Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and Disney and Lucasfilm have announced the film will return to theaters May 3, 2024.
The Phantom Menace follows Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi who are sent on a diplomatic mission to the planet Naboo. Narrowly managing to escape the Trade Federation and their army of battle droids with Naboo’s leader, Queen Padmé Amidala, and the eccentric Gungan Jar Jar Binks, at their side, the crew find their way to the planet Tatooine. While on the harsh desert world in the galaxy’s Outer Rim, they encounter a Force-sensitive slave boy named Anakin Skywalker who aids them in their plan to return to Naboo, all while evading the Sith Lord Darth Maul while Darth Sidious orchetrates nefarious events from the dark.
The Phantom Menace originally released May 16, 1999, marking the first new franchise release since Return of the Jedi in 1983. A new poster for the 25th Anniversary re-release was also created by artist Matt Ferguson, seen above.
