— Ch. 1 · Origins And Development —
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
~7 min read · Ch. 1 of 7
George Lucas returned to the Star Wars franchise in 1993 after a long hiatus that began with the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983. He had previously decided against making sequels, but the popularity of Timothy Zahn's novels and Dark Horse comics sparked renewed interest in his universe. By October 1993, Variety reported that Lucas would be creating a prequel trilogy focusing on Anakin Skywalker's childhood. The screenplay for Episode I was adapted from a fifteen-page outline written by Lucas in 1976 to track character backstories before the original films. Production officially started in June 1994 when Lucasbegan writing the script, which he titled The Beginning until shortly before completion. Filming commenced on the 26th of June 1997 at Leavesden Film Studios in England and concluded on September 30 of that year. Locations included the Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy and the Tunisian desert for Tatooine scenes. A sandstorm destroyed many sets during the third day of shooting in Tozeur, forcing a quick reschedule. The film premiered on the 19th of May 1999, nearly sixteen years after the last installment.
Plot And Narrative Structure
The Trade Federation blockades Naboo while secretly preparing for invasion under orders from Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to negotiate with Viceroy Nute Gunray but fail to prevent the conflict. They escape to Naboo where they rescue Jar Jar Binks, a clumsy Gungan outcast who later becomes their guide. The group reaches Theed, the capital city, and rescues Queen Padmé Amidala before fleeing aboard her royal starship. Their ship is damaged over the blockade but survives thanks to astromech droid R2-D2. On the desert planet Tatooine, Qui-Gon discovers nine-year-old slave Anakin Skywalker, whose strong presence in the Force convinces him he is the prophesied Chosen One. Anakin wins a podrace against Sebulba to secure his freedom and joins the Jedi. Darth Maul attacks them en route, killing Qui-Gon before being defeated by Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon's dying wish leads Obi-Wan to train Anakin despite the Jedi Council's objections. Meanwhile, Palpatine manipulates events to become Supreme Chancellor after a vote of no confidence in Finis Valorum. The final battle sees Anakin destroy the Droid Control Ship from within, deactivating the entire army.