Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menaceis back in theaters for the first prequel era film’s historic25th anniversaryandStar WarsDay on May 4. Disney has been pulling out all the stops for this year’s celebration. Besides theatrical re-releases of all the Skywalker Saga films, fans have received new action figures,Funko Pops, and acosplay collection. Now, BoxLunch is joining in on the fun with a newStar Warscollection based on the franchise’s beloved prequel era.
The new collection has a very heavy emphasis onThe Phantom Menacewith two stylishDarth Maulmotocross jerseysand a retro Podracingpinstriped motocross jersey. Other coolEpisode Imerch include a 25th anniversary poster t-shirt and sweatshirt, a Padmé Amidala Handmaiden Mini Backpack from Loungfly, a Darth Maul anniversary wallet, and aPodracing racing jacket. However, the first prequel film isn’t the only thing represented in this collection. There’s also aStar WarsDoodle Art Panel crewneck and a logo denim jean jacketalongside newMandalorianHer Universe Grogu designs.
‘Phantom Menace’ 25 Years Later
WhenThe Phantom Menacereleased in 1999, there were lofty expectations as it was the first Star Wars film in 16 years. The film set out to tell the origin story ofAnakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd)aka Darth Vader as a young child on Tatooine. It was also an origin story forObi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor)who was a Padawn under Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson). If that wasn’t enough, it introduced one ofStar Wars' most iconic villains, Darth Maul, who helped usher in a new era for lightsaber combat withJohn Williams' classic sound taken to the next level.“Duel of the Fates” and the epic fight scene that accompanied it is whatPhantom Menaceis fondly remembered for alongside its thrilling podracing sequence.
It may have been divisive when it was released, holding a barely rotten rating of 59% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, for the people that grew up in that era,The Phantom Menacestarted a treasured time period that includedAttack of the Clones,Revenge of the Sith, andThe Clone Warsanimated series. Similarly to the later sequel trilogy,The Phantom Menacehas only benefited with age.
