25 years ago, George Lucas ventured into the origins of his legendary saga with “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”
Released on May 19, 1999, the prequel introduced young Anakin Skywalker, future Darth Vader (Jake Lloyd); Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor); Naboo’s queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman); Gungan sidekick Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best); Darth Maul, wielder of a double-bladed lightsaber (Ray Park); and his master, Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid).
In honor of May the 4th, “Star Wars” Day, and the upcoming 25th anniversary of “The Phantom Menace,” we present a list of exceptional ways to celebrate “Episode I”:
1. See Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace in Theaters
“The Phantom Menace,” the first installment of the Skywalker Saga, will be re-released in theaters for a limited time in celebration of Star Wars Day. Tickets are now on sale for the 25th-anniversary event, which will include an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ series “Star Wars: The Acolyte.”
2. Watch Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace on Disney+
Stream the complete Star Wars saga on Disney+ and enjoy deleted scenes unavailable elsewhere. Including extended podracing footage and additional scenes from Qui-Gon’s lightsaber battle with Darth Maul on Tatooine.
3. Read Marvel’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special Comic
Told from Anakin Skywalker’s perspective, the “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special” comic book features original stories set before, during, and after the movie’s events. Written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Will Sliney, the one-shot is available in print and digital formats. Phil Noto provided the cover art for this special issue.
4. Go Behind the Scenes of The Phantom Menace With a Feature-Length Documentary
The official Star Wars YouTube channel has released the full version of the documentary “The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I” for free online. This comprehensive behind-the-scenes feature covers every stage of production for “The Phantom Menace,” from pre-production to visual effects, editing, and theatrical release.
5. Revisit The Phantom Menace Trailer
Audiences attending films such as Meet Joe Black, The Waterboy, A Bug’s Life, and Wing Commander witnessed a glimpse of the highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode I. With the iconic words, “Every generation has a legend, every journey has a first step, every saga has a beginning,” the original trailer captured the nostalgia and excitement surrounding the release of the first Star Wars film in 16 years since Return of the Jedi.