though she successfully pushes for the vote, Amidala grows frustrated with the corruption in the Senate and decides to return to Naboo. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are ordered by the Jedi Council to accompany the queen and investigate the return of the Sith, whom they had believed to be extinct for more than a millennium.
On Naboo, Padmé reveals herself as the queen before the Gungans and persuades them to join in an alliance against the Trade Federation. Jar Jar is promoted to general and joins his tribe in a battle against the droid army, while Padmé leads the search for Gunray in Theed. During a battle in a hangar, Anakin flees to a starfighter and accidentally triggers itsautopilot, traveling to the battle against the Federation droid control ship, and inadvertently causes the control ship's destruction from within, which deactivates the droid army. Meanwhile, Darth Maul infiltrates the Theed Palace and engages Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in a lightsaber duel. Maul mortally wounds Qui-Gon before being bisected by Obi-Wan and falling down a shaft. Before Qui-Gon dies, he asks Obi-Wan to train Anakin.
The Republic arrests Gunray, and Palpatine is elected as Chancellor. Jedi Grand MasterYoda promotes Obi-Wan to the rank of Jedi Knight and reluctantly accepts Anakin as Obi-Wan's apprentice. That evening, at Qui-Gon's funeral, Yoda contemplates the likelihood of a second Sith Lord existing beyond Maul, given legends about Sith lords always having a master. The following day, a celebration of their victory on Naboo and the reconciliation of the Gungans and Naboo is held, where Padmé rewards Boss Nass with a peace-making trophy.
Liam Neeson asQui-Gon Jinn, aJedi Master who discovers Anakin Skywalker and under the belief that the boy is destined to bring balance to the force as the prophesied "Chosen One", insists that he be trained as a Jedi, despite the Jedi Council's refusal to do so. Lucas originally wanted to cast an American actor in the role but cast Neeson (who isIrish) because he considered that Neeson had great skills and presence. Lucas said Neeson was a "master actor, who the other actors will look up to, who has got the qualities of strength that the character demands."[5]
Jake Lloyd asAnakin "Ani" Skywalker, a nine-year-old slave boy and a skilled pilot who dreams of becoming a Jedi. Hundreds of actors were tested across the UK, Ireland, Canada and the United States[5] before the producers settled on Lloyd, who Lucas considered met his requirements of "a good actor, enthusiastic and very energetic". ProducerRick McCallum said that Lloyd was "smart, mischievous, and loves anything mechanical—just like Anakin."[6][7]
Natalie Portman asPadmé Amidala, the fourteen-year-old Queen ofNaboo, who hopes to protect her planet from the Trade Federation's blockade invasion. Throughout most of the film, she uses her birth name Padmé Naberrie and poses as one of the queen's handmaidens for protection. Over 200 actresses auditioned for the role.[8] The production notes stated that "The role required a young woman who could be believable as the ruler of that planet, but at the same time be vulnerable and open". He stated, "I was looking for someone who was young, strong, along the lines ofLeia [and] Natalie embodied all those traits and more".[5] Portman was unfamiliar withStar Wars before being cast,[5] but was enthusiastic about being cast as a character she expected to become a role model. Portman said, "It was wonderful playing a young queen with so much power. I think it will be good for young women to see a strong woman of action who is also smart and a leader."[9]
Ewan McGregor asObi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon's twenty-five-year-old Jedi Padawan, who holds his master in high regard but questions his motives at times, especially when it seems he is breaking the rules of the Jedi. McGregor was cast from a shortlist of fifty actors, all of whom had to be compared to pictures of youngAlec Guinness, who portrayed the elderly Obi-Wan, to make a believable younger version.[10] McGregor had a vocal coach to help his voice sound closer to Guinness's. He also studied several of Guinness's performances, from his early work and the originalStar Wars films.[5] McGregor said, "[We] had a lot of work to do to establish the plot and set up the saga as a whole, such as introducing the idea of the Senate and the Jedi."[11]
Ahmed Best asJar Jar Binks, a clumsyGungan exiled from his home and taken in by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Best was hired after casting director Robin Gurland saw him on aStomp performance inSan Francisco.[6] Best was originally intended to provide motion capture data, but his offer to voice the character was accepted. On the set, to provide references for the actors, Best was clothed in a suit made of foam and latex and a headpiece. Best's filmed performance was later replaced with the computer-generated character.[12] Best frequently improvised movements to make Jar Jar look as clumsy and comedic as possible.[6]
Pernilla August asShmi Skywalker, Anakin's mother, who is concerned for her son's future but allows him to leave with the Jedi. August, a veteran of Swedish cinema, was chosen after auditioning with Liam Neeson. She was afraid of being rejected because of her accent.[12]
Ian McDiarmid asPalpatine / Darth Sidious, a middle-aged senator of Naboo and a secret Sith Lord who orchestrates the invasion of his home planet to get elected Supreme Chancellor.[13] He is the Trade Federation's mysterious benefactor, and the titular "Phantom Menace". In a 1998 interview forStar Wars Insider, McDiarmid said he was surprised when Lucas approached him sixteen years afterReturn of the Jedi to reprise the role of Palpatine, having assumed that a younger actor would play the role in the prequel films.[14][15][16]
Anthony Daniels asC-3PO, a protocol droid built by Anakin. He lacks a metal covering in this film; R2-D2 humorously refers to it as being "naked". Industrial Light & Magic's Michael Lynch, dressed in a color closely matching the background—in a manner similar to the Japanese puppet theaterBunraku— manipulated a skeletal C-3PO figure attached to his front while Daniels read his lines off-camera. The puppeteer was erased from the film during post-production.[6][17] Lucas told Daniels that his character was created by Anakin while discussing the plot line at Leavesden Studios in 1997.[18][19]
Kenny Baker asR2-D2, an astromech droid from Naboo that saves Queen Amidala's ship when other astro droids fail. Before the film's production started, fans campaigned on the Internet to retain Baker as R2-D2; Lucas replied that the actor would reprise the role.[20] Baker is used for scenes where R2-D2 bends forwards and backwards and wobbles from side-to-side. Robots and a digital model were used in other shots.[21]
Frank Oz asYoda, the centuries-old Jedi Grandmaster and head of the Jedi Council who is apprehensive about allowing Anakin to be trained. Yoda was mostly portrayed as a puppet designed byNick Dudman based onStuart Freeborn's original design. Oz controlled the puppet's mouth, and other parts were controlled by puppeteers using remote controls.[12] Lucas fitted Yoda's filming around Oz's schedule as he finished and promotedIn & Out.[22] A computer-generated Yoda is featured in two distant shots.Warwick Davis (who played the part of the Ewok Wicket W. Warrick inReturn of the Jedi in 1983) portrays him in the scene where Obi-Wan becomes a Jedi Knight.[23] Lucas said he originally wanted to use a full-time digital Yoda, but the attempts did not work well enough at the time. Beginning with the 2011Blu-ray release ofThe Phantom Menace, which was also used for the 3D reissue, a CG Yoda replaced the puppet entirely.[24]
Terence Stamp asFinis Valorum, the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic who commissions Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon to negotiate with the Trade Federation viceroy. Lucas described the character as a "good man but he's beleaguered—a bit like[Bill] Clinton".[27]
Keira Knightley asSabé, one of Queen Amidala's handmaidens who serves as her decoy throughout the majority of the film.[28]
Nute Gunray, the viceroy of the Trade Federation who leads Naboo's invasion and tries to force Queen Amidala to sign a treaty to legitimize their occupation of the planet.
Ki-Adi-Mundi, a wise and powerful Jedi Master who sits on the council.
Mas Amedda, a Chagrian politician and Vice Chair of the galactic senate.
Additionally,Brian Blessed voicedBoss Nass, the leader of the Gungan tribe who allies with the Naboo surface dwellers;Andy Secombe voicedWatto, a junk dealer on Tatooine who owns Anakin and his mother as slaves; andLewis MacLeod voicedSebulba, an aggressive, scheming podracer who is Anakin's main rival at the Boonta Eve podrace.Greg Proops andScott Capurro voiced Fode and Beed, respectively, the two-headed announcer of the Boonta Eve Race.Alan Ruscoe appears as Jedi MasterPlo Koon andNeimoidian Daultay Dofine, commander of the Trade Federation's droid control ships.Ralph Brown playsRic Olie, commander of the Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps and chief pilot aboard Queen Amidala's starship, whileMatthew Wood appears as the Twi'lekBib Fortuna alongside a CGIJabba the Hutt, who is voiced by Scott Schumann.Dominic West plays the role of Jerus Jannick a Naboo Palace Guard,Celia Imrie appears as a fighter pilot, andSofia Coppola appears as Saché, one of Amidala's handmaidens. Christian Simpson appears as Lieutenant Gavyn Sykes.[32]Lindsay Duncan voices TC-14, a protocol droid on the Federation ship.[33]Sally Hawkins made her screen debut as an uncredited villager.[34]Mark Hamill's son, Nathan makes a cameo appearance as one of the Royal Guards of Naboo.[35]
While writing theoriginalStar Wars film (1977),[a]George Lucas decided the story was too vast to be covered in one film. He introduced a wider story arc that could be told in sequels if it became successful.[36][37] He negotiated a contract that allowed him to make two sequels, and over time created an elaboratebackstory to aid his writing process.[38] While writing the second film,The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Lucas considered directions in which to take the story. In the original trilogy, Darth Vader was revealed to have been Anakin Skywalker, a once-powerful Jedi Knight, and a traitor to the Jedi Order.[39] With this backstory in place, Lucas decided that the movies would work best as a trilogy.[40] In the trilogy's final episode,Return of the Jedi (1983), Vader is redeemed through an act of sacrifice for Luke.[41]
Throughout the 1980s, Lucas said he had no desire to return toStar Wars and had canceled hissequel trilogy by the time ofReturn of the Jedi. However, because Lucas had developed most of the backstory, the idea of prequels continued to fascinate him.[42] In the early 1990s,Star Wars saw a resurgence in popularity in the wake ofDark Horse'scomic line andTimothy Zahn'strilogy of novels.[43][c] Lucas saw that there was still a large audience for his idea of a prequel trilogy, and with the development of special effects generated withcomputer-generated imagery (CGI), Lucas considered returning to his saga and directing the film.[44] In October 1993, it was announced inVariety and other sources that he would be making the prequels.[45][43] Lucas began outlining the story; Anakin Skywalker rather than Obi-Wan Kenobi would be the protagonist, and the series would be a tragedy examining Darth Vader's origins. A relic of the original outline was that Anakin would, like his son, grow up on Tatooine.[46] Lucas also began to change the prequels' timeline relative to the original series; instead of filling in the tangential history, they would form the beginning of a long story that started with Anakin's childhood and ended with his death. This was the final step toward turning the franchise into a saga.[47]
Lucas began writing theStar Wars prequel trilogy on November 1, 1994. The screenplay ofStar Wars was adapted from Lucas's 15-page outline that was written in 1976, which he designed to help him keep track of the characters' backstories and events that occurred before theoriginal trilogy.[48] Anakin was first written as a twelve-year-old, but Lucas reduced his age to nine because he felt that the lower age would better fit the plot point of Anakin being affected by his mother's separation from him. Eventually, Anakin's younger age led Lucas to rewrite his participation in the movie's major scenes.[49] The film's working title wasThe Beginning, with the title not being changed toThe Phantom Menace until shortly before the film's completion.[48] Lucas later revealed that thePhantom Menace title was a reference to Palpatine hiding his true identity as an evil Sith Lord behind the facade of a well-intentioned public servant.[50]
The larger budget and possibilities opened up by the use of digital effects made Lucas "think about a much grander, more epic scale—which is what I wantedStar Wars to be".[51] The story ended with five simultaneous, ongoing plots, one leading to another. The central plot is Palpatine's intent to become Chancellor, which leads to the Trade Federation's attack on Naboo, the Jedi being sent there, Anakin being met along the way, and the rise of the Sith Lords. As with the original trilogy, Lucas intendedThe Phantom Menace to illustrate several themes throughout the narrative. Duality is a frequent theme; Amidala is a queen who passes as a handmaiden, Palpatine plays on both sides of the war, among others. "Balance" is frequently suggested; Anakin is supposedly "the one" chosen to bring balance to the Force—Lucas said, "Anakin needed to have a mother, Obi-Wan needed a Master, Darth Sidious needed an apprentice" as without interaction and dialogue, "you wouldn't have drama".[52]
In November 2015,Ron Howard confirmed that he,Robert Zemeckis andSteven Spielberg were approached by Lucas to directThe Phantom Menace. All three approached directors told Lucas that he should direct the film, as they each found the project "too daunting."[53]
Before Lucas had started writing, his producing partnerRick McCallum was preparing for the film. McCallum stated that his experience withThe Young Indiana Jones Chronicles led to many of his decisions onThe Phantom Menace, such as long-term deals with actors and soundstages, the employment of recent graduates with no film experience, and the creation of sets and landscapes with digital technology. In April 1994, McCallum started searching for artists in art, architecture and design schools, and in mid-year he began location scouting with production designer Gavin Bocquet.Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) art directorDoug Chiang impressed McCallum the most and was hired as the design director.[54][55] Art development on the film began in January 1995.[56]
Within three to four months of Lucas beginning the writing process, Chiang and his design team started a two-year process of reviewing thousands of designs for the film.[57] Chiang stated that Lucas intendedEpisode I to be stylistically different from the otherStar Wars films; it would be "richer and more like a period piece, since it was the history leading up toA New Hope." The story takes place on three planets, some with varied environments such as the human and Gungan cities of Naboo and three buildings in Coruscant. With the exception of the Gungan city, which had anArt Nouveau-inspired visual, these locations would be given distinctive looks with some basis in the real world. The concept drawings ofRalph McQuarrie for the original trilogy served as the basis for Mos Espa—which was also inspired by old Tunisian hotels and buildings and had touches such as a marketplace to differentiate it fromA New Hope's Mos Eisley—and Coruscant, in particular a metropolis design that became the basis for the Senate.[58] Bocquet would later develop the work of Chiang's team and design the interiors, translating the concepts into construction blueprints with environments and architectural styles that had some basis in reality "to give the audience something to key into."[59] Some elements were directly inspired by the original trilogy; Lucas described the battle droids as predecessors to thestormtroopers. Chiang uses that orientation to base the droids on the Imperial soldiers, only in the same style of stylized and elongated features seen in tribal African art.[51]
Terryl Whitlatch, who had a background on zoology and anatomy, was in charge of creature design. Many of the aliens are hybrids, combining features of real animals. At times, entire food chains were developed, even though only a small percentage of them would appear in the film. Whitlatch also designed detailed skeletons for the major characters and facial muscles on Jar Jar Binks as a reference for ILM's animators. Each creature would reflect its environment; those on Naboo were more beautiful because the planet is "lush and more animal-friendly", Tatooine has rough-looking creatures "with weather-beaten leathery skin to protect them from the harsh desert elements", and Coruscant has bipedal, human-looking aliens.[60]
The film made extensive use of the new technique of digital pre-visualization, using computers to essentially create 3-D animated storyboards. This was done for dozens of scenes in the film but was first and primarily used in the pod race sequence. Animatic supervisor David Dozoretz, also an ILM alum, worked on this sequence for nearly three years, and at one point had a 25-minute version of the race, although the film only included a 9-minute version.[61][62]
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi dueling Darth Maul. Lucas wanted the lightsaber battles to be fast and more intense than those of the original trilogy, depicting the Jedi in their prime. This scene was highly praised by critics and audiences.
Stunt coordinatorNick Gillard was recruited to create a new Jedi fighting style for the prequel trilogy. Gillard likened the lightsaber battles to a chess game "with every move being acheck". Because of their short-range weapons, Gillard thought that the Jedi would have had to develop a fighting style that merged every sword fighting style, such askendo and otherkenjutsu styles, with other swinging techniques, such as tennis swings and tree-chopping. While training Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor, Gillard wrote a sequence that lasted around 60 seconds and intended to be around five or six sequences per fight.[63] Lucas later referred to the Jedi as "negotiators" rather than high-casualty soldiers. The preference of hand-to-hand combat was intended to give a spiritual and intellectual role to the Jedi.[63] Because Gillard thought that the stunt jumps with the actors and stuntmen dangling from wires did not look realistic,air rams were used to propel them into the air instead.[64]
Lucas decided to make elaborate costumes, because the film's society was more sophisticated than the one depicted in the original trilogy. DesignerTrisha Biggar and her team created over 1,000 costumes that were inspired by various cultures.[65] Biggar worked closely with concept designer Iain McCaig to create a color palette for the inhabitants of each world: Tatooine followedA New Hope with sun-bleached sand colors, Coruscant had grays, browns and blacks, and Naboo had green and gold for humans while Gungans wore "a leathery look, like their skin". The Jedi costumes followed the tradition from the original film;[66] Obi-Wan's costume was inspired by the costume that was worn by Guinness. Lucas said he and Biggar would look at the conceptual art to "translat[e] all of these designs into cloth and fabric and materials that would actually work and not look silly". Biggar also consulted Gillard to ensure that the costumes would accommodate action scenes, and consulted the creature department to find which fabrics "wouldn't wear too heavily" on the alien skins. A huge wardrobe department was set up atLeavesden Film Studios to create over 250 costumes for the main actors and 5,000 for the background ones.[67] McCaig initially designed Darth Maul as a cross "between a ghost and aserial killer" after he was given a piece of the script where it stated "give me your worst nightmare", but when Lucas saw the design, it terrified him. He closed the book and told McCaig "give me your second worst nightmare". McCaig later based Darth Maul's design onBozo the Clown.[68]
Nute Gunray'sThai accent was chosen after Lucas and McCallum listened to various languages to decide how the Neimoidians would speak.[69] The character design ofWatto was an amalgam of rejected ideas; his expressions were based on video footage of Secombe's voice acting, photographs of animation supervisorRob Coleman imitating the character, and modeler Steve Alpin saying Watto's lines to a mirror.[70] Lucas describedSebulba's design as "a spider crossed with anorangutan crossed with asloth",[71] with acamel-like face, and clothing inspired by medieval armor.[72]
AfterSamuel L. Jackson expressed interest in appearing in aStar Wars film, he was approached by casting director Robin Gurland to playMace Windu.[6]Tupac Shakur was also considered for the role of Mace Windu.[73]Ray Park, amartial arts champion with experience in gymnastics and sword fighting, was originally a member of the stunt crew.[6] Stunt coordinatorNick Gillard filmed Park to demonstrate his conception of the lightsaber battles. Lucas and McCallum were so impressed with the test tape that they gave Park the role of Maul. His voice was considered "too squeaky" and wasdubbed over in post-production byPeter Serafinowicz.[12]Keira Knightley's parents tried to convince her not to audition, but she still sought a role since she was aStar Wars fan.[74] The casting was influenced by Knightley's remarkable similarity to Natalie Portman, with Knightley admitting their mothers could not tell them apart.[75] Knightley was reported to have "cried every single day" due to finding the wardrobe uncomfortable.[74]
Over 3,000 actors auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker includingHaley Joel Osment,Cameron Finley,Justin Berfield andMichael Angarano beforeJake Lloyd was selected.[76][77]Vinette Robinson auditioned for the role of Padmé Amidala.[78]Benicio del Toro was initially cast as Darth Maul before later leaving the project when the character's lines were cut.[79]Michael Jackson expressed interest in playing Jar Jar Binks, but he wanted to do it in prosthetic makeup while Lucas wanted to do it in CGI.[80]Joseph Fiennes auditioned for the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi and nearly landed the part until Lucas's daughter rejected him upon meeting him during the second level of auditioning.[81] According to McCaig, in the first draft of the script Neeson's character was originally named Obi-Wan Kenobi and McGregor's character was named Qui-Gon Jinn; with the young Qui-Gon taking on the name of Obi-Wan upon the elder Jedi's death, however, these roles were reversed late in filming.[82]
Silas Carson was cast as Nute Gunray because another actor was uncomfortable with the costumes used by the Trade Federation characters, which were hot, exerted a lot of pressure on the bearer, and took about 15 minutes to apply.Hugh Quarshie considered the part of Panaka as "a good career move" and a production that would be fun to make.[83]Brian Blessed originally auditioned for the role ofSio Bibble, the Governor of Naboo,[84] for which he was considered "too loud".[85] Casting director Robin Gurland approached him to play Nass because it was a "bigger than life" character with "a kind of bravado".[86] Blessed described Nass as a "reluctant hero".[85]Sofia Coppola, daughter of Lucas' long-time friend and creative partnerFrancis Ford Coppola, considers Lucas as "like an uncle to me". As she prepared the script for her directorial debutThe Virgin Suicides, Coppola heard Lucas would be making a newStar Wars film and asked him if she could accompany him during filming. Lucas offered Coppola a role in the royal entourage, which she accepted because it "seemed like a good vantage point to watch without getting in the way".[87]
Remains of Mos Espa in the Tunisian desert, nearNafta
Filming began on June 26, 1997, and ended on September 30 of that year, primarily taking place atLeavesden Film Studios in England. Leavesden was leased for a two and a half year period so the production company could leave the sets intact and return afterprincipal photography had been completed.[88] The forest scenes on Naboo were filmed atCassiobury Park inWatford, Hertfordshire.[89][90]Pick-ups were shot between August 1998 and February 1999 after Lucas screened a rough cut of the film for friends and colleagues in May 1998.[91] Most of the action and stunts were filmed byRoger Christian'ssecond unit, which worked alongside the main unit instead of afterwards because of the high number of shots to be completed daily.[64]
The Tunisian desert was again used for the Tatooine scenes;[92] Mos Espa was built outside the city ofTozeur. On the night following the third day of shooting in Tozeur, an unexpected sandstorm destroyed many of the sets and props. The production was quickly rescheduled to allow for repairs and was able to leave Tunisia on the date originally planned.[93] The ItalianCaserta Palace was used as the interior of the Theed City Naboo Palace;[92] it was used as a location for four days after it had been closed to visitors. Scenes with explosions were filmed on replica sets in Leavesden.[94]
ThePalace of Caserta, in Italy, was the location for the Naboo Royal Palace.
A binder with the film's storyboards served as a reference for live-action filming, shots that would be filmed in front of achroma key blue screen, and shots that would be composed using CGI. The sets were often built with the parts that would be required on screen; often they were built only up to the heights of the actors. Chroma key was extensively used for digital set extensions, backgrounds, or scenes that required cinematographerDavid Tattersall to seek powerful lamps to light the sets and visual effects supervisorJohn Knoll to develop software that would remove the blue reflection from shiny floors. Knoll, who remained on set through most of the production, worked closely with Tattersall to ensure that the shots were suitable to add effects later. The cameras were fitted withdata capture models to provide technical data for the CGI artists.[95]
The Phantom Menace was the finalStar Wars film to be shot mainly on35mm film untilThe Force Awakens (2015). Some scenes, mostly of elements filmed by the special effects team, were shot on high definition digital video tapes to test the performance of digital recordings, which Lucas and McCallum considered the next logical step because of the amount of digitizing—an expensive process compared to recording directly on digital media—for the compositing of computer-generated effects. A couple of digitally shot scenes made it into the movie, one of them being of Qui-Gon taking a blood sample of Anakin Skywalker.[96] Later prequel trilogy filmsAttack of the Clones (2002) andRevenge of the Sith (2005) would be shot usingSonyCineAlta high-definition video cameras.[97][98]Greg Proops andScott Capurro were filmed wearing makeup and blue bodysuits so their heads could be joined in a computer-generated body. The visual effects crew did not like the original results and crafted Fode and Beed as an entirely computer generated alien.[99]
Because of the amount of visual effects produced, editing took two years; Paul Martin Smith started the process in England and focused on dialogue-heavy scenes.Ben Burtt—who was also the film'ssound editor—was responsible for action sequences under Lucas's supervision.Non-linear editing systems played a large part in translating Lucas's vision; he constantly tweaked, revised and reworked shots and scenes. The final sound mix was added in March 1999, and the following month, the film was completed after the delivery of the remaining visual effects shots.[100]
"Writing the script was much more enjoyable this time around because I wasn't constrained by anything. You can't write one of these movies without knowing how you're going to accomplish it. With CG at my disposal, I knew I could do whatever I wanted".
The film saw a breakthrough in computer generated effects. About 1,950 of the shots inThe Phantom Menace have visual effects. The scene in which toxic gas is released on the Jedi is the only sequence with no digital alteration.[71] The work was so extensive that three visual effects supervisors divided the workload among themselves—John Knoll supervised the on-set production and the podrace and space battle sequences,Dennis Muren supervised the underwater sequence and the ground battle, andScott Squires, alongside teams assigned forminiature effects and character animation, worked on the lightsaber effects.[102]
Until the film's production, many special effects in the film industry were achieved using miniature models,matte paintings and on-set visual effects—although other films had made extensive use of CGI. Knoll previewed 3,500storyboards for the film; Lucas accompanied him to explain factors of the shots that would be practical and those that would be created through visual effects. Knoll later said that on hearing the explanations of the storyboards, he did not know how to accomplish what he had seen. The result was a mixture of original techniques and the newest digital techniques to make it difficult for the viewer to guess which technique was being used. Knoll and his visual effects team wrote new computer software, includingcloth simulators to allow a realistic depiction of the digital characters' clothing, to create certain shots. Another goal was to create computer-generated characters that could act seamlessly with live-action actors. While filming scenes with CGI characters, Lucas wouldblock the characters using their corresponding voice actors on-set. The voice actors were then removed and the live-action actors would perform the same scene alone. A CGI character would later be added into the shot to complete the conversation.[103] Lucas also used CGI to correct the physical presence of actors in certain scenes.[71] Practical models were used when their visuals helped with miniature sceneries for backgrounds, set extensions and model vehicles that would bescanned to create the digital models or filmed to represent spaceships and podraces.[104]
Lucas, who had previously confronted problems with the props used to depict R2-D2, allowed ILM and the production's British special effects department to create their own versions of the robot. Nine R2-D2 models were created; one was for actor Kenny Baker to be dropped into, seven were built by ILM and featured two wheelchair motors capable of moving 440 pounds (200 kg), enabling it to run and be mostly used in stage sets, and the British studio produced a pneumatic R2-D2 that could shift from two to three legs and was mostly used in Tunisia because its motor drive system allowed it to drive over sand.[105]
Lucas originally planned to create many of the aliens with computer graphics, but those that would be more cost-effectively realized with masks andanimatronics were created by Nick Dudman's creature effects team. These included the Neimoidians, background characters in Mos Espa, the Jedi Council, and the Galactic Senate. Dudman's team was told where the creatures would be required six months before principal photography begun, and they rushed the production. The Neimoidian suits, which were originally intended as digital characters, were delivered one day before they would be required on set. Dudman traveled to Skywalker Ranch to see the original creatures that could be reused, and read the script for a breakdown of scenes with practical creatures, leaving only the more outlandish designs to be created using CGI.[106]
To research for the podrace vehicles, the visual effects crew visited a jet aircraft junkyard outsidePhoenix, Arizona and scavenged fourBoeing 747 engines.[71] Life-sized replicas of the engines were built and sent to Tunisia to provide reference in the film. Except for Jake Lloyd inside a hydraulically controlled cockpit and a few practical podracer models, the entire podracing scene—which the effects crew designed to be as "out of this world" as possible—is computer-generated.[92][107] Lucas told the effects crew to take references fromFormula 1 crashes, where the highkinetic energy leads the vehicles to spin and break into pieces upon impact, leading to the creation of dedicated plugins to shatter the pod engines.[108]
Like previousStar Wars films,The Phantom Menace makes several references to historical events and films that George Lucas watched in his youth. TheStar Wars films typically mix several concepts from different mythologies together, drawing heavily from thehero's journey, an archetypical template developed bycomparative mythologistJoseph Campbell.[109] The film also notably borrows fromBen-Hur (1959), including the podrace sequence, which mirrors thechariot race scene, the rivalry between Anakin and Sebulba, which mirrors that of Ben-Hur and his former friend turned enemy Messala and the end celebration scene closely resembles a Roman parade inBen-Hur.[110]
The face of Darth Maul drew upon depictions of the devil.
There are many references toChristianity in the film, such as the appearance of Darth Maul, whose design draws heavily from traditional depictions of thedevil, complete with red skin and horns.[109] TheStar Wars film cycle features a similar Christian narrative involving Anakin Skywalker; he is the "Chosen One"—the individual prophesied to bring balance to the Force—who was conceived of avirgin birth. However, unlikeJesus, Anakin will eventually fall from grace and seemingly fail to fulfill his destiny (until the prophecy comes true inReturn of the Jedi).[111]
Japanese films such asAkira Kurosawa'sThe Hidden Fortress (1958) influenced the originalStar Wars film; scholars say thatThe Phantom Menace was likewise influenced by Korean and Japanese culture. Film historians Geoff King and Tanya Krzywinska write, "The costume and make-up designs ... favour a mixture of the gothic and the oriental over anything very futuristic. The gothic is most strongly apparent in Darth Maul's demonic horns and the red and black make-up mask that borrows from the facial designs found in depictions of Japanese demons." King and Krzywinska say that "Qui-Gon's pony tail and Obi-Wan's position of apprentice further encourage a reading in terms of the Samurai tradition". They also say "Amidala, in keeping with her status and character, has a number of highly formal outfits ... to go with hair sculpted into a curve that frames make-up of a Japanese cast".[112]
The Jedi practiceZen-like meditation andmartial arts, as did the ancient JapaneseSamurai warriors. The name "Qui-Gon" adapts the termqigong, which refers to a Chinese discipline involving meditation and cultivation of the flow of the vital energy called "qi" for healing, health, and combat. The wordsqi (Chinese),gi (Korean),ki (Japanese), and the Indian term "Prana" all refer to the energy that is thought to flow through all living things, from the source of allqi (or power), which is "The Way" or "TheTao" in Chinese philosophy. InTaoist philosophy, from The Way,yin and yang—the opposing but complementary aspects of reality or nature—are born. Unlike Chinese philosophy, in which yin and yang are not moral qualities, the ancient Persian philosophy ofZurvanism taught that the dualism of dark and light forces are locked in an eternal battle while being two sides (or evolutes) of the same "Force", the force of time itself (Zurvan)—the prime mover. These elements derive primarily fromEastern and Iranian religions and myths.[109]
As with otherStar Wars films, themes about family and hope are featured prominently. In theDisney Gallery: The Mandalorian episode "Legacy",Dave Filoni explains that the use of "Duel of the Fates" during the lightsaber duel between Darth Maul against Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan represents the fight for the fate of Anakin Skywalker. According to Filoni, Qui-Gon acts like a father figure towards Anakin because he feels he needs one after taking him from his mother, having realized that the Jedi shouldn't be opposed to love and care. In the end, Qui-Gon dies, and thus Anakin loses his father figure; Obi-Wan ultimately becomes his master to honor Qui-Gon's dying wish despite his initial contempt for him, and while he comes to eventually see him like a brother as shown inAttack of the Clones andRevenge of the Sith, he doesn't act like a father, which coupled with the Jedi's indifference, seals Anakin's fate.[113]
The film contains dramatic irony which the following sequels would also connect with and gain from the original trilogy. Due to the original trilogy being released first, some of the audience had already seen what followed and knew some things the characters did not know; Palpatine's true nature as the main antagonist of the saga and Ben Kenobi mentioning the Clone Wars, the Great Jedi Purge, the fall of the Republic, the rise of the Empire and a bit about Anakin's backstory to Luke Skywalker.[114] Although C-3PO's role is smaller in the film, the audience knows he would see R2-D2 again and that they would later play significant roles alongside Anakin's children in forthcoming galactic events. Other significant dramatic ironies include Darth Vader's breathing andThe Imperial March being featured in the end credits; this reminds the audience that despite Anakin's portrayal as an innocent boy and Qui-Gon's belief he is The Chosen One, the following sequels would inevitably explore his transformation into the Sith Lord.[115][d]
While the Battle of Naboo is seemingly a victory for the protagonists, what they do not know that the audience knows is that it is actually a step forward in Darth Sidious' plans for galactic domination. Although Obi-Wan has defeated Darth Maul, the true antagonist has not been nor held to account for his actions. Maul's death robs Sidious of his assassin but the Sith master's survival means he is free to continue his facade as the benign politician, manipulate the galaxy's forthcoming events and pull the strings for his dark purposes.[e] The audience also knows (which Obi-Wan and the other heroes do not) that Sidious, being a patient long-term strategist would use Anakin as a tool to help him fulfil his objectives as well as playing a role in Anakin's turn to the dark side. After Qui-Gon's death, Anakin would seek out another father figure, Palpatine but would not know his true identity and nature until it is too late. The film significantly establishes Anakin's Achilles heel; fear of losing people he cares for. Sidious would later manipulatethat fear inRevenge of the Sith. While Anakin is freed from slavery by a Jedi in the film, he becomes a slave of the Sith at the end of the prequel trilogy.While Anakin takes his first fateful steps away from his mother to become a Jedi inThe Phantom Menace, he takes his final steps on a metaphorical bridge his new father figure creates inRevenge of the Sith to become the Sith Lord the audience already knows.[117]
The film shares several parallels with the original and sequel trilogies. While reflecting on the parallels between Anakin and Luke duringThe Beginning: The Making of Episode I, George Lucas said, "It's like poetry, sort of: they rhyme."[118] Darth Sidious/Emperor Palpatine's first appearance in the prequel and original trilogies is via a hologram. His different roles as the phantom menace and Emperor are referenced in the opening crawl ofThe Rise of Skywalker.[f] Qui-Gon's relationship with Anakin mirrors Ben Kenobi's relationship with Luke. BothThe Phantom Menace andA New Hope mark the beginning of a young Skywalker's journey to become a Jedi on the same planet, Tatooine. Although Anakin and Luke start off with the same ambition the former is hesitant about leaving his mother behind and does not want things to change. While the latter loses his aunt and uncle he is prepared to accept the changes he faces before moving forward on his path. So Luke inadvertently accepts his grandmother's lesson to Anakin about change bringing inevitable loss. At the end ofReturn of the Jedi, the redeemed Anakin finally accepts his late mother's lesson to him as a boy when he requests his helmet to be removed - knowing that his death can not be prevented. Obi-Wan's reaction to his master's death mirrors Luke's reaction to Ben Kenobi's death; both Obi-Wan and Luke witness their master/mentor fighting a Sith Apprentice of Sidious. Anakin, Luke and Rey lose their mentor in the first film of their respective trilogy and this impacts their journeys as they try to find their place in the galaxy.
Anakin's destruction of the Droid Control Ship in the first film of the prequel trilogy echoes Luke's destruction of the Death Star in the first film of original trilogy.[118] R2-D2 participates with a young Skywalker piloting a starfighter during the space battles in bothThe Phantom Menace andA New Hope. Both films end with a victory celebration however Sidious remains undefeated and the protagonists still have a series of forthcoming challenges to face; both Anakin and Luke struggle with the dark side but the latter displays resilience and is ultimately defined by the choices he makes (including his compassion for his father). Professor of Philosophy, John C. McDowell insists that the parallels are not limited to Anakin and Luke.[118] He establishes parallels between Padme and Leia; both display courage and wisdom beyond their years and fight for justice.[118] Both the Gungans and Ewoks help the heroes and courageously fight and triumph over a superior technological force. There is a bit of a resemblance between Maul's starship,Scimitar and Vader's TIE Advanced starfighter; their manufacturer is Sienar Fleet Systems (formerly known as Republic Sienar Systems during the Republic era and events ofThe Phantom Menace).[119]
As with previousStar Wars films,Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace'sscore was composed and conducted byJohn Williams. He started composing the score in October 1998 and began recording the music with the London Voices andLondon Symphony Orchestra atAbbey Road Studios on February 10, 1999. Williams decided to use electronic instruments such assynthesizers to enhance the sound and choral pieces to "capture the magical, mystical force that a regular orchestra might not have been able to provide", and create an atmosphere that was "more mysterious and mystical and less military" than those of the original trilogy.[120] One of the most notable tracks is "Duel of the Fates", which uses the chorus to give a religious, temple-like feel to the epic lightsaber duel. The track was made into a music video.[121] While composing Anakin's theme, Williams tried to reflect the innocence of his childhood and to foreshadow his transformation into Darth Vader by using slight suggestions of "The Imperial March" in the melody.[120]
The film's soundtrack was released bySony Classical Records on May 4, 1999. The album made its broadcast premiere on C101.5 FM Mohawk College Radio's soundtrack program, Cinematic Sound, hosted by Erik Woods on May 1, 1999.[122] This album featured the score, which Williams restructured as a listening experience; it is not presented in film order and omits many notable cues from the film because of the space restriction of the compact disc.[123] A two-disc "Ultimate Edition" was released on November 14, 2000. The set features the entire score as it is heard in the film, including all of the edits and loops that were made for the sound mix.[124]
The firstteaser trailer was released on selected screens accompanyingMeet Joe Black on November 17, 1998,[128][g] and media reported that people were paying full admission at theaters to see the trailer. Other films that played this trailer includedThe Waterboy,The Siege andA Bug's Life.[130] To keep fans from leaving before the movie was over, some theaters played the teaser an additional time after the film finished.[131] The second trailer debuted on March 12, 1999, in front ofWing Commander's theatrical screenings.[132] Again, many fans paid full theater admission to watch the new trailer.[133] A bootlegged version of the preview was leaked to the Internet the same day.[134] The next morning, the trailer was released on the film's official website and shortly afterwards the servers became overloaded.[135] This trailer had over 1 million downloads within its first 24 hours of release, setting a record for the most downloaded trailer at the time.[136][137] It would hold this record for a year until it was surpassed byThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) in April 2000.[138][139] The theatrical trailer caused even more media attention because it was premiered in theaters and screened at the ShoWest Convention inLas Vegas,[140] and was aired onEntertainment Tonight andAccess Hollywood.[134]
The teaserposter, featuring Anakin with his shadow forming Darth Vader's silhouette, was released on November 10, 1998. After Lucas opted for a drawn theatrical poster,Drew Struzan, the artist responsible for the Special Edition posters, was commissioned to illustrate, and the poster was unveiled on March 11, 1999. Lucasfilm dictated that, contractually, Struzan's illustration was the only art the foreign distributors could use, and other than the text, it could not be modified in any way.[141] The film also reused theGodzilla (1998) slogan on teaser posters.[142]
A novelization was written byTerry Brooks, who met with Lucas before writing the book and received his approval and guidance. It includes some scenes that are not in the film and foreshadows pending developments in the following two installments of the series.[143] Additionally, aScholastic junior novelization was written byPatricia C. Wrede.[144] A four-issuecomic book adaptation was written byHenry Gilroy and published byDark Horse Comics.[145] The film was again adapted as part of the all-agesStar Wars: The Prequel Trilogy – A Graphic Novel, released byDisney-Lucasfilm Press in 2017.[146]
The release of the first newStar Wars film in 16 years was accompanied by a considerable amount of attention.[149] According toThe Wall Street Journal, so many workers announced plans to view the premiere that many companies closed on the opening day.[150] Queue areas formed outside cinema theaters over a month before ticket sales began.[151] More theater lines appeared when it was announced that cinemas were not allowed to sell tickets in advance until two weeks into the release. This was because of a fear that family theater-goers would be either unable to receive tickets or would be forced to pay higher prices for them. Instead, tickets were to be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.[152] However, after meetings with theNational Association of Theatre Owners, Lucasfilm agreed to allow advance ticket sales on May 12, 1999, provided there was a limit of 12 tickets per customer.[153] As a result, some advance tickets were sold byscalpers at prices as high asUS$100 apiece, which a distribution chief called "horrible" and said was exactly what they wanted to avoid.[154]Daily Variety reported that theater owners received strict instructions from Lucasfilm that the film could only play in the cinema's largest auditorium for the first 8–12 weeks, no honor passes were allowed for the first eight weeks, and they were obliged to send their payments to distributor 20th Century Fox within seven days.[155]
Despite worries about the film being finished on time, two weeks before its theatrical release, Lucasfilm moved the release date from May 21 to 19, 1999. At the ShoWest Convention, Lucas said the change was intended to give the fans a "head start" by allowing them to view it during the week and allowing families to view it during weekends. Eleven charity premieres were staged across the United States on May 16, 1999; receipts from theLos Angeles event, where corporate packages were available for betweenUS$5,000 andUS$25,000; proceeds were donated to theElizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.[156] Other charity premieres included theDallas premiere for theChildren's Medical Center, the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at theSloan-Kettering Hospital in New York, theBig Brother/Sister Association of thePhiladelphia premiere, and theChildren's National Medical Center inWashington, D.C. A statement said that tickets were sold atUS$500 apiece and that certain sections of the theaters were set aside for disadvantaged children.[157]
The film opened at 12:01 am on Wednesday, May 19, 1999, in 2,010 theaters in the United States and Canada. An additional 960 theaters screened the film later in the day. About 120 theaters showed the film continuously on opening day, including theZiegfeld Theatre in New York City and theChinese Theatre in Los Angeles.[158] Foreshadowing his future conversion todigital cinematography, Lucas said the film would be released on four digital projectors (two in New York and two in Los Angeles) on June 18, 1999.[159] Few film studios released films during the same week:DreamWorks andUniversal Studios releasedThe Love Letter on May 21 andNotting Hill on May 28, respectively.[160]The Love Letter was a commercial failure butNotting Hill fared better and followedThe Phantom Menace closely in second place.[161] Employment consultant firmChallenger, Gray & Christmas estimated that 2.2 million full-time employees missed work to attend the film, resulting in aUS$293 million loss of productivity.[162]
Comparison between the puppet of Yoda, present in the original 1999 theatrical and 2001 DVD releases, and the computer-generated model, present in the 2011 Blu-ray Disc and 3D releases
The film was released onVHS on April 3, 2000, in the United Kingdom. It was released in North America a day later and in Japan and Brazil on April 8 in what was claimed as the tightest worldwide release for a home video.[164] There were two versions of the film, which were a standardpan and scan version and awidescreen Collector's Edition version. In its first two days of availability in the United States, the regular version sold 4.5 million copies and the limited edition sold 500,000.[165]
A year later on June 19, 2001, it was announced thatThe Phantom Menace would become the firstStar Wars film to be officially released onDVD, in a slightly extended cut from the theatrical releases.[166] ThisTHX certified two-disc DVD release debuted on October 16 of the same year.[167] The first disc contains the film and the second disc contains special features. On the first disc, there are three randomized selected menus themed to the planetsNaboo,Tatooine andCoruscant.[168] There is anEaster egg located in the options menu. When the THX Optimizer is highlighted, the viewer can press 1-1-3-8. By doing this, some bloopers and DVD credits will be shown.[169] The special features include seven deleted scenes completed specifically for the DVD, a commentary track featuring Lucas and producer Rick McCallum, and several documentaries—including a full-length documentary entitledThe Beginning: Making Episode I.[168][170] There are also DVD-ROM features, including trailers forAttack of the Clones (2002).[171]
Upon its DVD premiere on October 16, 2001,The Phantom Menace competed with other major DVD titles that were released that month, includingSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) andThe Godfather trilogy.[172] It became the fastest-selling DVD title of all time in the United States with 2.2 million copies being sold in its first week after release.[173][174] This surpassed the previous record briefly held byThe Mummy Returns (2001) two weeks prior, which sold 2 million copies within its first week.[175] Less than a month later,The Phantom Menace's record for being the fastest-selling DVD was taken byShrek (2001) when it sold 2.5 million copies in its first three days.[176]The Phantom Menace was one of the only four films to sell over 2 million DVD copies during their first weeks of release at the time, with the others beingThe Mummy Returns,Shrek andHow the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).[177] The film would overall earn $45 million from its first week DVD sales, more than the theatrical releases ofFrom Hell,Riding in Cars with Boys,Training Day (all 2001) and other post-9/11 films.[173]
At the 5th Annual DVD awards,The Phantom Menace won four categories: Viewers' Choice Award, Best Menu Design, Best Authoring and Best Audio Presentation, with the latter award being tied withPearl Harbor (2001).[178]
A fullscreen version of the DVD was released in 2002 to coincide with the home video release ofAttack of the Clones. A two-pack DVD release in that format would premiere at the same time.[179]
The DVD version was re-released in a prequel trilogy box set on November 4, 2008.[180] ALaserDisc version ofThe Phantom Menace was released inJapan on April 7, 2000, a year and a half before it was available on DVD in the U.S.[181] TheStar Wars films were released by20th Century Fox Home Entertainment onBlu-ray Disc on September 16, 2011;[182]The Phantom Menace was restored to improve the picture quality and remove the magnification present on the previous DVD release, restoring approximately 8% of the picture to the frame.[183] In the Blu-ray release ofThe Phantom Menace, the Yoda puppet was replaced with a CGI model, making it consistent with the other films of theprequel trilogy.[184]
On September 28, 2010, it was announced that all six films in the series would be stereo-converted to3D. These would be re-released in episode order, beginning withThe Phantom Menace, which was released to cinemas on February 10, 2012.[189] Prime Focus Limited did the conversion under the supervision of ILM.[190] However, the 3D re-releases of EpisodesII–VI were postponed or canceled after Lucasfilm was bought byThe Walt Disney Company, who decided to focus on the development ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).[191]
Lucas stated the 3D re-release was "just a conversion" of the film's 2011Blu-ray release and no additional changes were made.[192] Only a change to Anakin's magnetic wand during the podrace scene—its tip was sharpened to more accurately fit the original 2D photography to the new 3D image—was confirmed.[193]
General Mills andBrisk were promotional partners in North America for the 3D re-release but promotion was limited.[194][195] The film was extensively promoted in Japan; promotional products were sold by7-Eleven,Domino's Pizza, Pepsi and Gari-Gari Kun.[196]Kellogg's promoted the film internationally,[197][198] and French restaurantQuick launched threeStar Wars-themed burgers. Lucasfilm also partnered withVariety, the Children's Charity to raise funds for children through the sale of a special edition badge.[199]
On February 10, 2024, it was announced thatThe Phantom Menace would be re-released by20th Century Studios on May 3, 2024, for the film's 25th anniversary. The film's re-release announcement was accompanied by a new poster by artist Matt Ferguson.[200] A preview for the TV seriesThe Acolyte was shown after these screenings.[201][h]
Following an advance screening on Saturday, May 8, 1999, several newspapers broke an agreement with Fox and published reviews of the film on Sunday, May 9. In a front-page review, theLos Angeles Daily News gave it 3½ stars calling it "pretty good" overall and "outstanding in many parts". TheNew York Daily News was less positive, giving it 2½ stars.Variety also made its review byTodd McCarthy available on the Sunday[203] with McCarthy calling it "the most widely anticipated and heavily hyped film of modern times" but said that the film "can scarcely help being a letdown on some levels, but it's too bad that it disappoints on so many" and that "it is neither captivating nor transporting, for it lacks any emotional pull, as well as the sense of wonder and awe that marks the best works of sci-fi/fantasy".[204]
On review aggregatorRotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 54% based on 289 reviews, with an average rating of 6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Burdened by exposition and populated with stock characters,The Phantom Menace gets theStar Wars prequels off to a bumpy—albeit visually dazzling—start."[205] As of February 2025, the film is the second lowest-rated live-action film of theStar Wars series just ahead ofThe Rise of Skywalker (2019).[206] OnMetacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[207] Audiences polled byCinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[208]
Many aspects of the script and characters were criticized, especially that of Jar Jar Binks, who was regarded by many members of the older fan community astoyetic—a merchandising opportunity rather than a serious character.[209][210] Ahmed Best had later said that he contemplated suicide after receiving backlash for his portrayal.[211]Kenneth Turan of theLos Angeles Times described Binks as "a major miscue, a comic-relief character who's frankly not funny".[212] Drew Grant ofSalon wrote, "Perhaps the absolute creative freedom director George Lucas enjoyed while dreaming up the flick's 'comic' relief—with no studio execs and not many an independently minded actor involved—is a path to the dark side."[213]
Conversely,Roger Ebert of theChicago Sun-Times gave it three-and-a-half stars out of four and called it "an astonishing achievement in imaginative filmmaking" and said, "Lucas tells a good story." Ebert also wrote that, "If some of the characters are less than compelling, perhaps that's inevitable" because it is the opening film in the new trilogy. He concluded his review by saying that rather thanStar Trek films, filmmakers could "[g]ive me transparent underwater cities and vast hollow senatorial spheres any day".[214]Owen Gleiberman ofEntertainment Weekly gave the film a "B" grade and complimented Liam Neeson's performance and the action scenes.[215] In anEntertainment Weekly review for the DVD release, Marc Bernardin gave the film a "C−", calling it "haplessly plotted, horribly written, and juvenile".[216] ReelViews'James Berardinelli wrote, "Looking at the big picture, in spite of all its flaws,The Phantom Menace is still among the best 'bang for a buck' fun that can be had in a movie theater," and said the film was a "distinct improvement" overReturn of the Jedi.[217] In 2024, Brian Lowry ofCNN praised the film for its "duel of fates" between Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan, the Emperor's long game of how the Sith were to outmaneuver the Jedi, and the digital effects.[218]
Andrew Johnston ofTime Out New York wrote, "Let's face it: no film could ever match the expectations some have forEpisode I – The Phantom Menace. Which isn't to say it's a disappointment: on the contrary, it's awesomely entertaining, provided you accept it on its own terms ... Like the original film, it's a Boy's Own adventure yarn with a corny but irresistible spiritual subtext. The effects and production design are stunning, but they always serve the story, not the other way around."[219] Susan Wloszczyna ofUSA Today said that the film does "plenty right" and praised the characters Darth Maul and Watto.[220] David Cornelius of efilmcritic.com said that the film's better moments "don't merely balance out the weaker ones—they topple them".[221] Colin Kennedy ofEmpire magazine said that despite problems with pacing and writing, "there is still much pleasure to be had watching our full-blown Jedi guides in action". He praised the visuals and Liam Neeson's performance and said that the duel between Darth Maul and the Jedi is "the saga's very best lightsaber battle".[222]
Empire magazine rankedThe Phantom Menace on its list of "500 Greatest Movies of All Time",[223] whileEntertainment Weekly andComcast included the film on their lists of the worst movie sequels.[224][225] James Berardinelli wrote, "The Phantom Menace was probably the most overhyped motion picture of the last decade (if not longer), and its reputation suffered as a result of its inability to satisfy unreasonable expectations."[226] William Arnold of theSeattle Post-Intelligencer agreed that the film's massive hype caused many of the negative reactions, saying, "it built expectations that can't possibly be matched and scuttled [the] element of storytelling surprise". He also said that the film was "well made and entertaining" and was much better than similar box office fare released around that year, such asThe Mummy andThe Matrix.[227] Ewan McGregor said in 2002 that he was "slightly disappointed" that the film was "kind of flat" and believed the next film in the franchise would have "much more humor and...color."[228]
The introduction ofmidi-chlorians—microscopic organisms that mediate use of the Force—has been regarded as controversial.[229] Some viewed it as a concept that negates the Force's spiritual quality. Film historian Daniel Dinello says, "Anathema toStar Wars fanatics who thought they reduced the Force to a kind of viral infection, midi-chlorians provide a biological interface, the link between physical bodies and spiritual energy."[230] Religion expertJohn D. Caputo writes, "In the 'Gospel according to Lucas', a world is conjured up in which the intractable oppositions that have tormented religious thinkers for centuries are reconciled ... The gifts that the Jedi masters enjoy have a perfectly plausible scientific basis, even if its ways are mysterious: their bodily cells have a heavier than usual concentration of 'midi-chlorians'."[231]
There has been some controversy over whether several alien characters reflectracial stereotypes. For example, the oafish, slow-witted Jar Jar Binks has long droopy ears reminiscent of dreadlocks and spoke with what many perceived as a Caribbeanpatois reminiscent ofJamaican Creole.[232] Andrew Howe rejects most such connections, arguing that only Jar Jar's accent links him to the Caribbean and no other factor.[233] However, Nicholas Wanberg argues that linguistic analysis of Jar Jar's accent shows no common features with Caribbean English save those it also shares with American English,[234] although he concedes that Jar Jar is constructed with tropes typical of ethnically stereotyped characters.[235] Similarly, Drew Grant describes the character as "[s]ervile and cowardly ... a black minstrel-ish stereotype on par withStepin Fetchit."[213]Georgetown University professor ofAfrican-American studiesMichael Eric Dyson says that the entire Gungan species seems suggestive of a primitive African tribe, with Boss Nass portrayed as "a fat, bumbling ... caricature of a stereotypical African tribal chieftain."[209] The greedy and corrupt Neimoidians of the Trade Federation have been noted as resembling East Asian stereotypes,[236] and the unprincipled trader Watto has been interpreted as aJewish stereotype reminiscent ofCharles Dickens' characterFagin.[237] Lucas has denied all of these implications,[209] instead criticizing the American media for using opinions from the Internet as a reliable source for news stories. Lucas added that it reflects more the racism of the commenters than it does the movie;[238] however, animator Rob Coleman said ahead of the film's release that Watto's mannerisms were inspired by footage ofAlec Guinness as Fagin inOliver Twist.[239]
Even though it received mixed reviews,The Phantom Menace was a financial success, breaking manybox office records in its debut, and beating outThe Mummy by taking number 1. The film brokeThe Lost World: Jurassic Park's records for the largest single-day gross for taking more than $28 million in the opening day and fastest to gross $100 million in five days. Additionally, it grossed $64.8 million in its opening weekend, the second highest ever at the time, behindThe Lost World: Jurassic Park.[240] It also became the quickest film to reach the $200 million and $300 million marks, surpassingIndependence Day (1996) andTitanic (1997), respectively.[241][242]The Phantom Menace held both records beforeSpider-Man took them in 2002.[243][244] It would go on to earn $105.7 million, making it the highest five-day Wednesday opening weekend of all time.[240] The film had the biggest opening weekend for any20th Century Fox film for two years until 2001 when it was taken byPlanet of the Apes.[245] Its opening day record was handed toHarry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone two years later.[246] 4 years later in 2003,The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King surpassedThe Phantom Menace for having the largest Wednesday gross, as well as the highest five-day Wednesday opening weekend.[247] During its second weekend,The Phantom Menace made $51.3 million, making it thehighest-grossing second weekend at the time, surpassingJurassic Park (1993). The film would hold this record until it was surpassed a year later byHow the Grinch Stole Christmas.[248] In total, the film stayed at the top of the box office for three weeks until it was overtaken byAustin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me during its fourth weekend.[249]The Phantom Menace was 1999's most successful film, staying in the Top 10 until August 5 (11 weeks total), earning $431.1 million in the United States and Canada.[250]Box Office Mojo estimates that the film sold over 84.8 million tickets in the US in its initial theatrical run.[251]
The film set an opening record in Japan, grossing $12.2 million in its first two days from 403 screens.[252] In the UK, the film also set an opening record with £9.5 million in its opening weekend (including previews), surpassingMen in Black (1997).[253][254] It would go on to hold this record for a few months until it was taken byToy Story 2 in early 2000.[255]The Phantom Menace also grossed a record $11 million in its opening weekend in Germany.[256] Outside the United States and Canada, the film grossed over $10 million in Australia ($25.9 million), Brazil ($10.4 million), France and Algeria ($43 million), Germany ($53.9 million), Italy ($12.9 million), Japan ($109.9 million), Mexico ($12 million), Spain ($25 million), and the United Kingdom and Ireland ($81.9 million).[257] Its overseas total was $493.2 million, taking its worldwide total to $924.3 million.[250] At that time, the film was thethird-highest-grossing film in North America behindTitanic andStar Wars (1977),[258] and thesecond-highest-grossing film worldwide behindTitanic without adjusting for inflation of ticket prices.[259]
After its 3D re-release in 2012, the worldwide box office gross exceeded $1 billion,[260] making it the firstStar Wars film and the 11th film in history—excluding inflation—to do so.[260][261] Although in the intervening years, the film had lost some of its rankings in the lists of highest-grossing films, the 3D re-release returned it to the worldwide all-time Top 10 for several months.[262] In North America, its revenues overtook those of the originalStar Wars as the saga's highest-grossing film when not adjusting for inflation of ticket prices, and is the tenth-highest-grossing film in North America as of August 2017[update].[263] In North America, its ranking on the Adjusted for Ticket Price Inflation list climbed to 16th place—one place behindReturn of the Jedi.[264] The 3Dre-release, which premiered in February 2012, earned $43 million—$22.5 million of which was in North America—worldwide.[265] The 3D re-release earned US$102,727,119 worldwide—including $43.5 million in North America—and has increased the film's overall box office takings to $474.5 million domestically, and $552.5 million in other territories.[261] The 25th anniversary re-release debuted in second place at the U.S. and Canadian box office behindThe Fall Guy with $8.8 million and grossed an additional $6.4 million internationally, bringing its weekend total to $14.5 million worldwide.[266]
A month after the film's release,"Weird Al" Yankovic released the parody song and music video "The Saga Begins", in which he interprets the film's plot from Obi-Wan's point of view to the tune ofDon McLean's "American Pie";[275] this was included as a bonus feature on a 2011Star Wars Blu-ray.[276] June 1999 also hadSouth Park parodying Jar Jar Binks in the episode "Jakovasaurs", which had the townspeople of South Park getting annoyed at extraterrestrials who spoke and behaved similarly to Jar Jar to reflect the hatred writersMatt Stone andTrey Parker had for the character.[277]
Qui-Gon Jinn did not physically appear inAttack of the Clones however archival recordings of Liam Neeson appear as a disembodied ghostly voice heard by Anakin through the Force as he was slaughtering the Tusken Raiders. Despite his death during the Battle of Naboo, he returned as a Force ghost inStar Wars: Clone Wars,[k]Star Wars: The Clone Wars andObi-Wan Kenobi (2022).[284] Some footage ofThe Phantom Menace can be seen in a recap of the prequel trilogy at the beginning ofObi-Wan Kenobi Part I.[285] Qui-Gon also appeared as a Jedi Padawan as well as Jedi Master inStar Wars: Tales of the Jedi.[284] Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Samuel L. Jackson made vocal cameos as Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu respectively inThe Rise of Skywalker.[286]
Following the reappraisal of the prequel trilogy, Ahmed Best has continued his association with his character and the franchise. He voiced a Sith Lord version of Jar Jar inLego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (2024-2025).[287] Best previously voiced Jar Jar inStar Wars: The Clone Wars. On 11 October 2025, it was announced that he and Marc Guggenheim would co-write aMarvel Comics issue,Jar Jar Binks #1 featuring Jar Jar and another character Best portrayed - Jedi Master Kelleran Beq.[288][l] Following his portrayal of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq inThe Mandalorian season 3, Best discussed the possibility of playing Jar Jar again saying, “I would never say never. I don’t feel like Jar Jar’s story was ever closed”.[290]
Since the release ofThe Phantom Menace, many people who have worked on theStar Wars films and viewers have defended the prequel trilogy.[296] Ewan McGregor said that he found it difficult dealing with the criticism saying, "For it to come out and get knocked so hard was personally quite difficult to deal with".[297] He also said that his opinion of the prequels improved as he met fans who grew up with them and "realized how important our films have been to them", stating that critics "just wanted to feel like they were seven or eight again, and they didn't get that," and defending how George Lucas attempted to do something different rather than just "make another threeStar Wars films that felt like the original ones".[298][299] Such a point of view was reflected by Richard Newby ofThe Hollywood Reporter, on the 20th anniversary ofThe Phantom Menace, who acknowledged that "the film didn't live up to the lofty expectations that many fans of the original trilogy held for 16 years", but that the fan backlash never changed his own appreciation of the film, that he first saw as a child and even as Newby started to notice the film's flaws as he grew up, "they expanded theStar Wars universe in a way that kept me interested."[300]
Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin Skywalker inAttack of the Clones andRevenge of the Sith, reflected that by going back to the character as a child inThe Phantom Menace, "George Lucas subverted our expectations and understanding of this character" and made it a good starting point for Anakin's character development throughout the trilogy.[301][302][303] In a 2018Saturday Night Livecomedy rap video, Natalie Portman dresses up as Queen Amidala and threatens an interviewer who tries to mock the prequels.[304] Anthony Daniels, who has portrayed C-3PO in theSkywalker saga,one anthology film,one animated film,radio series and numerous television shows, said in his memoirs that following a reappraisal of the prequel trilogy that "the years have been kinder to this, the first Prequel. Many, who were young at the time, still hold it, and Jar Jar Binks as their dearest memory of the Saga."[305] He also said that Darth Maul remains one of his favourite characters in the saga - despite his limited appearance in the film.[306] In a 1999 interview forStar Wars Insider, he said that he "enjoyed [the film] immensely".[307][308]
Many members of the prequel production team have defended the character of Jar Jar Binks and its portrayer Ahmed Best. In an interview withAndy Cohen, Liam Neeson said that he was proud of his involvement with the film, and expressed how he was distressed at the backlash at Best, "one of the funniest and most talented guys [he's] ever worked with."[309][310] Visual effects supervisorJohn Knoll reflected that "George took a lot of the criticism pretty harshly", down to reducing Jar Jar's role in the following two movies, and that he was happy to see Best received with a standing ovation at the 2019Star Wars Celebration Chicago.[296] Animation directorRob Coleman said that twenty years later he still has younger people coming up to him and telling him that Jar Jar is their favorite character,[296] and digital model designer Jean Bolte, who cited Jar Jar Binks as one of her favorite characters to work with alongside Sebulba and Yoda, added that "seeing and hearing the fans so interested in which one was our contribution…. It really completely changed my point of view about being privileged to have had anything to do with these films."[296][311][312]
During the Celebration, George Lucas named Jar Jar as his favourite character and praised Best saying, "Ahmed, you did a fantastic job. It was very, very hard."[313] Best himself said he was moved by the newfound appreciation and support he received duringThe Phantom Menace 20th anniversary panel (atStar Wars Celebration)[313] - given the previous backlash, adding that it was possible because for the ones who saw the movie as children, "the prequels, that's theirs, and they defend the prequels. So I see the same thing. I see the resurgence ofThe Phantom Menace."[296][312] He cited the audience (the film was aimed for) reaching adulthood and their perspective as some of the reasons for the newfound appreciation forThe Phantom Menace.[296]
^Known as 20th Century Studios for 2024 theatrical re-release[4]
^Coruscant was first described in the Legends novel,Heir to the Empire and made its first live-action appearance in the 1997 Special Edition release ofReturn of the Jedi.
^This is echoed by the 1998 poster showing Anakin Skywalker casting Darth Vader's shadow behind him.[116]
^During the funeral of Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu wondered whether Darth Maul was the master or the apprentice. There is an emphasis on the music when the newly-elected Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (secretly the master, Darth Sidious) is in shot. The audience is aware about Palpatine's true identity however the Jedi and heroes are unaware about it. They would not know until Palpatine reveals his identity to Anakin at the end of the Clone Wars inRevenge of the Sith.
^"Meanwhile, Supreme Leader KYLO REN rages in search of the phantom Emperor."
^This was remastered in 4K to mark the film's 25th anniversary in 2024.[129]
^This television series is set at the end of the High Republic era and a 100 years before theSkywalker saga.[202]The Phantom Menace is set in 32 BBY thereforeThe Acolyte is set in 132 BBY.
^This marked his first live-action appearance sinceThe Phantom Menace.
^Ahad Sanwari (June 17, 2025)."Meet Mark Hamill's three children who've appeared in Star Wars too".hellomagazine.com. New York: HELLO!. RetrievedOctober 16, 2025.Nathan Elias Hamill has the Star Wars world in his blood — he was born in June 1979, in the middle of production for the franchise's magnum opus, 1980's The Empire Strikes Back. He made his first appearance in the franchise with a cameo as one of the Royal Guards of Naboo in 1999's Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
^Liz Declan (February 3, 2024)."Star Wars' First Post-Credits Tease Actually Happened 25 Years Ago".screenrant.com. Screen Rant. RetrievedNovember 4, 2025.As pointed out in Pablo Hidalgo's Star Wars: Fascinating Facts, the end of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace features a black screen with the infamous heavy breathing of Darth Vader's mask. Although audiences would have known that the boy in the movie was going to become Darth Vader, it was surely jarring after seeing young Anakin, who was seemingly so innocent. This was no doubt in part the point; not only does it signal what is to come in the rest of the trilogy, but it also serves as a reminder that Anakin is destined to turn to the dark side of the Force.
^Bill Bradley (March 24, 2022)."Star Wars' Iconic Anakin Poster May Be An Obi-Wan Spoiler".screenrant.com. Screen Rant. RetrievedNovember 5, 2025.The Phantom Menace first teased Anakin's dark turn to Darth Vader in a 1998 movie theater poster. The iconic Star Wars image showcased Jake Lloyd's young Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine, casting the shadow of Darth Vader behind him. Lucasfilm released two versions of the image, with Anakin casting the shadow over the desert in one and another one-sheet with Anakin's shadow covering a Tatooine hut behind him.
^{{cite web |author1=Anthony Breznican |title=Star Wars: The Rebellion Will Be Televised |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/05/star-wars-cover-the-rebellion-will-be-televised |website=vanityfair.com |publisher=Vanity Fair |access-date=16 October 2025 |date=17 May 2022 |quote=Slightly further off is The Acolyte, with a tale set about a century before the era of the Skywalkers.
^Hillis, Scott (May 9, 1999). "Variety pans "Phantom Menace" as papers jump gun".Reuters – via Yahoo! News.
^Howe, Andrew (2012). "Star Wars in Black and White: Race and Racism in a Galaxy Not So Far Away". In Bode, Douglas; Deyneka, Leah (eds.).Sex, Politics, and Religion in Star Wars: An Anthology. Scarecrow Press. pp. 18–19.
^Wanberg, Nicholas (2023). "'Machines Making Machines? How Peverse.' Racism, (White) Sexual Anxiety, the Droids of Star Wars and the Prequel Trilogy". In Farstad, Britt Johanne (ed.).Populating the Future: Families and Reproduction in Speculative Fiction. Gävle University Press. p. 257.
^"John Williams"(PDF). The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc. February 5, 2009.Archived(PDF) from the original on November 6, 2015. RetrievedFebruary 6, 2013.
^abStarWars.com Team (April 18, 2025)."In Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, the Former Sith Returns".starwars.com. StarWars.com. RetrievedOctober 16, 2025.After the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire.
^Andy Welch (May 27, 2022)."Obi-Wan Kenobi: episodes one and two recap – Ewan McGregor's best ever Star Wars performance".theguardian.com.The Guardian. RetrievedOctober 16, 2025.We opened, slightly unexpectedly, with an almost four-minute recap of the prequel trilogy – from Obi-Wan as a padawan, warning his master about the dangers of training Anakin in the ways of the force, right through to those fears being realised on the flaming banks of Mustafar's lava rivers.
^StarWars.com Team (October 11, 2025)."NYCC 2025: All the News and Reveals from the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel".starwars.com. RetrievedOctober 24, 2025.Co-writers Ahmed Best (who has portrayed both characters on screen in The Mandalorian and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, respectively) and Marc Guggenheim put Binks and Beq in a team-up for the ages in Jar Jar Binks #1. The main and variant covers, both featuring the beloved Gungan, were revealed during the panel.
Dowsett, Elizabeth; Beecroft, Simon; Fry, Jason; Hugo, Simon (2024).LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary Updated Edition (Hardback ed.). DK.ISBN9780241651339.
Grimes, Caleb; Winship, George (2006). "Episode I: The Phantom Menace".Star Wars Jesus: A spiritual commentary on the reality of the Force. WinePress Publishing.ISBN1579218849.
Hanson, Michael; Kay, Max S. (2000).Star Wars: The New Myth.ISBN9781401039899.
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