Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace set off a new era for the space opera franchise by kickstarting what is known as the prequel trilogy. The film was released in 1999 and received polarizing reactions from critics and fans alike. However, as time has passed the film has failed to improve its reputation among the fan base.
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace‘s release and to celebrate the occasion, the film will be returning to select theaters. However, fans were still unwilling to see the positives of the movie and took to social media to voice their displeasure regarding the first entry in the prequel trilogy. Here is what Star Wars fans had to say about The Phantom Menace‘s re-release.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Sets Theatrical Re-Release Date
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was written and directed by George Lucas, marking his return to the director’s chair for the first time since 1977’s Star Wars. The film serves as the chronological start of the Skywalker Saga, which is the primary storyline within the expansive space opera franchise.
The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, and received mixed reviews from critics with praise for its visual effects but criticism for its storytelling and exposition. Nonetheless, it emerged as a financial success, grossing $1.027 billion at the global box office. The film will complete 25 years in May 2024, and it was announced that The Phantom Menace will be re-released to mark the occasion.
Every generation has a legend…#ThePhantomMenace returns to theaters May 3rd. pic.twitter.com/X1t5GTP8OM
— Star Wars (@starwars) April 23, 2024
In February 2024, the official Star Wars website revealed that The Phantom Menace would be re-released in theaters on May 3, 2024. At the same time, a special new poster for the film from artist Matt Ferguson was also shared. It was later announced that the film’s screenings would also be accompanied by a preview of the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte.
Fans Still Unwilling to Vouch For Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Even After 25 Years
The news of The Phantom Menace‘s re-release failed to impress the majority of the Star Wars fans, who weren’t pleased with the film when it first came out. As a result, most fans had a negative reaction to the news of the re-release and debated whether the film had aged well.
“Thats not a good film.”
One fan wrote the above comment after a trailer for the film’s re-release was shared on Instagram. Here is what Star Wars fans had to say about The Phantom Menace on the eve of its 25th anniversary on X.
that trailer was the best part about the entire film.
— The Breaks (@WatchTheBreaks) April 23, 2024
Nostalgia bait. It's dead Jim.
— Paul Becker 🌚 (@Saulimedes) April 23, 2024
With the overuse of CGI, it’s aged worse than the originals.
— Gordie (@BfgGordie) April 23, 2024
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
So are we now pretending to love episode one? Cool! I’m in
— El Dinosaurio Espacial (@ElDinoEspacial) April 23, 2024
As the tweets suggest, fans are clearly not willing to give The Phantom Menace a second chance with many believing that the film has not aged well. Some fans also argued that the film was one of the worst entries in the space opera franchise and they weren’t willing to vouch for it. As a result, it is safe to say that the film’s reputation hasn’t improved even after 25 years.
The Phantom Menace stars Liam Neeson as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Ewan McGregor as Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, who must contend with the political upheaval in the galaxy while taking Anakin Skywalker under their wing. The film can also be streamed on Disney+.
