Since its inception in 1977 by creator George Lucas, the Star Wars universe has invited some of Hollywood’s biggest names to participate in telling stories from a galaxy far, far away. On that note, imagine having the chance to star in one of the most iconic film sagas of all time, only to walk away with an unpleasant memory that seemed like it’d never fade.
Can an experience alongside a cinematic legend like Lucas ever be, dare we say, “boring”? Well, for Terence Stamp, acclaimed for his chilling portrayal of the villainous General Zod in Richard Donner’s Superman, a discouraging stint on the set of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace left an indelible mark.
A still from George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
The London-born actor, 85, earlier detailed his less-than-satisfactory experience collaborating with Lucas during the 1999 epic space opera flick.
Can an experience alongside a cinematic legend like Lucas ever be, dare we say, “boring”? Well, for Terence Stamp, acclaimed for his chilling portrayal of the villainous General Zod in Richard Donner’s Superman, a discouraging stint on the set of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace left an indelible mark.
A still from George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
The London-born actor, 85, earlier detailed his less-than-satisfactory experience collaborating with Lucas during the 1999 epic space opera flick.
- 5/25/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
The Phantom Menace was a glorious success in terms of box office earnings but the movie that was included in the Star Wars prequel trilogy met with heavy criticism for one primary reason. The trilogy, unlike the sequel movie series, seemed juvenile as considered by fans and critics.
George Lucas. Credit: Joey Gannon/Creative Commons
Now, a few decades later, the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas came to defend the prequel trilogy. However, fans are not ready to accept the reasoning the legendary director provided. Star Wars is one of the biggest and most successful franchises in the history of entertainment and Lucas was the mastermind behind the visionary sci-fi world which still adds shows and movies in it.
George Lucas Defends Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
A still from the Star Wars movie The Phantom Menace. Credit: 20th Century Studios.
George Lucas has finally responded...
George Lucas. Credit: Joey Gannon/Creative Commons
Now, a few decades later, the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas came to defend the prequel trilogy. However, fans are not ready to accept the reasoning the legendary director provided. Star Wars is one of the biggest and most successful franchises in the history of entertainment and Lucas was the mastermind behind the visionary sci-fi world which still adds shows and movies in it.
George Lucas Defends Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
A still from the Star Wars movie The Phantom Menace. Credit: 20th Century Studios.
George Lucas has finally responded...
- 5/25/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
On May 19th, 1999, the world was taken back to a galaxy far, far away after a sixteen-year hiatus from the last film, Return of the Jedi. Ever since The Empire Strikes Back was dubbed “Episode V” this lead to many believing that we would one day see the origins of Darth Vader, the fall of the Jedi and the slow rise of the empire. And now that time had come.
The first episode in the prequel trilogy lets us see a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) being found by master Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and freed from slavery to become a Jedi. He also meets his future wife, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). Meanwhile, from the shadows Darth Sidious (Ian McDirmis), and his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park), manipulate the galactic republic by causing a war on the plane of Naboo in an attempt to seize power.
The first episode in the prequel trilogy lets us see a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) being found by master Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and freed from slavery to become a Jedi. He also meets his future wife, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). Meanwhile, from the shadows Darth Sidious (Ian McDirmis), and his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park), manipulate the galactic republic by causing a war on the plane of Naboo in an attempt to seize power.
- 5/19/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceImage: Disney
The propulsion that gives many of the Star Wars films their power comes from its filmmaker’s healthy fear of speed.
Consider the perilousness of the cosmic dogfights in 1977's Star Wars, the way the Rebellion’s X-wings and Empire’s Tie...
The propulsion that gives many of the Star Wars films their power comes from its filmmaker’s healthy fear of speed.
Consider the perilousness of the cosmic dogfights in 1977's Star Wars, the way the Rebellion’s X-wings and Empire’s Tie...
- 5/13/2024
- by Jarrod Jones
- avclub.com
Okay, we all loved the original Star Wars trilogy. George Lucas’ unique vision defined the space opera genre and gave us some epic movies that we will love for years to come. But remember when the Prequel Trilogy came out? Sure, by the time the Revenge of the Sith came out, fans were more satisfied with the story, but do you remember how much hate was directed towards Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace when it first came out? And it wasn’t just Jar-Jar Binks that people hated – it was the whole concept and many parts of the story.
Yours truly personally liked the Prequel Trilogy and we on Fiction Horizon are quite happy with how well the three movies aged, as fans have been starting to appreciate these movies more and more in recent years, especially after Disney’s Sequel Trilogy. In light of that, Variety...
Yours truly personally liked the Prequel Trilogy and we on Fiction Horizon are quite happy with how well the three movies aged, as fans have been starting to appreciate these movies more and more in recent years, especially after Disney’s Sequel Trilogy. In light of that, Variety...
- 5/12/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
When “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” debuted on May 19, 1999, few movies before (or since) were greeted with more fevered anticipation. Not only was the movie the first new “Star Wars” movie in a generation, but it was touted as the first of a prequel trilogy charting the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Knight fated to turn to the dark side as Darth Vader.
Despite the breathless build up, by the end of that summer, the near-universal consensus was that “The Phantom Menace” was, at best, a colossal disappointment and, at worst, a calamitous embarrassment. Some blamed the decision by George Lucas — directing for the first time since 1977’s “A New Hope” — to start the story with a precocious 9-year-old Anakin (Jake Lloyd). Others railed against the slapstick antics and pidgin English of Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), hyped as the first-ever CG main character in a live-action movie.
Despite the breathless build up, by the end of that summer, the near-universal consensus was that “The Phantom Menace” was, at best, a colossal disappointment and, at worst, a calamitous embarrassment. Some blamed the decision by George Lucas — directing for the first time since 1977’s “A New Hope” — to start the story with a precocious 9-year-old Anakin (Jake Lloyd). Others railed against the slapstick antics and pidgin English of Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), hyped as the first-ever CG main character in a live-action movie.
- 5/11/2024
- by Adam B. Vary, Angelique Jackson and Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Starting with the 2002 film Attack of the Clones, Hayden Christensen has taken on the role of Anakin Skywalker in the epic space opera, Star Wars. The subsequent movies and shows have showcased how the character slowly finds himself on the dark side of the Force and his transformation into the iconic villain Darth Vedar.
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vedar | Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
Christensen has since reprised his character multiple times. However, one particular scene alongside co-star Natalie Portman’s Padmé Amidala stands out as especially meaningful for the actor.
Hayden Christensen Reflected on Anakin’s Confession Scene in Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones features a subtle and explicit hint at Anakin’s future as the Sith Lord Darth Vedar. After witnessing his abducted mother’s death at the Tusken campsite, an enraged Anakin Skywalker slaughters the whole tribe, which he later confesses to Padmé Amidala.
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vedar | Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
Christensen has since reprised his character multiple times. However, one particular scene alongside co-star Natalie Portman’s Padmé Amidala stands out as especially meaningful for the actor.
Hayden Christensen Reflected on Anakin’s Confession Scene in Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones features a subtle and explicit hint at Anakin’s future as the Sith Lord Darth Vedar. After witnessing his abducted mother’s death at the Tusken campsite, an enraged Anakin Skywalker slaughters the whole tribe, which he later confesses to Padmé Amidala.
- 5/9/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Veteran actor Ewan McGregor is known for portraying the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the iconic Star Wars franchise since 1999. Starring alongside numerous actors and their characters, McGregor had one heck of a time shooting the Star Wars films.
However, it wasn’t all fun and games since McGregor revealed that he had to shoot against blue/green screens for the CGI. Being a relatively new technology during the early 2000s, McGregor differed from his co-star Natalie Portman’s views on the topic of blue screen acting.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise
Ewan McGregor And Natalie Portman Cannot Agree On One Thing!
Back in 1999, Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman took on the role of Padme Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Starring alongside McGregor, Liam Neeson, Jake Lloyd, and several others, the film received average success and Portman got to act in front of a blue screen.
However, it wasn’t all fun and games since McGregor revealed that he had to shoot against blue/green screens for the CGI. Being a relatively new technology during the early 2000s, McGregor differed from his co-star Natalie Portman’s views on the topic of blue screen acting.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise
Ewan McGregor And Natalie Portman Cannot Agree On One Thing!
Back in 1999, Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman took on the role of Padme Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Starring alongside McGregor, Liam Neeson, Jake Lloyd, and several others, the film received average success and Portman got to act in front of a blue screen.
- 5/8/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
The public's consideration of George Lucas' 1999 film "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" has dipped and swerved like a roller coaster. Those of us who were alive in 1999 are likely astonished to have witnessed "Phantom Menace" go from being one of the most successful films of all time, to one of the most disappointing franchise movies of all time, to one of the most outwardly hated blockbusters of all time, to one of the most unjustly maligned films of all time, to finally being considered a vital (if clunky) part of a long-running sci-fi saga with its share of highs and lows.
In truth, "The Phantom Menace" is rather bad. Lucas' dialogue is dry and dull, his characters staid and bland. It's the stiffest, most mannered sci-fi blockbuster one might ever see, lacking in personality, wit, humor, fun, or excitement. The story of "The Phantom Menace" infamously surrounds...
In truth, "The Phantom Menace" is rather bad. Lucas' dialogue is dry and dull, his characters staid and bland. It's the stiffest, most mannered sci-fi blockbuster one might ever see, lacking in personality, wit, humor, fun, or excitement. The story of "The Phantom Menace" infamously surrounds...
- 5/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Episode I – The Phantom Menace marked George Lucas’s return to the director’s chair since A New Hope as he once again introduced new characters and stories in the space opera. While the film was a huge box office hit, it received mixed reviews with many criticizing its storyline, casting choices, performances, and awkward dialogues.
George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Credit: Lucasfilm
And it seems that the filmmaker’s ex-wife Marcia Lucas also did not find the film very pleasing. She even admitted to crying after watching the movie as she echoed many of the same critiques while sharing her thoughts on the movie.
The Phantom Menace Made George Lucas’ Ex-Wife Cry
George Lucas has collaborated with his ex-wife, Marcia Lucas, on movies like American Graffiti and the Original Star Wars trilogy. The film editor also won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing...
George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Credit: Lucasfilm
And it seems that the filmmaker’s ex-wife Marcia Lucas also did not find the film very pleasing. She even admitted to crying after watching the movie as she echoed many of the same critiques while sharing her thoughts on the movie.
The Phantom Menace Made George Lucas’ Ex-Wife Cry
George Lucas has collaborated with his ex-wife, Marcia Lucas, on movies like American Graffiti and the Original Star Wars trilogy. The film editor also won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing...
- 5/7/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
As The Phantom Menace marks 25 years since its release, we’re given the chance to reevaluate it. Is it as bad as it seemed back in 1999 or was there just too much anticipation that it couldn’t have possibly lived up to our fantasies? More importantly, what do we make of Jar Jar Binks a quarter-century on? A character mocked and loathed by the bulk of the fanbase for being terribly obnoxious and perhaps racist, Jar Jar Binks became a cultural phenomenon for all the wrong reasons. But he may have had a greater impact than we think…at least according to his portrayer.
Ahmed Best, the guy behind Jar Jar Binks, took a lot of flak for the character, saying the constant criticism “took almost a mortal toll on me. It was too much. It was the first time in my life where I couldn’t see the future.
Ahmed Best, the guy behind Jar Jar Binks, took a lot of flak for the character, saying the constant criticism “took almost a mortal toll on me. It was too much. It was the first time in my life where I couldn’t see the future.
- 5/6/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace returned to theaters this weekend to celebrate both May The Fourth and the 1999 movie's 25th anniversary.
Despite receiving largely negative reviews from longtime Star Wars fans when it originally hit the big screen, the movie has already made upwards of $1 billion worldwide.
Despite often being dubbed the "worst" Star Wars movie - Attack of the Clones and The Rise of Skywalker would like a word - The Phantom Menace opened at #2 this weekend with an impressive $8.1 million at the North American box office.
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's The Fall Guy topped it, but George Lucas' Episode I beat the likes of Challengers, Civil War, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Tarot to earn that second place.
While this is a relatively quiet weekend at the box office, numbers like these put The Phantom Menace among the biggest re-releases ever. For context, while...
Despite receiving largely negative reviews from longtime Star Wars fans when it originally hit the big screen, the movie has already made upwards of $1 billion worldwide.
Despite often being dubbed the "worst" Star Wars movie - Attack of the Clones and The Rise of Skywalker would like a word - The Phantom Menace opened at #2 this weekend with an impressive $8.1 million at the North American box office.
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's The Fall Guy topped it, but George Lucas' Episode I beat the likes of Challengers, Civil War, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Tarot to earn that second place.
While this is a relatively quiet weekend at the box office, numbers like these put The Phantom Menace among the biggest re-releases ever. For context, while...
- 5/6/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
‘Star Wars’ Motion Capture/Voice Actor Ahmed Best Recalls The Hatred For His Jar Jar Binks Character
Jar Jar Binks. Invoke the name to any hardcore Star Wars fan and then step back to see the explosion. No one is neutral.
The actor who brought the goofy Gungan character to life, Ahmed Best, had a number of highs and lows attached to his role. Opinions on the character ran hot after his Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace debut 25 years ago.
Best spoke to People about the role. Not all of his memories were fond.
“Everybody came for me,” he recalled. “I’m the first person to do this kind of (motion capture) work, but I was also the first Black person, Black man.”
Best said he was “ostracized” from doing similar motion-capture work in Hollywood because of the widespread criticism his character received at the time.
He was touring with the Stomp dance troupe in 1997 when a casting director offered an audition at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch.
The actor who brought the goofy Gungan character to life, Ahmed Best, had a number of highs and lows attached to his role. Opinions on the character ran hot after his Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace debut 25 years ago.
Best spoke to People about the role. Not all of his memories were fond.
“Everybody came for me,” he recalled. “I’m the first person to do this kind of (motion capture) work, but I was also the first Black person, Black man.”
Best said he was “ostracized” from doing similar motion-capture work in Hollywood because of the widespread criticism his character received at the time.
He was touring with the Stomp dance troupe in 1997 when a casting director offered an audition at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch.
- 5/4/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
In honor of Star Wars Day, we looked at all of the actors that Hayden Christensen competed with join the Star Wars family.
The actor made his debut in the popular franchise when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. In the process, he landed what was one of the hottest gigs in Hollywood at the time!
If you were unaware, the trilogy of movies that he starred in tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had...
The actor made his debut in the popular franchise when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. In the process, he landed what was one of the hottest gigs in Hollywood at the time!
If you were unaware, the trilogy of movies that he starred in tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had...
- 5/4/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
This year’s Star Wars day, aka May 4, 2024, marks the eve of The Phantom Menace‘s 25th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the film has also been re-released in select theaters. However, when the film was originally released back in 1999, it generated polarizing reactions among the fanbase, with many disliking the film for its characters, performances, and dialog.
The Phantom Menace will complete 25 years in 2024.
In an interview following the film’s release, director George Lucas spoke about the divisive reaction towards The Phantom Menace. Lucas gave an extremely blunt and stone-cold response when asked about fans disliking certain elements of the movie and throwing hate at it. Here is what Lucas had to say about the initial criticism aimed at The Phantom Menace.
George Lucas Hit Back At Haters Of The Phantom Menace With a Blunt Response
The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, and marked the...
The Phantom Menace will complete 25 years in 2024.
In an interview following the film’s release, director George Lucas spoke about the divisive reaction towards The Phantom Menace. Lucas gave an extremely blunt and stone-cold response when asked about fans disliking certain elements of the movie and throwing hate at it. Here is what Lucas had to say about the initial criticism aimed at The Phantom Menace.
George Lucas Hit Back At Haters Of The Phantom Menace With a Blunt Response
The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, and marked the...
- 5/3/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
George Lucas’ “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” has a clear set-up/pay-off as the reason for its existence: young, innocent child Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) will grow up to become Darth Vader, a manifestation of evil. The movie’s entire reason for existence is ultimately to introduce us to this child and make us think about how far we are from the fall of the Republic, and how the Empire will arise in only a generation. These were major stakes and not a bad place to get fans excited for the first new “Star Wars” movie in 16 years. And yet when “The Phantom Menace” arrived in theaters in 1999 it was met with either a mix of fans trying to convince themselves it was good (“‘Star Wars’ has always been corny!”) or outright disappointment.
But that’s not where the story ends, and oddly, it’s not a...
But that’s not where the story ends, and oddly, it’s not a...
- 5/3/2024
- by Matt Goldberg
- The Wrap
A number of us will be celebrating Star Wars Day this weekend, May 4th, by binging as many of the franchise’s movies as we can. Yes, that may even mean working in The Phantom Menace, the much-derided film that set the tone for the rest of George Lucas’ prequel trilogy. One of the primary targets of the hate was nine-year-old star Jake Lloyd, who was taking on a lot of responsibility to play Lil’ Vader. But one guy he had on his side was one of the nicest fellas in Hollywood: Ron Howard, who leapt to Lloyd’s defense after he was attacked in mainstream media.
Ahead of The Phantom Menace’s release, Newsweek published a piece that cited “insiders” saying that Jake Lloyd couldn’t act his way out of a pod racer, with the publication referring to him as “Mannequin Skywalker.” But Howard – who was actually at...
Ahead of The Phantom Menace’s release, Newsweek published a piece that cited “insiders” saying that Jake Lloyd couldn’t act his way out of a pod racer, with the publication referring to him as “Mannequin Skywalker.” But Howard – who was actually at...
- 5/3/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Even before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace made its way to the theatre, Newsweek published an article bashing the film, whose criticisms were based on the trailer’s upbeat tone and rumors. Moreover, the piece also took shots at Jake Lloyd, who was 9 at the time, following the rumors surrounding his portrayal of young Anakin Skywalker.
Furious by the article, which targeted Lloyd without even seeing the film, The Da Vinci Code director Ron Howard wrote a letter in support of the child actor to the outlet.
Ron Howard Was Furious by the Scathing Piece Taking Jabs at Jake Lloyd
Ron Howard bashed the article, which targeted Jake Lloyd | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In the section “The Kid Can’t Act”, the piece took shots at Jake Lloyd, stating that he’s “Mannequin Skywalker”. Furthermore, the criticisms regarding the Jingle All the Way star’s acting chops in...
Furious by the article, which targeted Lloyd without even seeing the film, The Da Vinci Code director Ron Howard wrote a letter in support of the child actor to the outlet.
Ron Howard Was Furious by the Scathing Piece Taking Jabs at Jake Lloyd
Ron Howard bashed the article, which targeted Jake Lloyd | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In the section “The Kid Can’t Act”, the piece took shots at Jake Lloyd, stating that he’s “Mannequin Skywalker”. Furthermore, the criticisms regarding the Jingle All the Way star’s acting chops in...
- 5/2/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
The Star Wars series has become one of the most well-known and successful franchises of all time, and a huge part of this has to do with George Lucas. The filmmaker created the series from scratch and has been involved in almost every single project from the franchise in some way or another. The most recent addition to the story from galaxies away has been Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
The Bad Batch Logo
Recently, one of the actors in the series talked about filming the third season of the series. Interestingly enough, he believed it to be the final puzzle piece in Lucas’s legacy in the franchise, and many fans might get emotional with what he had to say.
The End of an Era
Recently, Dee Bradley Baker gave an interview with ScreenRant, where he talked about his experience working on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
The Bad Batch Logo
Recently, one of the actors in the series talked about filming the third season of the series. Interestingly enough, he believed it to be the final puzzle piece in Lucas’s legacy in the franchise, and many fans might get emotional with what he had to say.
The End of an Era
Recently, Dee Bradley Baker gave an interview with ScreenRant, where he talked about his experience working on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
- 5/2/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Star Wars The Phantom Menace: Where Are They Now in 2024 on Film's 25th Anniversary? - Main Image
What happened to the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace since 1999? Where are they now? In celebration of Star Wars: Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary, fans will get to rewatch the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May.
Where Are the Original Cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 2024?
As fans reminisce about the first chapter of the Skywalker saga, here's where the cast is, as of 2024!
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
Initially starring as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999's Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson later became involved in several projects in the franchise.
Moving past being best known for his action flicks like Taken, Neeson lent his voice in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and Tales of the Jedi to reprise his role.
What happened to the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace since 1999? Where are they now? In celebration of Star Wars: Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary, fans will get to rewatch the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May.
Where Are the Original Cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 2024?
As fans reminisce about the first chapter of the Skywalker saga, here's where the cast is, as of 2024!
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
Initially starring as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999's Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson later became involved in several projects in the franchise.
Moving past being best known for his action flicks like Taken, Neeson lent his voice in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and Tales of the Jedi to reprise his role.
- 5/1/2024
- EpicStream
“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” This quote from “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace” not only fits in the context of Anakin Skywalker’s doomed journey to the dark side, but also reactions from super fans of the space opera franchise when this prequel released in 1999. ‘The Phantom Menace’ introduced a whole new cast of characters and was set 32 years before ‘A New Hope,’ during an era of turmoil in the Galactic Republic. George Lucas took a massive risk by pursuing Anakin Skywalker’s story after the success of the original trilogy. Would ‘Star Wars’ survive without Harrison Ford’s devilish charm, Carrie Fisher’s spunk and Mark Hamill’s pure goodness? The short answer is yes, but the road to get there was not easy. On its face, ‘The Phantom Menace’ was a commercial triumph — it saw intensive coverage from...
- 4/26/2024
- by Kaitlyn Murphy
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
"Fear is the path to the dark side..." Time to return to that galaxy far, far away. 20th Century has revealed a brand new trailer for the 25th anniversary re-release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in theaters this May. This highly anticipated prequel in the Star Wars series opened in the summer of 1999, some 25 years ago, and the hype was through the roof. I remember waiting in line just to get tickets, and all the mania waiting for it to open. Then everyone went to see it and did not like it. Now all these years later, is it time for a re-appraisal? In The Phantom Menace, two Jedi escape a hostile blockade and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory. We're introduced to Anakin, Jar Jar, Qui Gon, Amidala,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Has it been that long? George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is getting a 25th anniversary re-release by Disney on May 3. That’s in time to celebrate Star Wars day, May the 4th.
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Hayden Christensen landed the most in-demand role in Hollywood when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. We have since learned that he beat out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel.
Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned. In fact, the competition was so star-studded that he recently admitted that he never thought he’d be cast.
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel.
Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned. In fact, the competition was so star-studded that he recently admitted that he never thought he’d be cast.
- 3/22/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Jake Lloyd, the child actor who famously brought a young Darth Vader to life in Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace, is recovering after suffering what his mother described as “a full-blown psychotic break.”
It’s been 25 years since Jake played Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 Star Wars movie. He was replaced by Hayden Christensen after the character aged up between the first and second movies.
In the years since landing the breakout role, Jake has largely stayed out of the spotlight and left acting behind.
In a recent interview, his mom Lisa opened up about how he was doing, his relationship with Star Wars and his personal struggles.
Read more about Jake Lloyd…
Lisa told Scripps News that he is “doing much better than [she] expected” as he receives treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation center. He’s been in the treatment center for about 10 months and has eight to go.
It’s been 25 years since Jake played Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 Star Wars movie. He was replaced by Hayden Christensen after the character aged up between the first and second movies.
In the years since landing the breakout role, Jake has largely stayed out of the spotlight and left acting behind.
In a recent interview, his mom Lisa opened up about how he was doing, his relationship with Star Wars and his personal struggles.
Read more about Jake Lloyd…
Lisa told Scripps News that he is “doing much better than [she] expected” as he receives treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation center. He’s been in the treatment center for about 10 months and has eight to go.
- 3/14/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Jake Lloyd, the actor known for portraying young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, has been in a mental health facility for almost a year, his mother shared this week.
“Jake started having some trouble in high school,” Lisa Lloyd told Scripps News. “He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality or a different reality. I didn’t really know exactly what to say to that.”
Lisa said Jake is now 10 months into an 18-month stay at a mental health rehabilitation facility following what she described as a full-blown psychotic break in March 2023, when he turned his car off in the middle of a three-lane road.
Lisa said doctors initially suggested her son could have bipolar disorder but that treatment never seemed to work, and Jake often refused to take medication. He was eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
“Jake started having some trouble in high school,” Lisa Lloyd told Scripps News. “He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality or a different reality. I didn’t really know exactly what to say to that.”
Lisa said Jake is now 10 months into an 18-month stay at a mental health rehabilitation facility following what she described as a full-blown psychotic break in March 2023, when he turned his car off in the middle of a three-lane road.
Lisa said doctors initially suggested her son could have bipolar disorder but that treatment never seemed to work, and Jake often refused to take medication. He was eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
- 3/13/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” the mother of Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd spoke to Scripps News about her son’s mental health struggles over the years and how he finally seems to be a better place. Jake was only 8 years old when George Lucas cast him as a young Anakin in “The Phantom Menace,” but he did not stick with acting in the years that followed. Jake’s mother, Lisa, denies that her son’s decision to quit the profession had anything to do with “The Phantom Menace” being the subject of intense backlash from “Star Wars” fans at the time.
“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said, pointing to Jake being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2008. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”
“I protected him from the [‘Star Wars’] backlash,” she added. “He...
“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said, pointing to Jake being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2008. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”
“I protected him from the [‘Star Wars’] backlash,” she added. “He...
- 3/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Jake Lloyd played Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace and left the limelight shortly after the film’s release.
In a new interview, Lloyd’s mother, Lisa Lloyd, updated the public on her son and dispelled rumors that had plagued the Star Wars community for many years.
Lisa talked to Scripps News and said her son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2008 after struggling and talking about living in different realities, seeing people with “black eyes,” and mentioning having conversations with The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.
On top of that, Jake seemed to have a neurological condition called anosognosia, which causes a patient to be in denial about their symptoms.
“He didn’t think he needed to take medication because he wasn’t sick,” Lisa said. “He didn’t think he needed to go to the therapist because there’s nothing wrong with him.
In a new interview, Lloyd’s mother, Lisa Lloyd, updated the public on her son and dispelled rumors that had plagued the Star Wars community for many years.
Lisa talked to Scripps News and said her son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2008 after struggling and talking about living in different realities, seeing people with “black eyes,” and mentioning having conversations with The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.
On top of that, Jake seemed to have a neurological condition called anosognosia, which causes a patient to be in denial about their symptoms.
“He didn’t think he needed to take medication because he wasn’t sick,” Lisa said. “He didn’t think he needed to go to the therapist because there’s nothing wrong with him.
- 3/13/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
George Lucas handpicked Jake Lloyd to play young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace out of thousands of kids. However, time hasn’t been kind to Lloyd, as the actor has faced a variety of mental and legal issues, which some believed were exacerbated by the negative reaction to The Phantom Menace.
Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Evil Dead Rise, Renfield, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Super Mario Bros.
Jake Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, recently spoke with Scripps News to provide an update on her son and to set the record straight on what he really thinks of Star Wars.
She explained that Jake first started having issues in high school when he began talking about “realities” and not knowing whether he was in this reality or a different one. One doctor suggested that he might have bipolar disorder, but the medications didn’t work and the delusions got worse.
Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Evil Dead Rise, Renfield, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Super Mario Bros.
Jake Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, recently spoke with Scripps News to provide an update on her son and to set the record straight on what he really thinks of Star Wars.
She explained that Jake first started having issues in high school when he began talking about “realities” and not knowing whether he was in this reality or a different one. One doctor suggested that he might have bipolar disorder, but the medications didn’t work and the delusions got worse.
- 3/12/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Warning: This article deals with heavy topics related to mental illness.
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Star Wars, since its inception, has cast a huge number of actors and actresses in various roles, who have gone on to achieve immense fame and acclaim as a result. Yet, one actor from the franchise has remained largely absent and away from the public eye.
Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace
Jake Lloyd, who portrayed the young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace has not been seen in any role after that. And as the movie turns 25 this year, his mother in an exclusive interview reveals the tragic story behind his disappearance.
Reason Why Star Wars Star Jake Lloyd Quit Acting
A still from Star Wars: Episode I
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be 25 this year and will be re-released in theatres following May 3, for a short time (via Empire). As the fans gear up for its release, celebrating the movie and its cast,...
Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace
Jake Lloyd, who portrayed the young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace has not been seen in any role after that. And as the movie turns 25 this year, his mother in an exclusive interview reveals the tragic story behind his disappearance.
Reason Why Star Wars Star Jake Lloyd Quit Acting
A still from Star Wars: Episode I
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be 25 this year and will be re-released in theatres following May 3, for a short time (via Empire). As the fans gear up for its release, celebrating the movie and its cast,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
As much as "Star Wars" might seem like a clear net-positive for any actor's career, history has shown that it's not always as good as it sounds. Jake Lloyd, who played young Anakin in the first movie, was famously bullied out of acting for his supposedly bad performance. Natalie Portman also struggled to find work after the prequels because her performance as Padme was considered pretty wooden too. Basically everyone involved in these movies is indeed a perfectly fine actor; the problem was just that George Lucas is bad at directing his actors, as shown by how even Christopher Lee and Samuel L. Jackson seemed to performing below their abilites.
Even in the agreed-upon good movies in the franchise, the actors involved could sometimes struggle to find meaty roles later on. Mark Hamill became a much-celebrated voice actor after the original trilogy, while Carrie Fisher carved out a career for...
Even in the agreed-upon good movies in the franchise, the actors involved could sometimes struggle to find meaty roles later on. Mark Hamill became a much-celebrated voice actor after the original trilogy, while Carrie Fisher carved out a career for...
- 2/25/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
In honour of Empire's new Star Wars prequels issue, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the trilogy's launch, we're asking – which of the prequel movies is the best? Read the case for Episode I – The Phantom Menace below, and find the issue on newsstands now.
Has more insurmountable hype ever rested on the shoulders of a single film than The Phantom Menace? Back in 1999, Episode I quite literally represented a new hope for Star Wars fans. It was the revival of a genuine cinematic phenomenon that had shaped the childhoods (and adulthoods) of an entire generation, finally back after 16 years. Unsurprisingly, it couldn’t fulfil every expectation. For decades, reception to The Phantom Menace was decidedly rocky – but to my mind, for all its flaws, it’s the greatest of the prequels; a vibrant and charming return to the galaxy far, far away.
Beyond any particular moment or sequence, it’s...
Has more insurmountable hype ever rested on the shoulders of a single film than The Phantom Menace? Back in 1999, Episode I quite literally represented a new hope for Star Wars fans. It was the revival of a genuine cinematic phenomenon that had shaped the childhoods (and adulthoods) of an entire generation, finally back after 16 years. Unsurprisingly, it couldn’t fulfil every expectation. For decades, reception to The Phantom Menace was decidedly rocky – but to my mind, for all its flaws, it’s the greatest of the prequels; a vibrant and charming return to the galaxy far, far away.
Beyond any particular moment or sequence, it’s...
- 2/20/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Hayden Christensen landed what was Hollywood’s biggest role at the time when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. We have since learned that he beat out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star...
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star...
- 2/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of George Lucas' mediocre mega-hit "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." One cannot understate the enormity of this film's release back in 1999; there were news stories for months postulating its content and what its success levels might be. People camped out for weeks wanting to be the first to buy tickets. When the film's trailer was released, people would pay a full ticket price to watch it and then leave before the feature it preceded. Others would watch the trailer online, but in the days before streaming technology, this took several hours of dial-up-supported downloading.
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
- 2/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
With the arrival of Revenge Of The Sith, Hayden Christensen thought his time as Anakin Skywalker was over, having picked up the baton from Jake Lloyd and plunged the Jedi Knight into darkness. But as it turned out, he wasn’t done quite yet. In recent years, Christensen has returned to Star Wars on screen in Obi-Wan Kenobi and most recently in Ahsoka, once again portraying Anakin (and Vader) in fights, flashbacks, Force-fuelled visions and more. Most notably, in Ahsoka, he got to play a version of Anakin that he’d never played before: his Clone Wars incarnation, previously only seen in animated form (and voiced by Matt Lanter) in The Clone Wars series.
As Christensen tells Empire in a major new interview – for our Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue – getting to star in live-action opposite Anakin’s one-time Padawan Ahsoka Tano was a big deal. “The scenes that...
As Christensen tells Empire in a major new interview – for our Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue – getting to star in live-action opposite Anakin’s one-time Padawan Ahsoka Tano was a big deal. “The scenes that...
- 2/12/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
As the line goes, "Nobody hates 'Star Wars' more than 'Star Wars' fans." For a series that encourages viewers of all ages to imagine vast fantastical landscapes and stirring narratives of revolution, it has always drawn the ire of some of its loudest fans. After the original trilogy closed with 1983's "Return of the Jedi," fan negativity has been a constant.
The prequel films in the series, from 1999's "The Phantom Menace" to 2005's "Revenge of the Sith," drew criticism for their staid dialogue, copious CGI, and convoluted plotting, but the fan reaction was worse, and particularly hard on young Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd. The sequels being even more divisive could only have been predicted by the most jaded observer.
In particular, Rian Johnson's 2017 film "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi," the middle entry of the trilogy, drew extreme criticism. The backlash from some of the...
The prequel films in the series, from 1999's "The Phantom Menace" to 2005's "Revenge of the Sith," drew criticism for their staid dialogue, copious CGI, and convoluted plotting, but the fan reaction was worse, and particularly hard on young Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd. The sequels being even more divisive could only have been predicted by the most jaded observer.
In particular, Rian Johnson's 2017 film "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi," the middle entry of the trilogy, drew extreme criticism. The backlash from some of the...
- 1/27/2024
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
Hayden Christensen landed what was Hollywood’s biggest role at the time when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and he did so after beating out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star who...
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star who...
- 1/25/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Anakin Skywalker was the most sought after role in film back at the turn of the century. Whether people loved what George Lucas was going for in "The Phantom Menace" or hated it, when it became clear that they weren't going to wait for Jake Lloyd to age into the teenage version of the character, everybody wanted to be the one who would eventually become Darth Vader.
Rumors of all sorts of actors, already famous or relative unknowns, have been swirling since those initial casting ideas were cooked up. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the more well-known ones. Christian Bale was also rumored, as were Topher Grace, Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, James Van Der Beek, Devon Sawa, and Colin Hanks.
Over the years we seem to hear from more and more established actors that they were not only in contention, but maybe even pretty close to landing the part. This could be totally true,...
Rumors of all sorts of actors, already famous or relative unknowns, have been swirling since those initial casting ideas were cooked up. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the more well-known ones. Christian Bale was also rumored, as were Topher Grace, Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, James Van Der Beek, Devon Sawa, and Colin Hanks.
Over the years we seem to hear from more and more established actors that they were not only in contention, but maybe even pretty close to landing the part. This could be totally true,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Many of us continue to bash the Star Wars prequel trilogy: it’s coarse and rough and irritating and – sorry, but that line and its delivery remain some of the worst in the entire saga. The hate for Jake Lloyd was one thing, but Hayden Christensen was a big boy and could handle it from the legion of Star Wars fans, no matter how dreadful the dialogue was. And to prove it, he reprised his role as Anakin Skywalker for Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka; and if given the chance, he would jump at even more opportunities to do so.
While Hayden Christensen expressed gratitude for being invited back into the Star Wars franchise for the Disney+ shows, he hopes it was just the beginning. “I would love to get to do more, and I’d love to get to continue with Star Wars and we’ll see. I don’t know what the future holds,...
While Hayden Christensen expressed gratitude for being invited back into the Star Wars franchise for the Disney+ shows, he hopes it was just the beginning. “I would love to get to do more, and I’d love to get to continue with Star Wars and we’ll see. I don’t know what the future holds,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Charlie Hunnam knew he wouldn't be Anakin Skywalker after a "very awkward" meeting with 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas.The 43-year-old actor was in line to play Darth Vader's alter ego in 2002's 'Attack of the Clones' and 2005's 'Revenge of the Sith', but ultimately lost the part to Hayden Christensen.Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he recalled: "I had forgotten that too, but yes, I did."I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know? Which... I don't think he meets a lot of actors."I think it was probably, maybe, two to three actors they were considering. I don't remember much about it."He added: "And I just remember it being a very awkward meeting and walking out and thinking, 'Well, I'm definitely not [getting the] role.' And I was correct. Sometimes it's about the vibes."Anakin, who turns into Darth Vader as he is...
- 12/19/2023
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
Charlie Hunnam revealed to Entertainment Tonight while promoting his new film “Rebel Moon” that he was heavily considered to play Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’ “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. While child actor Jake Lloyd played Anakin in 1999’s “The Phantom Menace,” a time jump for 2002’s “Attack of the Clones” and 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith” required Lucas to cast an older actor as Anakin. Hayden Christensen won the part, but Hunnam said he also met Lucas in person to discuss the role.
“I had forgotten that too, but yes, I did. I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know?” Hunnam said. “I don’t think he meets a lot of actors. I think it was probably, maybe, two to three actors they were considering. I don’t remember much about it.”
“I just remember it being a very awkward meeting and walking out and thinking,...
“I had forgotten that too, but yes, I did. I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know?” Hunnam said. “I don’t think he meets a lot of actors. I think it was probably, maybe, two to three actors they were considering. I don’t remember much about it.”
“I just remember it being a very awkward meeting and walking out and thinking,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
It's gotta be tough being any main lead "Star Wars" actor. There's a level of scrutiny that comes with those roles that most other franchises don't have to deal with. Best case scenario is you lose your anonymity for the rest of your life, worst case the fanbase turns on you and there's nowhere for you to escape to. In my generation, it was the criticism of Jake Lloyd in "The Phantom Menace" that had a very negative effect on his private life. In contrast, this generation chased folks like Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran off of social media entirely.
Even actors that the fans generally seem to like have to take part in these movies knowing that these roles will live with them forever. Adam Driver recently discussed that on "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace" and made mention that ever since "The Force Awakens" came out, he "hears...
Even actors that the fans generally seem to like have to take part in these movies knowing that these roles will live with them forever. Adam Driver recently discussed that on "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace" and made mention that ever since "The Force Awakens" came out, he "hears...
- 12/17/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Back in 1996, movie titan Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most notable ventures away from laying waste to camouflaged aliens, gunning down police stations and impaling mad Aussies, was in the comedies Kindergarten Cop and Twins. They were both decent movies, but Twins in particular was an unusual and surprising move for the Austrian Oak. However, it did ultimately turn out to be a fairly good movie, mainly thanks to the unlikely chemistry between Arnie and the great Danny De Vito. Twins was a financial success but the relative critical bashing Arnie’s next movie would get, the admittedly decent Eraser from 1996, meant he was in need of career resurgence.
So, what better way to go about kickstarting his slightly stuttering career than to throw himself head first into very unfamiliar territory: the Christmas movie. On the face of it, it probably seemed like a good idea; after all, both Twins and Kindergarten Cop...
So, what better way to go about kickstarting his slightly stuttering career than to throw himself head first into very unfamiliar territory: the Christmas movie. On the face of it, it probably seemed like a good idea; after all, both Twins and Kindergarten Cop...
- 12/17/2023
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
Hayden Christensen landed what was Hollywood’s biggest role at the time when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and he did so after beating out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified, including a fan-favorite movie star who seemingly turned...
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified, including a fan-favorite movie star who seemingly turned...
- 12/17/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Natalie Portman was 16 years old when principal photography commenced on "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." She was a precocious talent capable of stealing scenes from Oscar winners like Al Pacino (in Michael Mann's "Heat") and Timothy Hutton (in Ted Demme's underrated "Beautiful Girls"), and now she was going to play the eventual mother of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa in George Lucas' long-awaited, madly anticipated Prequel Trilogy. Career-wise, it was a part no actor her age could afford to turn down. The first film's blockbuster success was preordained; her image would be projected on movie screens all over the world, thus making her a global superstar.
There was just one problem: Lucas hadn't directed a movie in 22 years and wasn't keen on dealing with actors. He offered the helm on "The Phantom Menace" to Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Ron Howard, and asked playwright David Hare...
There was just one problem: Lucas hadn't directed a movie in 22 years and wasn't keen on dealing with actors. He offered the helm on "The Phantom Menace" to Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Ron Howard, and asked playwright David Hare...
- 12/9/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
There are plenty of stories out there about actors getting injured by other actors on set. Harrison Ford was famously (accidentally) punched in the face by Ryan Gosling on the set of "Blade Runner 2049." Dolph Lundgren punched Sylvester Stallone so hard in "Rocky IV" that the latter's heart swelled. Usually, however, they aren't injured by someone who isn't going to be seen on camera. However, during the shoot for 1999's "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," Andrew Secombe, the actor who played the CG character Watto, caused a big injury for Liam Neeson, aka Qui-Gon Jinn. In fact, he nearly broke Neeson's nose, according to "Star Wars Insider" #196.
This all happened on Secombe's very first day of shooting. Watto, of course, is the Toydarian character who owns the secondhand shop in Mos Espa and forces the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work as his underlings.
This all happened on Secombe's very first day of shooting. Watto, of course, is the Toydarian character who owns the secondhand shop in Mos Espa and forces the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work as his underlings.
- 12/5/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The "Star Wars" prequels bring up a lot of things for people. Some grew up with the original trilogy and didn't love the backstory for Darth Vader. Others saw their first "Star Wars" film with "The Phantom Menace" and fell in love with the franchise because of it. Whatever side you fall on, or even if you rest somewhere in the middle, there are a few parts of the prequels that are largely considered problematic. Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best was bullied to an insane degree, though he did return as Jedi Kelleran Beq in "The Mandalorian" season 3 to much admiration. Then there is Watto (Andrew Secombe), the Toydarian who ran a second-hand shop in Mos Espa on Tatooine, and forced the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work for him.
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life form. They're also misunderstood by many and the thing that made some "Star Wars" fans think the Force was strictly a matter of science rather than mysticism, turning them off the franchise altogether.
In 1999, when "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" was released, the concept of midi-chlorians was hotly debated, with fans wondering what was going on and why "Star Wars" creator George Lucas had "changed the Force." However, further investigation shows that midi-chlorians aren't the Force-killer some people believed they are. Nor, for that matter, were they some last minute addition to the mythology of "Star Wars" or the Force. In fact, if you go back to pre-production on what would become "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," you'll find they were already on Lucas' mind back when he was first imagining life in a galaxy far, far away.
Read...
In 1999, when "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" was released, the concept of midi-chlorians was hotly debated, with fans wondering what was going on and why "Star Wars" creator George Lucas had "changed the Force." However, further investigation shows that midi-chlorians aren't the Force-killer some people believed they are. Nor, for that matter, were they some last minute addition to the mythology of "Star Wars" or the Force. In fact, if you go back to pre-production on what would become "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," you'll find they were already on Lucas' mind back when he was first imagining life in a galaxy far, far away.
Read...
- 11/28/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
For the last 46 years, many "Star Wars" fans have likely wondered why C-3Po, a protocol droid that specializes in translation and in human/cyborg relations, would be so afraid. From his own description, C-3Po was constructed to be a diplomatic aide, helping politicians and envoys strike deals and communicate more smoothly. To make that android also cowardly, prissy, and miserable seems functionally counterintuitive. Shouldn't a diplomatic aide droid be logical, forthright, and obedient? Of course, in the 1999 film "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace," it was revealed that C-3Po was constructed by an elementary school-aged Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) as little more than an idle home engineering exercise. So perhaps Anakin wasn't really thinking C-3Po through in terms of on-the-ground governmental diplomacy.
Actor and mime Anthony Daniels was hired to play C-3Po in the original 1977 "Star Wars," and has been a stalwart...
Actor and mime Anthony Daniels was hired to play C-3Po in the original 1977 "Star Wars," and has been a stalwart...
- 11/14/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
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