Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas in his first directorial effort since the original Star Wars, released in 1977.
Theatrical release poster by Drew Struzan
Star Wars creator George Lucas (pictured in 2011) decided to return to the series in the 1990s following advancements in computer-generated imagery.
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.
Remains of Mos Espa in the Tunisian desert, near Nafta
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Star Wars is an American media franchise created by George Lucas. The space opera saga began with the original Star Wars film and quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. It has expanded int
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
…effort since the original Star Wars, released in 1977. Produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and distributed by 20th Century Fox, it is the fourth film in the Star Wars film series, the first film of the prequel trilogy and the first chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga." The film stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor…
Timothy Zahn authored the Thrawn trilogy, which was widely credited with revitalizing the dormant Star Wars franchise in the early 1990s.
George Lucas made much of his fortune by retaining the rights to Star Wars merchandising.
The aerial warfare of WWII inspired the space fights.
The lightsaber and the blaster are iconic elements of the franchise.