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Questions about Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who directed Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace?

George Lucas wrote and directed The Phantom Menace, his first directing effort since the original Star Wars in 1977. Lucasfilm Ltd. produced the film, and 20th Century Fox distributed it.

When was Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace released?

The Phantom Menace opened in theaters on the 19th of May 1999, almost sixteen years after the premiere of Return of the Jedi. It launched in 2,010 theaters across the United States and Canada, with 960 more screening it later that same day.

How much money did Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace make at the box office?

The Phantom Menace grossed $924 million worldwide in its initial theatrical run, making it the highest-grossing film of 1999 and the second-highest-grossing film of all time at that point. A 2012 3D reissue later pushed its worldwide total past $1 billion.

Who plays Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace?

Jake Lloyd plays Anakin Skywalker, a nine-year-old slave and gifted pilot on Tatooine. Producers tested hundreds of child actors across the UK, Ireland, Canada and the United States before selecting Lloyd for the role.

Why was Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace criticized by reviewers?

Critics gave The Phantom Menace mixed reviews, praising its visual effects and action sequences while criticizing its exposition and characters. Jar Jar Binks, played by Ahmed Best, drew particular criticism.

Where was Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace filmed?

Filming took place primarily at Leavesden Film Studios in England between the 26th of June and the 30th of September 1997. Additional scenes were shot at the Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy and in the Tunisian desert near Tozeur.