It grossed more than $924.3 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1999, the second-highest-grossing film worldwide and in North America (behind Titanic), and the highest-grossing Star Wars film at the time (inflation notwithstanding). The movie was a box-office success and broke numerous box-office records during its debut.

While the visual effects were praised, its exposition and characters-particularly Jar Jar Binks-received criticism. Upon its release, The Phantom Menace received mixed reviews from critics. The film's premiere was extensively covered by media and was widely anticipated because of the large cultural following the Star Wars saga had cultivated. The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, almost 16 years after the premiere of Return of the Jedi. The film marked Lucas' first directorial effort after a 22-year hiatus following the original Star Wars in 1977. Filming started on June 26, 1997-at locations including Leavesden Film Studios and the Tunisian desert-and ended on September 30. After he determined that computer-generated imagery (CGI) had advanced to the level he wanted for the prequel trilogy's visual effects, Lucas began writing The Phantom Menace in 1993, and production began in 1994. During the hiatus, the backstories he created for the characters, particularly Anakin's own backstory, sparked interest in him to develop a prequel trilogy during the 1990s. The film was produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century Fox.įollowing the release of Return of the Jedi (1983), talks of a follow-up were proposed, but Lucas was unmotivated to return to the franchise. Joined by Anakin Skywalker-a young slave with unusually strong natural powers of the Force-they simultaneously contend with the mysterious return of the Sith. Set 32 years before the original trilogy, (13 years before the formation of the Galactic Empire), during the era of the Galactic Republic, the plot follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo in hopes of securing a peaceful end to an interplanetary trade dispute. 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'. It stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ahmed Best, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Pernilla August, and Frank Oz. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas.

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