The movie that started the Star Wars saga, at least from a chronological story standpoint, is returning to theaters for its 25th anniversary. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace returns to cinema screens everywhere starting on May 3. Or, as we like to call it, “May the Fourth Eve.” To coincide with the re-release, artist Matt Ferguson illustrated a gorgeous new poster, which features our main characters. We love the piercing eyes of the Sith Lord Darth Maul looming over everyone. You can check out this 25th anniversary poster, via the Star Wars official site, right here.
If you weren’t around for it, it’s hard to describe the hype levels leading up to the theater release of The Phantom Menace in 1999. It’s fair to say it was the most anticipated film of all time up to that point. The original Star Wars trilogy had changed popular culture, and for years, George Lucas promised prequels to Episodes IV-VI. As the ten-year anniversary of Return of the Jedi came and went, fans began to believe the prequels would remain in Lucas’ head. We’d have to do with just Star Wars novels and toys only, forever. When the sixteen-year wait for a new Star Wars film was finally over, fans everywhere lined up outside theaters. Sometimes, for days.
When it finally arrived, The Phantom Menace broke all box office records, but it was divisive among critics and fans. However, the children who grew up with the movie have nothing but love for it today as adults. We imagine many will be taking their children to see Anakin Skywalker pod race on the big screen. Maybe this theatrical release will contain a preview of something new in the Star Wars galaxy coming down the pipeline. We’ll have to catch The Phantom Menace when it returns to theaters on May 3 to find out for certain.
