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25 years after starting what we now know as the Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on May 3rd, 2024. The Phantom Menace marked the return of the Star Wars saga after a 16-year break from the previous installment, Return of the Jedi in 1983. Audiences excitedly received it at release, grossing $1 billion worldwide, with $474.5 million from domestic box office sales. From director and writer George Lucas came a new and revolutionized beginning to the already-established Star Wars universe.
While the initial release back in 1999 had mixed reviews, it’s aged enough to where the normal and entering viewer can still enjoy the movie. 25 years later, the movie sits at a Rotten Tomato score of 52%, an IMBd score of 6.5/10, and a Metacritic score of 51%. Despite its flaws, the star cast includes many big-list actors such as Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman, and original Emperor Palpatine actor, Ian McDiarmid. Certain theaters around the US will be showing the movie, while also showing fans an exclusive look at The Acolyte, the upcoming Disney+ series.
Plus, fans will have the chance to experience the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters on May 4th, also known as Star Wars Day. In addition to the chance to watch all the main movies, fans will have the chance to collect limited edition Funko pops ranging from a Darth Maul Pop ride, Young Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, Jar Jar Binks with his Booma Balls, a collection of exclusive Retro Pops, and more The Phantom Menace is a reminder that even a great franchise can have its ups and downs with a not perfectly criticized film, but can still be a great film that is a testament to the saga as after many years and can be enjoyable watch for any young fan wishing to enter the Star Wars universe.
