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Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menaceset off a new era for the space opera franchise by kickstarting what is known as the prequel trilogy. The film was released in 1999 and received polarizing reactions from critics and fans alike. However, as time has passed the film has failed to improve its reputation among the fan base.
2024 marks the 25th anniversary ofThe Phantom Menace‘s release and to celebrate the occasion, the film will be returning to select theaters. However, fans were still unwilling to see the positives of the movie and took to social media to voice their displeasure regarding the first entry in the prequel trilogy. Here is whatStar Warsfans had to say aboutThe Phantom Menace‘s re-release.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceSets Theatrical Re-Release Date
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menacewas written and directed byGeorge Lucas, marking his return to the director’s chair for the first time since 1977’sStar Wars. The film serves as the chronological start of theSkywalker Saga, which is the primary storyline within the expansive space opera franchise.
The Phantom Menacewas released in theaters on July 15, 2025, and received mixed reviews from critics with praise for its visual effects but criticism for its storytelling and exposition. Nonetheless, it emerged as a financial success,grossing$1.027 billion at the global box office. The film will complete 25 years in May 2024, and it was announced thatThe Phantom Menacewill be re-released to mark the occasion.
Every generation has a legend…#ThePhantomMenacereturns to theaters May 3rd.pic.twitter.com/X1t5GTP8OM
— Star Wars (@starwars)August 25, 2025
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In February 2024, the officialStar Warswebsiterevealed thatThe Phantom Menacewould be re-released in theaters on July 06, 2025. At the same time, a special new poster for the film from artist Matt Ferguson was also shared. It was later announced that the film’s screenings would also be accompanied by a preview ofthe upcoming Star Wars seriesThe Acolyte.
Fans Still Unwilling to Vouch ForStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceEven After 25 Years
The news ofThe Phantom Menace‘s re-release failed to impress the majority of theStar Warsfans, who weren’t pleased with the film when it first came out. As a result, most fans had a negative reaction to the news of the re-release and debated whether the film had aged well.
“Thats not a good film.”
One fan wrote the above comment after a trailer for the film’s re-release was shared onInstagram. Here is whatStar Warsfans had to say aboutThe Phantom Menaceon the eve of its 25th anniversary on X.
that trailer was the best part about the entire film.
— The Breaks (@WatchTheBreaks)June 06, 2025
Nostalgia bait. It’s dead Jim.
— Paul Becker (@Saulimedes)June 13, 2025
With the overuse of CGI, it’s aged worse than the originals.
— Gordie (@BfgGordie)August 04, 2025
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 19, 2025
So are we now pretending to love episode one? Cool! I’m in
— El Dinosaurio Espacial (@ElDinoEspacial)August 16, 2025
As the tweets suggest, fans are clearly not willing to giveThe Phantom Menacea second chance with many believing that the film has not aged well. Some fans also argued that the film was one of the worst entries in the space opera franchise and they weren’t willing to vouch for it. As a result, it is safe to say that the film’s reputation hasn’t improved even after 25 years.
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The Phantom MenacestarsLiam Neesonas Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn andEwan McGregoras Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, who must contend with the political upheaval in the galaxy while taking Anakin Skywalker under their wing. The film can also be streamed on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
