Star Wars fans get an exciting update as Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is making its way into theatres once again next month. The studio has released a brand new trailer to commemorate the 25th-anniversary re-release of the anticipated movie that has already gasped fans’ breath back in 1999.
While fans can now witness the beginning of the Skywalker Saga, they’re more excited about rewatching the iconic Duel of the Fates scene on the big screen.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Re-release Makes Fans Excited About One Particular Scene
The highly anticipated prequel in the Star Wars series, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, is getting a re-release in theaters on May 3.
The studio has also released a new featurette that begins with the original trailer for the movie, followed by an appearance from franchise creator George Lucas, who shares his vision of exploring the galaxy in ways he couldn’t before.
The trailer also features comments from Ewan McGregor and composer John Williams, along with the iconic battle between Darth Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Every generation has a legend…#ThePhantomMenace returns to theaters May 3rd. pic.twitter.com/X1t5GTP8OM
— Star Wars (@starwars) April 23, 2024
The lightsaber battle on Naboo is one of the cinematic spectacles that continues to hold a special place in fans’ hearts. With the re-release of the film, fans are unable to hold their excitement for witnessing the lightsaber duel once again.
Fans took to the franchise’s X account to react to the newly released featurette announcing its re-arrival on the big screen. Check out the tweets here.
I got my tickets for @alamodrafthouse . Can’t wait to re-live this experience in theaters!
— Gamedalf the Grey (@gamedalfthegrey) April 23, 2024
Goosebumps!!!
💙💚❤️
— Manmohan Kalsi (@RaX369) April 23, 2024
The hype is real, cannot wait pic.twitter.com/RQn4myOSpZ
— Star Wars Only (@StarWars0nly) April 23, 2024
One of the best lightsaber battles.
— Kristijan (@kikizoor) April 23, 2024
Seeing it the next day on Star Wars Day
— JM_2573 (@JM72530) April 23, 2024
I still remember exactly where I was and how I felt the first time I saw the trailer. Brilliant!
— Aunt Blue 🌌🎶🌊 (@BlueMilkMama) April 23, 2024
It is quite a big moment for fans, especially as the movie comes right before May the Fourth which commemorates the successful franchise. The trio’s conflict is better dubbed the Duel of the Fates, with which the entirety of the Skywalker saga hung. However, the duel could have been more gritty had the idea of Darth Maul’s actor was accepted.
Darth Maul Star, Ray Park Had a Gritty Plan to Attack Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn
Martial artist-actor Ray Park, who portrayed the iconic Darth Maul role in the movie, had a gruesome plan to harm Qui-Gon Jinn during his dueling scene.
McGregor’s Obi-Wan and Liam Neeson‘s Qui-Gon Jinn face off against Park’s Darth Maul in a long-sequence lightsaber battle, which at one point, falls in the former’s favor when he impales Qui-Gon.
But the actor had a more sinister plan to execute the same sequence which he revealed during his appearance at the 2016 Star Wars celebration event. While delving into his character, he spoke about the iconic scene and spilled the tea that he suggested another alternative to harm the character.
He shared,
“In the fight with Liam [Neeson, who played Qui-Gon Jinn] I wanted to use my horns to slash his chest before I killed him. It felt natural to do so. But George was like, no that’s too violent Ray.”
The franchise creator immediately turned down the idea, which was surely the best shot otherwise their duel would have taken a gritty turn. Whereas, the movie was a box-office success, which made over $1 billion as per the Numbers after its re-issue.
The movie is available to stream on Disney+.
