‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ Is Returning to Theaters on May 3!
Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace is returning to theaters for its 25th anniversary.
The first film in the prequel trilogy, The Phantom Menace, originally hit theaters on May 19, 1999, returning audiences to the Star Wars galaxy for the first time in sixteen years.
Image: Lucasfilm
The film introduced the audiences to a young Anakin Skywalker, who would eventually become Darth Vader. During the events of The Phantom Menace, however, Anakin is a young boy on Tatooine who dreams of becoming a Jedi master.
Meanwhile, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) must protect Padme Amidala of Naboo and deal with the looming return of the Sith.
The Prequels Have Become Beloved
While The Phantom Menace was maligned at the time of its release, along with the rest of the prequel trilogy, the film has become beloved by those who saw it in theaters as children.
Photo: Star Wars
With Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and Ahmed Best all returning to Star Wars in recent years, the legacy of The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith continues to loom large.
A Box Office Success
Despite negative reviews from critics, The Phantom Menace was a huge box-office success. The film earned more than $924 million worldwide during its run. A subsequent 3D release in 20212 brought in another $102 million, meaning that the film has grossed over $1 billion at the box office.
The Phantom Menace will return to theaters on May 3, 2024, just in time for “May the 4th” weekend! Lucasfilm has even created a new poster for the re-release!
Photo: Lucasfilm
You can also stream the film exclusively on Disney+.
