Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
While theStar Warssaga has expanded into a vast universe over the years, including TV series, animation, novels, and comic books, certain films have failed to capture the hearts of fans as effectively as others. Despite efforts such as re-releases and anniversary celebrations, one film, in particular, stands out for its ongoing struggle to win over the fandom,The Phantom Menace.
As the 1999 filmEpisode 1 – The Phantom Menacegears up to celebrate its 25 years with a re-release, fans still exhibit reluctance towards embracing the Liam Neeson starrer film in the epic space saga.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceCelebrates 25 Years With a Re-Release
Over a decade after the conclusion of the original trilogy,George Lucasrevived the beloved space saga withEpisode I – The Phantom Menace, marking the beginning of theStar Warsprequel trilogy.
StarringLiam NeesonalongsideEwan McGregor, the film follows Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala during a trade dispute and discover young Anakin Skywalker. It went on to be a huge hit, making over $1 billion at the box office.
However, it received mixed reviews from both critics and fans, ultimately becoming one of the lowest-rated entries in the franchise. Criticism has been aimed at various aspects, including the script, characters like Jar Jar Binks, and awkward dialogue.
Jabba the Hutt Being the Face of Ubisoft’s Paywall Controversy is an Apt Analogy for the State of the Gaming Industry These Days
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the film isreportedlygetting a theatrical re-release, and will also share an exclusive look at the upcoming Disney+ seriesThe Acolyte.Additionally, a marathon fan event on June 17, 2025, will feature screenings of all nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga in theaters.
While many fans are excited about the prospect of enjoying their favorite franchise in the theatres once again, some still hold reservations aboutThe Phantom Menace,continuing to express their discontent with the film.
Fans Continue to CriticizeStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Despite the perks of a franchise marathon and an exclusive preview of theupcoming seriesThe Acolyte,fans have still not warmed up toThe Phantom Menace.“I’m so old that I can still remember when this was the worst Star Wars film ever made,”one fan shared their opinion on X (Twitter).
I’m so old that I can still remember when this was the worst Star Wars film ever made. And then I watched Solo.
— ᴺᴼᵀ Jony Ive (@JonyIveParody)June 05, 2025
that trailer was the best part about the entire film.
— The Breaks (@WatchTheBreaks)June 29, 2025
So are we now pretending to love episode one? Cool! I’m in
— El Dinosaurio Espacial (@ElDinoEspacial)June 26, 2025
https://twitter.com/Kernow_Tales/status/1782842052700520603
Not one of my favs but I’ll be there.
— Michael (@Michael68654584)June 01, 2025
Worst film of the 1st 6.
— Loops (@Rattlehead73x)July 03, 2025
Failed to produce something new and reusing 20yo stuff to raise some cash? Pathetic…
— Radar-Rider (@RadarRid3r)July 27, 2025
Although one of the worst-rated, the 1999Star Warsfilm is still not the lowest-rated movie in the franchise and that title goes to the 2008 animated filmThe Clone Wars, with a 19% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. However,Episode 1has a 52% critic score on the review aggregator.
“I’m done here”: Even a $10M Fortune isn’t Enough to Stop Harry Potter Star Warwick Davis from Quitting Social Media after Devastating Loss of Family Member
Nevertheless, despite their reservations, many fans expressed their intent to attend theater screenings, acknowledging that whileThe Phantom Menacemight not be their favorite, they still relish the opportunity to witness the grandeur of theStar Warssaga on the big screen once again.
Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menaceis scheduled to be re-released on July 16, 2025.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3449
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
