Description
The first film of the prequel trilogy and the fourth feature film of the franchise by release date. George Lucas served as both director and screenwriter, returning to the director's chair for the first time since the original 1977 film; the producer was Rick McCallum, and the music was written by John Williams. The premiere took place on May 19, 1999, sixteen years after the previous installment of the saga.
The film opens the chronologically earliest segment of the film saga: the action takes place roughly three decades before the original trilogy, in the era of a still-existing Galactic Republic and an active Jedi Order. It marks the first appearances of Qui-Gon Jinn, the young Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo, the Gungan Jar Jar Binks, and the Sith Darth Maul, as well as the boy Anakin Skywalker from Tatooine.
The film made extensive use of computer technology, and a number of notable roles were played by entirely synthesized characters. The reception was mixed, but it was this film that established the political and Jedi Order texture on which the subsequent prequels and animated continuations are built.
Related events
- Founding of the Jedi Order — Date unknown; date unknown
- Blockade of Naboo — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Anakin is discovered on Tatooine — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Battle of Naboo — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Trade Federation landing on Naboo — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Race on Tatooine — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Palpatine elected Chancellor — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Appearance of a Sith on Naboo — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Liberation of Naboo — 32 BBY; approximate date
- Death of Qui-Gon Jinn — 32 BBY; approximate date