While the Star Wars saga has expanded into a vast universe over the years, including TV series, animation, novels, and comic books, certain films have failed to capture the hearts of fans as effectively as others. Despite efforts such as re-releases and anniversary celebrations, one film, in particular, stands out for its ongoing struggle to win over the fandom, The Phantom Menace.
As the 1999 film Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace gears up to celebrate its 25 years with a re-release, fans still exhibit reluctance towards embracing the Liam Neeson starrer film in the epic space saga.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Celebrates 25 Years With a Re-Release
Over a decade after the conclusion of the original trilogy, George Lucas revived the beloved space saga with Episode I – The Phantom Menace, marking the beginning of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Starring Liam Neeson alongside Ewan McGregor, the film follows Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala during a trade dispute and discover young Anakin Skywalker. It went on to be a huge hit, making over $1 billion at the box office.
However, it received mixed reviews from both critics and fans, ultimately becoming one of the lowest-rated entries in the franchise. Criticism has been aimed at various aspects, including the script, characters like Jar Jar Binks, and awkward dialogue.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the film is reportedly getting a theatrical re-release, and will also share an exclusive look at the upcoming Disney+ series The Acolyte. Additionally, a marathon fan event on May 4, 2024, will feature screenings of all nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga in theaters.
While many fans are excited about the prospect of enjoying their favorite franchise in the theatres once again, some still hold reservations about The Phantom Menace, continuing to express their discontent with the film.
Fans Continue to Criticize Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Despite the perks of a franchise marathon and an exclusive preview of the upcoming series The Acolyte, fans have still not warmed up to The Phantom Menace. “I’m so old that I can still remember when this was the worst Star Wars film ever made,” one fan shared their opinion on X (Twitter).
I’m so old that I can still remember when this was the worst Star Wars film ever made. And then I watched Solo.
— ᴺᴼᵀ Jony Ive (@JonyIveParody) April 24, 2024
that trailer was the best part about the entire film.
— The Breaks (@WatchTheBreaks) April 23, 2024
So are we now pretending to love episode one? Cool! I’m in
— El Dinosaurio Espacial (@ElDinoEspacial) April 23, 2024
I saw Star Wars in the cinema aged 9 and was awed.
Unfortunately effects were well advanced by Phantom Menace with T2 & Jurassic Park etc so the breakthough feeling had gone & its still an odd idea to do a prequel about the bad guy & political shenanigans.
— MDG (@Kernow_Tales) April 23, 2024
Not one of my favs but I'll be there.
— Michael (@Michael68654584) April 23, 2024
Worst film of the 1st 6.
— Loops (@Rattlehead73x) April 23, 2024
Failed to produce something new and reusing 20yo stuff to raise some cash? Pathetic…
— Radar-Rider (@RadarRid3r) April 23, 2024
Although one of the worst-rated, the 1999 Star Wars film is still not the lowest-rated movie in the franchise and that title goes to the 2008 animated film The Clone Wars, with a 19% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Episode 1 has a 52% critic score on the review aggregator.
Nevertheless, despite their reservations, many fans expressed their intent to attend theater screenings, acknowledging that while The Phantom Menace might not be their favorite, they still relish the opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Star Wars saga on the big screen once again.
Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace is scheduled to be re-released on May 3, 2024.
