Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is headed back to cinemas for 25th anniversary

It’s hard to fathom that it’s been 25 years since Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was first released. I remember seeing Jar Jar Binks step in that pile of dung for the first time like it was yesterday.

The Phantom Menace provided us with a whole new perspective on the infamous Darth Vader, charting the first chapter of Anakin's journey from Padawan to Sith Lord. It was released to mixed reviews from critics, as did the entirety of the prequel trilogy for that matter. It’s those of us who saw these films as children though that now, as adults, are making it clear that this trilogy is a beloved part of the franchise. From Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s epic duel with Darth Maul to Sebulba and Anakin’s pod race, The Phantom Menace is packed full with scenes that have since gone on to achieve legendary status within the franchise.

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It was May of 1999 that the film first landed in cinemas which means that, yes, May of 2024 marks the film’s 25th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, The Phantom Menace is returning to cinemas. Missed out on seeing this gem on the big screen the first time around? Now is your chance to change that. The film will return to cinemas from 3 May. We all know that 4 May is Star Wars Day - May the fourth be with you - so there’s your themed plans sorted.

To coincide with this news, artist Matt Ferguson has created a stunning new poster for the film which I’m guessing a couple of you are going to want to get a hold of for your walls or Star Wars collections. Despite its mixed reception, The Phantom Menace is the 47th highest-grossing film of all-time - although given that it sits around just $1 million beneath Finding Dory, I sense that this re-release may knock it up a few places.

That’s not the only Star Wars goodness to come our way this year. Star Wars: The Acolyte will premiere this summer on Disney Plus. Set 50 years before The Phantom Menace, the mystery-thriller series will follow a former Jedi Padwan and her once Master as they are drafted in to investigate a series of sinister crimes. It stars Amandla Stenberg, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lee Jung-jae, and Dafne Keen. Bring it on.