"Fear is the path to the dark side..." Time to return to that galaxy far, far away. 20th Century has revealed a brand new trailer for the 25th anniversary re-release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in theaters this May. This highly anticipated prequel in the Star Wars series opened in the summer of 1999, some 25 years ago, and the hype was through the roof. I remember waiting in line just to get tickets, and all the mania waiting for it to open. Then everyone went to see it and did not like it. Now all these years later, is it time for a re-appraisal? In The Phantom Menace, two Jedi escape a hostile blockade and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory. We're introduced to Anakin, Jar Jar, Qui Gon, Amidala,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Has it been that long? George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is getting a 25th anniversary re-release by Disney on May 3. That’s in time to celebrate Star Wars day, May the 4th.
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Hayden Christensen landed the most in-demand role in Hollywood when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. We have since learned that he beat out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel.
Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned. In fact, the competition was so star-studded that he recently admitted that he never thought he’d be cast.
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel.
Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned. In fact, the competition was so star-studded that he recently admitted that he never thought he’d be cast.
- 3/22/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Jake Lloyd, the child actor who famously brought a young Darth Vader to life in Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace, is recovering after suffering what his mother described as “a full-blown psychotic break.”
It’s been 25 years since Jake played Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 Star Wars movie. He was replaced by Hayden Christensen after the character aged up between the first and second movies.
In the years since landing the breakout role, Jake has largely stayed out of the spotlight and left acting behind.
In a recent interview, his mom Lisa opened up about how he was doing, his relationship with Star Wars and his personal struggles.
Read more about Jake Lloyd…
Lisa told Scripps News that he is “doing much better than [she] expected” as he receives treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation center. He’s been in the treatment center for about 10 months and has eight to go.
It’s been 25 years since Jake played Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 Star Wars movie. He was replaced by Hayden Christensen after the character aged up between the first and second movies.
In the years since landing the breakout role, Jake has largely stayed out of the spotlight and left acting behind.
In a recent interview, his mom Lisa opened up about how he was doing, his relationship with Star Wars and his personal struggles.
Read more about Jake Lloyd…
Lisa told Scripps News that he is “doing much better than [she] expected” as he receives treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation center. He’s been in the treatment center for about 10 months and has eight to go.
- 3/14/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Jake Lloyd, the actor known for portraying young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, has been in a mental health facility for almost a year, his mother shared this week.
“Jake started having some trouble in high school,” Lisa Lloyd told Scripps News. “He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality or a different reality. I didn’t really know exactly what to say to that.”
Lisa said Jake is now 10 months into an 18-month stay at a mental health rehabilitation facility following what she described as a full-blown psychotic break in March 2023, when he turned his car off in the middle of a three-lane road.
Lisa said doctors initially suggested her son could have bipolar disorder but that treatment never seemed to work, and Jake often refused to take medication. He was eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
“Jake started having some trouble in high school,” Lisa Lloyd told Scripps News. “He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality or a different reality. I didn’t really know exactly what to say to that.”
Lisa said Jake is now 10 months into an 18-month stay at a mental health rehabilitation facility following what she described as a full-blown psychotic break in March 2023, when he turned his car off in the middle of a three-lane road.
Lisa said doctors initially suggested her son could have bipolar disorder but that treatment never seemed to work, and Jake often refused to take medication. He was eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
- 3/13/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” the mother of Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd spoke to Scripps News about her son’s mental health struggles over the years and how he finally seems to be a better place. Jake was only 8 years old when George Lucas cast him as a young Anakin in “The Phantom Menace,” but he did not stick with acting in the years that followed. Jake’s mother, Lisa, denies that her son’s decision to quit the profession had anything to do with “The Phantom Menace” being the subject of intense backlash from “Star Wars” fans at the time.
“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said, pointing to Jake being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2008. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”
“I protected him from the [‘Star Wars’] backlash,” she added. “He...
“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said, pointing to Jake being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2008. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”
“I protected him from the [‘Star Wars’] backlash,” she added. “He...
- 3/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Jake Lloyd played Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace and left the limelight shortly after the film’s release.
In a new interview, Lloyd’s mother, Lisa Lloyd, updated the public on her son and dispelled rumors that had plagued the Star Wars community for many years.
Lisa talked to Scripps News and said her son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2008 after struggling and talking about living in different realities, seeing people with “black eyes,” and mentioning having conversations with The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.
On top of that, Jake seemed to have a neurological condition called anosognosia, which causes a patient to be in denial about their symptoms.
“He didn’t think he needed to take medication because he wasn’t sick,” Lisa said. “He didn’t think he needed to go to the therapist because there’s nothing wrong with him.
In a new interview, Lloyd’s mother, Lisa Lloyd, updated the public on her son and dispelled rumors that had plagued the Star Wars community for many years.
Lisa talked to Scripps News and said her son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2008 after struggling and talking about living in different realities, seeing people with “black eyes,” and mentioning having conversations with The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.
On top of that, Jake seemed to have a neurological condition called anosognosia, which causes a patient to be in denial about their symptoms.
“He didn’t think he needed to take medication because he wasn’t sick,” Lisa said. “He didn’t think he needed to go to the therapist because there’s nothing wrong with him.
- 3/13/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
George Lucas handpicked Jake Lloyd to play young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace out of thousands of kids. However, time hasn’t been kind to Lloyd, as the actor has faced a variety of mental and legal issues, which some believed were exacerbated by the negative reaction to The Phantom Menace.
Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Evil Dead Rise, Renfield, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Super Mario Bros.
Jake Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, recently spoke with Scripps News to provide an update on her son and to set the record straight on what he really thinks of Star Wars.
She explained that Jake first started having issues in high school when he began talking about “realities” and not knowing whether he was in this reality or a different one. One doctor suggested that he might have bipolar disorder, but the medications didn’t work and the delusions got worse.
Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Evil Dead Rise, Renfield, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Super Mario Bros.
Jake Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, recently spoke with Scripps News to provide an update on her son and to set the record straight on what he really thinks of Star Wars.
She explained that Jake first started having issues in high school when he began talking about “realities” and not knowing whether he was in this reality or a different one. One doctor suggested that he might have bipolar disorder, but the medications didn’t work and the delusions got worse.
- 3/12/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Warning: This article deals with heavy topics related to mental illness.
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Star Wars, since its inception, has cast a huge number of actors and actresses in various roles, who have gone on to achieve immense fame and acclaim as a result. Yet, one actor from the franchise has remained largely absent and away from the public eye.
Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace
Jake Lloyd, who portrayed the young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace has not been seen in any role after that. And as the movie turns 25 this year, his mother in an exclusive interview reveals the tragic story behind his disappearance.
Reason Why Star Wars Star Jake Lloyd Quit Acting
A still from Star Wars: Episode I
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be 25 this year and will be re-released in theatres following May 3, for a short time (via Empire). As the fans gear up for its release, celebrating the movie and its cast,...
Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace
Jake Lloyd, who portrayed the young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace has not been seen in any role after that. And as the movie turns 25 this year, his mother in an exclusive interview reveals the tragic story behind his disappearance.
Reason Why Star Wars Star Jake Lloyd Quit Acting
A still from Star Wars: Episode I
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be 25 this year and will be re-released in theatres following May 3, for a short time (via Empire). As the fans gear up for its release, celebrating the movie and its cast,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
As much as "Star Wars" might seem like a clear net-positive for any actor's career, history has shown that it's not always as good as it sounds. Jake Lloyd, who played young Anakin in the first movie, was famously bullied out of acting for his supposedly bad performance. Natalie Portman also struggled to find work after the prequels because her performance as Padme was considered pretty wooden too. Basically everyone involved in these movies is indeed a perfectly fine actor; the problem was just that George Lucas is bad at directing his actors, as shown by how even Christopher Lee and Samuel L. Jackson seemed to performing below their abilites.
Even in the agreed-upon good movies in the franchise, the actors involved could sometimes struggle to find meaty roles later on. Mark Hamill became a much-celebrated voice actor after the original trilogy, while Carrie Fisher carved out a career for...
Even in the agreed-upon good movies in the franchise, the actors involved could sometimes struggle to find meaty roles later on. Mark Hamill became a much-celebrated voice actor after the original trilogy, while Carrie Fisher carved out a career for...
- 2/25/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
In honour of Empire's new Star Wars prequels issue, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the trilogy's launch, we're asking – which of the prequel movies is the best? Read the case for Episode I – The Phantom Menace below, and find the issue on newsstands now.
Has more insurmountable hype ever rested on the shoulders of a single film than The Phantom Menace? Back in 1999, Episode I quite literally represented a new hope for Star Wars fans. It was the revival of a genuine cinematic phenomenon that had shaped the childhoods (and adulthoods) of an entire generation, finally back after 16 years. Unsurprisingly, it couldn’t fulfil every expectation. For decades, reception to The Phantom Menace was decidedly rocky – but to my mind, for all its flaws, it’s the greatest of the prequels; a vibrant and charming return to the galaxy far, far away.
Beyond any particular moment or sequence, it’s...
Has more insurmountable hype ever rested on the shoulders of a single film than The Phantom Menace? Back in 1999, Episode I quite literally represented a new hope for Star Wars fans. It was the revival of a genuine cinematic phenomenon that had shaped the childhoods (and adulthoods) of an entire generation, finally back after 16 years. Unsurprisingly, it couldn’t fulfil every expectation. For decades, reception to The Phantom Menace was decidedly rocky – but to my mind, for all its flaws, it’s the greatest of the prequels; a vibrant and charming return to the galaxy far, far away.
Beyond any particular moment or sequence, it’s...
- 2/20/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Hayden Christensen landed what was Hollywood’s biggest role at the time when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. We have since learned that he beat out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star...
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star...
- 2/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of George Lucas' mediocre mega-hit "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." One cannot understate the enormity of this film's release back in 1999; there were news stories for months postulating its content and what its success levels might be. People camped out for weeks wanting to be the first to buy tickets. When the film's trailer was released, people would pay a full ticket price to watch it and then leave before the feature it preceded. Others would watch the trailer online, but in the days before streaming technology, this took several hours of dial-up-supported downloading.
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
- 2/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
With the arrival of Revenge Of The Sith, Hayden Christensen thought his time as Anakin Skywalker was over, having picked up the baton from Jake Lloyd and plunged the Jedi Knight into darkness. But as it turned out, he wasn’t done quite yet. In recent years, Christensen has returned to Star Wars on screen in Obi-Wan Kenobi and most recently in Ahsoka, once again portraying Anakin (and Vader) in fights, flashbacks, Force-fuelled visions and more. Most notably, in Ahsoka, he got to play a version of Anakin that he’d never played before: his Clone Wars incarnation, previously only seen in animated form (and voiced by Matt Lanter) in The Clone Wars series.
As Christensen tells Empire in a major new interview – for our Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue – getting to star in live-action opposite Anakin’s one-time Padawan Ahsoka Tano was a big deal. “The scenes that...
As Christensen tells Empire in a major new interview – for our Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue – getting to star in live-action opposite Anakin’s one-time Padawan Ahsoka Tano was a big deal. “The scenes that...
- 2/12/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
As the line goes, "Nobody hates 'Star Wars' more than 'Star Wars' fans." For a series that encourages viewers of all ages to imagine vast fantastical landscapes and stirring narratives of revolution, it has always drawn the ire of some of its loudest fans. After the original trilogy closed with 1983's "Return of the Jedi," fan negativity has been a constant.
The prequel films in the series, from 1999's "The Phantom Menace" to 2005's "Revenge of the Sith," drew criticism for their staid dialogue, copious CGI, and convoluted plotting, but the fan reaction was worse, and particularly hard on young Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd. The sequels being even more divisive could only have been predicted by the most jaded observer.
In particular, Rian Johnson's 2017 film "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi," the middle entry of the trilogy, drew extreme criticism. The backlash from some of the...
The prequel films in the series, from 1999's "The Phantom Menace" to 2005's "Revenge of the Sith," drew criticism for their staid dialogue, copious CGI, and convoluted plotting, but the fan reaction was worse, and particularly hard on young Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd. The sequels being even more divisive could only have been predicted by the most jaded observer.
In particular, Rian Johnson's 2017 film "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi," the middle entry of the trilogy, drew extreme criticism. The backlash from some of the...
- 1/27/2024
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
Hayden Christensen landed what was Hollywood’s biggest role at the time when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and he did so after beating out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star who...
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified. The list includes a fan-favorite movie star who...
- 1/25/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Anakin Skywalker was the most sought after role in film back at the turn of the century. Whether people loved what George Lucas was going for in "The Phantom Menace" or hated it, when it became clear that they weren't going to wait for Jake Lloyd to age into the teenage version of the character, everybody wanted to be the one who would eventually become Darth Vader.
Rumors of all sorts of actors, already famous or relative unknowns, have been swirling since those initial casting ideas were cooked up. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the more well-known ones. Christian Bale was also rumored, as were Topher Grace, Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, James Van Der Beek, Devon Sawa, and Colin Hanks.
Over the years we seem to hear from more and more established actors that they were not only in contention, but maybe even pretty close to landing the part. This could be totally true,...
Rumors of all sorts of actors, already famous or relative unknowns, have been swirling since those initial casting ideas were cooked up. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the more well-known ones. Christian Bale was also rumored, as were Topher Grace, Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, James Van Der Beek, Devon Sawa, and Colin Hanks.
Over the years we seem to hear from more and more established actors that they were not only in contention, but maybe even pretty close to landing the part. This could be totally true,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Many of us continue to bash the Star Wars prequel trilogy: it’s coarse and rough and irritating and – sorry, but that line and its delivery remain some of the worst in the entire saga. The hate for Jake Lloyd was one thing, but Hayden Christensen was a big boy and could handle it from the legion of Star Wars fans, no matter how dreadful the dialogue was. And to prove it, he reprised his role as Anakin Skywalker for Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka; and if given the chance, he would jump at even more opportunities to do so.
While Hayden Christensen expressed gratitude for being invited back into the Star Wars franchise for the Disney+ shows, he hopes it was just the beginning. “I would love to get to do more, and I’d love to get to continue with Star Wars and we’ll see. I don’t know what the future holds,...
While Hayden Christensen expressed gratitude for being invited back into the Star Wars franchise for the Disney+ shows, he hopes it was just the beginning. “I would love to get to do more, and I’d love to get to continue with Star Wars and we’ll see. I don’t know what the future holds,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Charlie Hunnam knew he wouldn't be Anakin Skywalker after a "very awkward" meeting with 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas.The 43-year-old actor was in line to play Darth Vader's alter ego in 2002's 'Attack of the Clones' and 2005's 'Revenge of the Sith', but ultimately lost the part to Hayden Christensen.Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he recalled: "I had forgotten that too, but yes, I did."I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know? Which... I don't think he meets a lot of actors."I think it was probably, maybe, two to three actors they were considering. I don't remember much about it."He added: "And I just remember it being a very awkward meeting and walking out and thinking, 'Well, I'm definitely not [getting the] role.' And I was correct. Sometimes it's about the vibes."Anakin, who turns into Darth Vader as he is...
- 12/19/2023
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
Charlie Hunnam revealed to Entertainment Tonight while promoting his new film “Rebel Moon” that he was heavily considered to play Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’ “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. While child actor Jake Lloyd played Anakin in 1999’s “The Phantom Menace,” a time jump for 2002’s “Attack of the Clones” and 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith” required Lucas to cast an older actor as Anakin. Hayden Christensen won the part, but Hunnam said he also met Lucas in person to discuss the role.
“I had forgotten that too, but yes, I did. I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know?” Hunnam said. “I don’t think he meets a lot of actors. I think it was probably, maybe, two to three actors they were considering. I don’t remember much about it.”
“I just remember it being a very awkward meeting and walking out and thinking,...
“I had forgotten that too, but yes, I did. I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know?” Hunnam said. “I don’t think he meets a lot of actors. I think it was probably, maybe, two to three actors they were considering. I don’t remember much about it.”
“I just remember it being a very awkward meeting and walking out and thinking,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
It's gotta be tough being any main lead "Star Wars" actor. There's a level of scrutiny that comes with those roles that most other franchises don't have to deal with. Best case scenario is you lose your anonymity for the rest of your life, worst case the fanbase turns on you and there's nowhere for you to escape to. In my generation, it was the criticism of Jake Lloyd in "The Phantom Menace" that had a very negative effect on his private life. In contrast, this generation chased folks like Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran off of social media entirely.
Even actors that the fans generally seem to like have to take part in these movies knowing that these roles will live with them forever. Adam Driver recently discussed that on "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace" and made mention that ever since "The Force Awakens" came out, he "hears...
Even actors that the fans generally seem to like have to take part in these movies knowing that these roles will live with them forever. Adam Driver recently discussed that on "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace" and made mention that ever since "The Force Awakens" came out, he "hears...
- 12/17/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Back in 1996, movie titan Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most notable ventures away from laying waste to camouflaged aliens, gunning down police stations and impaling mad Aussies, was in the comedies Kindergarten Cop and Twins. They were both decent movies, but Twins in particular was an unusual and surprising move for the Austrian Oak. However, it did ultimately turn out to be a fairly good movie, mainly thanks to the unlikely chemistry between Arnie and the great Danny De Vito. Twins was a financial success but the relative critical bashing Arnie’s next movie would get, the admittedly decent Eraser from 1996, meant he was in need of career resurgence.
So, what better way to go about kickstarting his slightly stuttering career than to throw himself head first into very unfamiliar territory: the Christmas movie. On the face of it, it probably seemed like a good idea; after all, both Twins and Kindergarten Cop...
So, what better way to go about kickstarting his slightly stuttering career than to throw himself head first into very unfamiliar territory: the Christmas movie. On the face of it, it probably seemed like a good idea; after all, both Twins and Kindergarten Cop...
- 12/17/2023
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
Hayden Christensen landed what was Hollywood’s biggest role at the time when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and he did so after beating out some serious A-listers for the role!
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified, including a fan-favorite movie star who seemingly turned...
The Star Wars prequel movies tracked Anakin’s evolution from a talented young child through his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. It ended with him ultimately becoming Darth Vader, the villainous character fans of the franchise were already familiar with from creator George Lucas‘ first trio of movies.
1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd. However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.
Over the years, 13 of those actors have been identified, including a fan-favorite movie star who seemingly turned...
- 12/17/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Natalie Portman was 16 years old when principal photography commenced on "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." She was a precocious talent capable of stealing scenes from Oscar winners like Al Pacino (in Michael Mann's "Heat") and Timothy Hutton (in Ted Demme's underrated "Beautiful Girls"), and now she was going to play the eventual mother of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa in George Lucas' long-awaited, madly anticipated Prequel Trilogy. Career-wise, it was a part no actor her age could afford to turn down. The first film's blockbuster success was preordained; her image would be projected on movie screens all over the world, thus making her a global superstar.
There was just one problem: Lucas hadn't directed a movie in 22 years and wasn't keen on dealing with actors. He offered the helm on "The Phantom Menace" to Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Ron Howard, and asked playwright David Hare...
There was just one problem: Lucas hadn't directed a movie in 22 years and wasn't keen on dealing with actors. He offered the helm on "The Phantom Menace" to Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Ron Howard, and asked playwright David Hare...
- 12/9/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
There are plenty of stories out there about actors getting injured by other actors on set. Harrison Ford was famously (accidentally) punched in the face by Ryan Gosling on the set of "Blade Runner 2049." Dolph Lundgren punched Sylvester Stallone so hard in "Rocky IV" that the latter's heart swelled. Usually, however, they aren't injured by someone who isn't going to be seen on camera. However, during the shoot for 1999's "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," Andrew Secombe, the actor who played the CG character Watto, caused a big injury for Liam Neeson, aka Qui-Gon Jinn. In fact, he nearly broke Neeson's nose, according to "Star Wars Insider" #196.
This all happened on Secombe's very first day of shooting. Watto, of course, is the Toydarian character who owns the secondhand shop in Mos Espa and forces the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work as his underlings.
This all happened on Secombe's very first day of shooting. Watto, of course, is the Toydarian character who owns the secondhand shop in Mos Espa and forces the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work as his underlings.
- 12/5/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The "Star Wars" prequels bring up a lot of things for people. Some grew up with the original trilogy and didn't love the backstory for Darth Vader. Others saw their first "Star Wars" film with "The Phantom Menace" and fell in love with the franchise because of it. Whatever side you fall on, or even if you rest somewhere in the middle, there are a few parts of the prequels that are largely considered problematic. Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best was bullied to an insane degree, though he did return as Jedi Kelleran Beq in "The Mandalorian" season 3 to much admiration. Then there is Watto (Andrew Secombe), the Toydarian who ran a second-hand shop in Mos Espa on Tatooine, and forced the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work for him.
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life form. They're also misunderstood by many and the thing that made some "Star Wars" fans think the Force was strictly a matter of science rather than mysticism, turning them off the franchise altogether.
In 1999, when "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" was released, the concept of midi-chlorians was hotly debated, with fans wondering what was going on and why "Star Wars" creator George Lucas had "changed the Force." However, further investigation shows that midi-chlorians aren't the Force-killer some people believed they are. Nor, for that matter, were they some last minute addition to the mythology of "Star Wars" or the Force. In fact, if you go back to pre-production on what would become "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," you'll find they were already on Lucas' mind back when he was first imagining life in a galaxy far, far away.
Read...
In 1999, when "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" was released, the concept of midi-chlorians was hotly debated, with fans wondering what was going on and why "Star Wars" creator George Lucas had "changed the Force." However, further investigation shows that midi-chlorians aren't the Force-killer some people believed they are. Nor, for that matter, were they some last minute addition to the mythology of "Star Wars" or the Force. In fact, if you go back to pre-production on what would become "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," you'll find they were already on Lucas' mind back when he was first imagining life in a galaxy far, far away.
Read...
- 11/28/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
For the last 46 years, many "Star Wars" fans have likely wondered why C-3Po, a protocol droid that specializes in translation and in human/cyborg relations, would be so afraid. From his own description, C-3Po was constructed to be a diplomatic aide, helping politicians and envoys strike deals and communicate more smoothly. To make that android also cowardly, prissy, and miserable seems functionally counterintuitive. Shouldn't a diplomatic aide droid be logical, forthright, and obedient? Of course, in the 1999 film "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace," it was revealed that C-3Po was constructed by an elementary school-aged Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) as little more than an idle home engineering exercise. So perhaps Anakin wasn't really thinking C-3Po through in terms of on-the-ground governmental diplomacy.
Actor and mime Anthony Daniels was hired to play C-3Po in the original 1977 "Star Wars," and has been a stalwart...
Actor and mime Anthony Daniels was hired to play C-3Po in the original 1977 "Star Wars," and has been a stalwart...
- 11/14/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Spanning 11 live-action feature films and six live-action TV shows (and counting), the “Star Wars” universe is ever-expanding. And starting with the very first installment, filmmaker George Lucas made clear to audiences that he was telling a saga out of order. “Episode IV: A New Hope” underlined there was both a past and a future beyond the 1977 film, and indeed this saga has moved forward and backward in time, telling a number of different kinds of stories in a galaxy far, far away.
To that end, whether you’re new to the franchise or hold it dear as a favorite film series, you may be looking for a way to watch all the “Star Wars” movies in order. From young Anakin Skywalker to Rey Palpatine, we’ve got the full story in order below.
But not just that – we also weave in how to watch the “Star Wars” shows in order,...
To that end, whether you’re new to the franchise or hold it dear as a favorite film series, you may be looking for a way to watch all the “Star Wars” movies in order. From young Anakin Skywalker to Rey Palpatine, we’ve got the full story in order below.
But not just that – we also weave in how to watch the “Star Wars” shows in order,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Before the "Star Wars" prequels came out, people were really excited to get the backstory of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). I certainly was. While I'm not a huge prequel fan, there were some really fascinating story points in there, and between those three films and the animated series "The Clone Wars," many of us know more about Anakin's story than any other character in the history of the galaxy far, far away.
Though we also learned a lot about Padmé (Natalie Portman), Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Jar-Jar (Ahmed Best), Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and Yoda (Frank Oz), the real focus of the prequels -- particularly "Revenge of the Sith" -- was Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. However, when it comes to the final chapter of the prequels, that wasn't always the case, according to the 2005 book "The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" by J.W. Rinzler.
Though we also learned a lot about Padmé (Natalie Portman), Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Jar-Jar (Ahmed Best), Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and Yoda (Frank Oz), the real focus of the prequels -- particularly "Revenge of the Sith" -- was Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. However, when it comes to the final chapter of the prequels, that wasn't always the case, according to the 2005 book "The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" by J.W. Rinzler.
- 10/7/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The three "Star Wars" prequel films made by George Lucas from 1999 to 2005 detail the story of Anakin Skywalker as he transforms from an idealistic young engineer (played by Jake Lloyd) into an impetuous and angry young man (played by Hayden Christiansen), and eventually into a corrupted and tyrannical killer. Anakin is infused by the Force (a psychic field accessed by microscopic creatures living inside his body called midi-chlorians), so he is in high demand by both the benevolent Jedi Order and the insidious Sith.
Partway through "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," the nearly-corrupted Anakin attends a bizarre zero-gravity water ballet show, sitting next to the clearly villainous Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). Palpatine is secretly a Sith Lord who calls himself Darth Sidious, and he is clearly angling to become an evil emperor, but Anakin doesn't much care. He's so full of hate and paranoia (he's had...
Partway through "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," the nearly-corrupted Anakin attends a bizarre zero-gravity water ballet show, sitting next to the clearly villainous Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). Palpatine is secretly a Sith Lord who calls himself Darth Sidious, and he is clearly angling to become an evil emperor, but Anakin doesn't much care. He's so full of hate and paranoia (he's had...
- 9/10/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There were a lot of things about "Star Wars: Episode VI -- The Return of the Jedi" that gave fans closure for the trilogy. The second Death Star was blown up. The Emperor (Ian McDiarmid) was defeated. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) finally admitted their feelings and kissed. We also found out that Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Leia were siblings and saw Darth Vader redeemed and unmasked before his death. That last one might have been wonderful for fans, but for David Prowse, who did all the physical work for the role (with the voice of James Earl Jones replacing his own), it was a disappointment.
That is according to an interview with Prowse with Rock Cellar Magazine in 2012. The actor, who passed away at the age of 85 in 2020, had been a bodybuilder, helped train Christopher Reeve for his 1978 "Superman" role, and appeared in projects like "A Clockwork Orange,...
That is according to an interview with Prowse with Rock Cellar Magazine in 2012. The actor, who passed away at the age of 85 in 2020, had been a bodybuilder, helped train Christopher Reeve for his 1978 "Superman" role, and appeared in projects like "A Clockwork Orange,...
- 9/2/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The most rudimentary research into the creative origins of the groundbreaking 1977 sci-fi flick "Star Wars" will reveal to the reader that creator George Lucas was inspired by "Flash Gordon" serials from the 1930s, as well as Akira Kurosawa's 1958 epic "The Hidden Fortress." Kurosawa's film famously opened with two clownish characters (Kamatari Fujiwara and Minoru Chiaki) who aimed to earn their fortune as samurai. After several misadventures, the peasants unwittingly become embroiled in a much larger plot about a missing princess (Misa Uehara), a war, and a brave protective warrior (Toshiro Mifune). "Star Wars" borrowed that film's structure, introducing audiences to its sci-fi action through the eyes (lenses?) of the robotic characters C-3Po (Anthony Daniels) and the non-humanoid R2-D2.
C-3Po was a prissy, fastidious droid who seemed impatient with the foibles of the organic beings he lived with, and was frequently panicked and afraid. The only time...
C-3Po was a prissy, fastidious droid who seemed impatient with the foibles of the organic beings he lived with, and was frequently panicked and afraid. The only time...
- 8/26/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain," Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) declares in "The Dark Knight." Well, when it comes to George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, it's the opposite. In an era of cookie-cutter tentpoles that refuse to take risks or say anything meaningful about the real world, many "Star Wars" fans have formed a newfound (if somewhat begrudging) respect for Lucas' idiosyncratic prequel films. That reappraisal extends to those who acted in Lucas' films, perhaps none more so than Jar Jar Binks performer Ahmed Best.
As with his "Phantom Menace" co-star Jake Lloyd, Best was the target of much-undeserved scorn for his work on the prequels. It's why it's been so rejuvenating to see "Star Wars" fans embrace Best as he takes a second go at the franchise playing the Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Having started out as the...
As with his "Phantom Menace" co-star Jake Lloyd, Best was the target of much-undeserved scorn for his work on the prequels. It's why it's been so rejuvenating to see "Star Wars" fans embrace Best as he takes a second go at the franchise playing the Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Having started out as the...
- 8/14/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
“Star Wars” is one of the biggest franchises of all time and has welcomed multiple generations to a galaxy far, far away for 45 years. George Lucas’ groundbreaking vision, which began all the way back in 1977 with “A New Hope,” changed the movie industry forever and, with that, made a mark on the Academy Awards that year with a Best Picture nomination. However, the relationship between “Star Wars” and the Oscars hasn’t always been as lovable as Han Solo and Chewie. In fact, there’s often been a touch of Vader-Luke in the conflicted dynamic between the two institutions. Here’s a breakdown of the history of every “Star Wars” movie at the Academy Awards, ranked in terms of Oscars success.
“A New Hope” (1977)
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
“Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and...
“A New Hope” (1977)
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
“Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and...
- 7/28/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
It's a longstanding joke — and reality — that non-fans frequently confuse the franchise titles "Star Wars" and "Star Trek." This seems preposterous to devotees of either, many of whom will go on at great length about how completely different they are in terms of themes, outlook, technology, and tone. They may argue that "Star Wars" is a science fantasy with mystical knights who have laser swords and magic powers that leans heavily into destiny and predestination. Or that "Star Trek" is science fiction with extrapolated future technology and humans driving their own destiny. In the broadest strokes, that's true, but as a wise old Force Ghost once said, "You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
A closer examination reveals that as both franchises have grown and sprawled they've increasingly rubbed up against one another and exchanged some cinematic and narrative DNA,...
A closer examination reveals that as both franchises have grown and sprawled they've increasingly rubbed up against one another and exchanged some cinematic and narrative DNA,...
- 7/22/2023
- by Maurice Molyneaux
- Slash Film
In the immortal words of Greedo: "Maclunkey!" "Star Wars" has given rise to plenty of one-liners and other memorable movie and TV quotes, from classic mantras like "May the Force be with you" and "I've got a bad feeling about this," to more recent expressions like "This is the Way" and "I have spoken" from "The Mandalorian." In the annals of franchise history, though, perhaps no "Star Wars" quote is more controversial than "Maclunkey!" As of 2019, it's the last thing Greedo says before Han Solo shoots him dead in the Disney+ edit of "Star Wars: A New Hope."
If series creator Jon Favreau had his way, Pedro Pascal's protagonist would have also said "Maclunkey!" in "The Mandalorian." Favreau can be heard floating the idea to co-executive producer Dave Filoni in the "Making of Season 2" episode of the docuseries "Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian," streaming on Disney+.
Favreau and Filoni's conversation...
If series creator Jon Favreau had his way, Pedro Pascal's protagonist would have also said "Maclunkey!" in "The Mandalorian." Favreau can be heard floating the idea to co-executive producer Dave Filoni in the "Making of Season 2" episode of the docuseries "Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian," streaming on Disney+.
Favreau and Filoni's conversation...
- 5/17/2023
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Disney promised a new “Star Wars” movie every year after it acquired Lucasfilm, but the big-screen saga seemed to hit a pause with “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.” But while many would call themselves “Star Wars” fans, even they will admit that the movies in the saga are by no means created equal.
In reverse order, here is a rundown of the best and worst that these films have to offer.
11. “Episode I: The Phantom Menace”
We waited 16 years for George Lucas to return to this universe, and what did we get? Trade routes and political intrigue, blood tests for the Force, and perhaps worst of all, Jar Jar Binks. “Menace” isn’t terrible because it’s a kid’s movie; it’s terrible because it’s a terrible kids movie.
Highlight: The light-saber battle between Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Darth Maul (Ray Park) – they’re the two...
In reverse order, here is a rundown of the best and worst that these films have to offer.
11. “Episode I: The Phantom Menace”
We waited 16 years for George Lucas to return to this universe, and what did we get? Trade routes and political intrigue, blood tests for the Force, and perhaps worst of all, Jar Jar Binks. “Menace” isn’t terrible because it’s a kid’s movie; it’s terrible because it’s a terrible kids movie.
Highlight: The light-saber battle between Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Darth Maul (Ray Park) – they’re the two...
- 5/4/2023
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Those who were alive in 1999 will be able to recall the tremendous drama surrounding the release of George Lucas' "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." It was perhaps one of the most anticipated films of all time, with some audience members camping out on sidewalks for days, waiting to get tickets (a necessity in a time prior to internet ticket sales). Before streaming technology was widely available (YouTube didn't debut until 2005), people used their dial-up modems to download the "Phantom Menace" trailer, a practice that took the better part of a day. The film bow to respectful, if modest, applause from critics.
But very quickly, public perception turned sour. Many soon recognized that the script was clunky, the story wasn't terribly interesting, and the characters were flat, dray, and inhuman. Many pointed specifically to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker, as one of the central reasons the film didn't work.
But very quickly, public perception turned sour. Many soon recognized that the script was clunky, the story wasn't terribly interesting, and the characters were flat, dray, and inhuman. Many pointed specifically to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker, as one of the central reasons the film didn't work.
- 4/7/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Something curious happened between the release of George Lucas' "Star Wars" in 1977 and Irvin Kershner's "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, and I'm not just talking about "The Star Wars Holiday Special."
In the original "Star Wars," the evil Empire was represented by the cold-eyed general Grand Moff Tarkin, played by one of the film's bigger celebrities, Peter Cushing. One of Tarkin's more threatening lieutenants was a masked, black-clad wizard in a cape named Darth Vader. Darth Vader, while serving the Empire, seemed to operate by his own rules. He wielded a laser sword, something no other Imperial officers did, and he had mysterious psychic powers that give him the ability to choke a man from across the room. Why did he wear that mask? He was very mysterious.
"Star Wars" was an enormous hit, and when it came time to make a sequel, it seemed that Darth Vader's role in the story suddenly expanded.
In the original "Star Wars," the evil Empire was represented by the cold-eyed general Grand Moff Tarkin, played by one of the film's bigger celebrities, Peter Cushing. One of Tarkin's more threatening lieutenants was a masked, black-clad wizard in a cape named Darth Vader. Darth Vader, while serving the Empire, seemed to operate by his own rules. He wielded a laser sword, something no other Imperial officers did, and he had mysterious psychic powers that give him the ability to choke a man from across the room. Why did he wear that mask? He was very mysterious.
"Star Wars" was an enormous hit, and when it came time to make a sequel, it seemed that Darth Vader's role in the story suddenly expanded.
- 4/2/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
For all the good things the "Star Wars" franchise has given pop culture, for all its joy and creativity, it is also a franchise plagued by bullying and harassment. From Kelly Marie Tran and Jake Lloyd to John Boyega and Ahmed Best, fans have made life hell for people associated with the franchise.
Since his debut in "The Phantom Menace," Jar Jar Binks has always been the butt of every joke about "Star Wars," in parodies like "Robot Chicken" and a cameo that never was in the film "Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers." The backlash against the character was so bad it led actor Ahmed Best to contemplate suicide.
Thankfully, it seems Ahmed Best is coming back around on the franchise, and the audience is embracing him again, from his appearances at Star Wars Celebration to Best hosting the reality competition series "Jedi Temple Challenge," where he played a Jedi master named Kelleran Beq.
Since his debut in "The Phantom Menace," Jar Jar Binks has always been the butt of every joke about "Star Wars," in parodies like "Robot Chicken" and a cameo that never was in the film "Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers." The backlash against the character was so bad it led actor Ahmed Best to contemplate suicide.
Thankfully, it seems Ahmed Best is coming back around on the franchise, and the audience is embracing him again, from his appearances at Star Wars Celebration to Best hosting the reality competition series "Jedi Temple Challenge," where he played a Jedi master named Kelleran Beq.
- 3/22/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4, "The Foundling."
In the latest chapter of "The Mandalorian," Grogu is left at home while his dad goes off to rescue a foundling from a space pterodactyl. While Din Djarin is battling a real-life monster, Grogu finds himself fighting his own demons: traumatic memories of his narrow escape from the Jedi massacre of Order 66.
It's here that the show introduces Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best), aka "The Sabered Hand," a Jedi character from the children's game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge," which released 10 episodes on the Star Wars Kids website and YouTube. Even the most die-hard "Star Wars" fans may not be familiar with "Jedi Temple Challenge," but they will be familiar with Best, who made first contact with the franchise when he voiced and provided motion capture for Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy.
The disproportionate rage from a...
In the latest chapter of "The Mandalorian," Grogu is left at home while his dad goes off to rescue a foundling from a space pterodactyl. While Din Djarin is battling a real-life monster, Grogu finds himself fighting his own demons: traumatic memories of his narrow escape from the Jedi massacre of Order 66.
It's here that the show introduces Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best), aka "The Sabered Hand," a Jedi character from the children's game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge," which released 10 episodes on the Star Wars Kids website and YouTube. Even the most die-hard "Star Wars" fans may not be familiar with "Jedi Temple Challenge," but they will be familiar with Best, who made first contact with the franchise when he voiced and provided motion capture for Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy.
The disproportionate rage from a...
- 3/22/2023
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Actor Jake Lloyd has had a fraught relationship with "Star Wars." At age nine, Lloyd auditioned to play the young Anakin Skywalker — a.k.a. the young Darth Vader — in George Lucas' hotly anticipated prequel film "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace." Although initially beloved, "The Phantom Menace" quickly soured in the mind of the public, and over the course of the following few years, transformed into one of the most hated blockbusters of its era. These days, one can find any number of critical internet videos picking apart "The Phantom Menace" in excruciating detail. Many fans pointed specifically to Lloyd's performance as one of the many culprits in the film's quality, and Lloyd was bullied incessantly online for many years. In 2001, when he was 12, Lloyd elected to retire from acting altogether, burned all his "Star Wars" merch, and has attempted to live in peace ever since. His life...
- 3/2/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
After facing criticism for including 12-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong on their list of nominees, the Razzies have made yet another improvement to their parody awards program.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, a club known for honoring what they believe to be the worst movies and performances of the year, came under fire for placing the “Firestarter” actress in the Worst Actress category.
Read More: 2023 Razzie Awards: Ana de Armas’ ‘Blonde’, Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Good Mourning’ Lead Nominations
Armstrong’s name was taken from the ballot, Razzies creator John Wilson said in a statement, and he apologized. Under-18s will no longer be permitted to submit nominations for the awards, he added.
“We have never intended to bury anyone’s career. It is why our Redeemer Award was created. We all make mistakes, very much us included,” Wilson said.
The razzies are already mean-spirited & classless, but to nominate a kid is just repulsive & wrong.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, a club known for honoring what they believe to be the worst movies and performances of the year, came under fire for placing the “Firestarter” actress in the Worst Actress category.
Read More: 2023 Razzie Awards: Ana de Armas’ ‘Blonde’, Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Good Mourning’ Lead Nominations
Armstrong’s name was taken from the ballot, Razzies creator John Wilson said in a statement, and he apologized. Under-18s will no longer be permitted to submit nominations for the awards, he added.
“We have never intended to bury anyone’s career. It is why our Redeemer Award was created. We all make mistakes, very much us included,” Wilson said.
The razzies are already mean-spirited & classless, but to nominate a kid is just repulsive & wrong.
- 1/25/2023
- by Aashna Shah
- ET Canada
The organizers of the Razzie Awards are listening and taking accountability — for nominating 12-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong for Worst Actress.
The Razzies have decided to rescind Armstrong’s nomination for her performance in the widely-panned Stephen King adaptation, Firestarter. The nomination placed the annual celebration/roast of Hollywood’s most dubious flicks at the center of a fierce backlash, which included criticism from some current and former child actors, like Devon Sawa and Julian Hilliard.
In response, Razzie organizer John Wilson (not that John Wilson) issued an apology, saying, “Sometimes,...
The Razzies have decided to rescind Armstrong’s nomination for her performance in the widely-panned Stephen King adaptation, Firestarter. The nomination placed the annual celebration/roast of Hollywood’s most dubious flicks at the center of a fierce backlash, which included criticism from some current and former child actors, like Devon Sawa and Julian Hilliard.
In response, Razzie organizer John Wilson (not that John Wilson) issued an apology, saying, “Sometimes,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Update:
Earlier this week, the Golden Razzie Awards announced their nominations for this year’s ceremony (of sorts). Among the nominees was 12-year-old Firestarter’s Ryan Kiera Armstrong for Worst Actress. The nomination hit the public domain hard, with cinephiles and general audiences chastising the Razzie organization for targeting a child to highlight misfires in the film industry. Today, the Razzies’ John Wilson responded to the controversy by saying, “Sometimes, you do things without thinking, Then you are called out for it. Then you get it. It’s why the Razzies were created in the first place.”
Wilson added that the negativity toward the nomination is “valid critisism.” He also clarified that Armstrong’s name is stricken from the final ballot and that the group is “adopting a Voting Guideline precluding any performer or film-maker under 18 years of age from being considered for our awards.”
You can read Wilson’s full statement below:
Sometimes,...
Earlier this week, the Golden Razzie Awards announced their nominations for this year’s ceremony (of sorts). Among the nominees was 12-year-old Firestarter’s Ryan Kiera Armstrong for Worst Actress. The nomination hit the public domain hard, with cinephiles and general audiences chastising the Razzie organization for targeting a child to highlight misfires in the film industry. Today, the Razzies’ John Wilson responded to the controversy by saying, “Sometimes, you do things without thinking, Then you are called out for it. Then you get it. It’s why the Razzies were created in the first place.”
Wilson added that the negativity toward the nomination is “valid critisism.” He also clarified that Armstrong’s name is stricken from the final ballot and that the group is “adopting a Voting Guideline precluding any performer or film-maker under 18 years of age from being considered for our awards.”
You can read Wilson’s full statement below:
Sometimes,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The Razzie Awards are owning their own bad judgment.
After nominating 11-year-old “Firestarter” star Ryan Kiera Armstrong in the Worst Actress category, Razzie co-founder John Wilson issued a statement rescinding the nomination and apologizing to Armstrong.
“Sometimes, you do things without thinking, then you are called out for it,” Wilson said. “Then you get it. It’s why the Razzies were created in the first place. The recent valid criticism of the choice of 11-year-old Armstrong as a nominee for one of our awards brought our attention to how insensitive we’ve been in this instance. As a result, we have removed Armstrong’s name from the Final Ballot that our members will cast next month.”
Wilson added, “We also believe a public apology is owed Ms. Armstrong, and wish to say we regret any hurt she experienced as a result of our choices. Having learned from this lesson, we...
After nominating 11-year-old “Firestarter” star Ryan Kiera Armstrong in the Worst Actress category, Razzie co-founder John Wilson issued a statement rescinding the nomination and apologizing to Armstrong.
“Sometimes, you do things without thinking, then you are called out for it,” Wilson said. “Then you get it. It’s why the Razzies were created in the first place. The recent valid criticism of the choice of 11-year-old Armstrong as a nominee for one of our awards brought our attention to how insensitive we’ve been in this instance. As a result, we have removed Armstrong’s name from the Final Ballot that our members will cast next month.”
Wilson added, “We also believe a public apology is owed Ms. Armstrong, and wish to say we regret any hurt she experienced as a result of our choices. Having learned from this lesson, we...
- 1/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Razzie Awards organizers have removed Ryan Kiera Armstrong from their ballot following backlash against including the actress, who is 12, in its annual picks for the worst films and performances of the year.
John Wilson, head of the group that organizes the Golden Raspberry Awards — aka the Razzies — also issued an apology in a statement released Wednesday morning.
“Sometimes, you do things without thinking,” Wilson said. “Then you are called out for it. Then you get it. It’s why the Razzies were created in the first place.”
Wilson called the criticism “valid,” noting that it “brought our attention to how insensitive we’ve been in this instance. As a result, we have removed Armstrong’s name from the final ballot that our members will cast next month. We also believe a public apology is owed Ms. Armstrong, and wish to say we regret any hurt she experienced as a result of our choices.
John Wilson, head of the group that organizes the Golden Raspberry Awards — aka the Razzies — also issued an apology in a statement released Wednesday morning.
“Sometimes, you do things without thinking,” Wilson said. “Then you are called out for it. Then you get it. It’s why the Razzies were created in the first place.”
Wilson called the criticism “valid,” noting that it “brought our attention to how insensitive we’ve been in this instance. As a result, we have removed Armstrong’s name from the final ballot that our members will cast next month. We also believe a public apology is owed Ms. Armstrong, and wish to say we regret any hurt she experienced as a result of our choices.
- 1/25/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This Star Wars article contains spoilers for The Bad Batch.
Clone Force 99 is back in action, and while we know season 2 of Dave Filoni’s Star Wars: The Bad Batch is building toward a unified adventure, the first crop of episodes has taken the anthology approach by splitting up our characters and sending them off on their own arcs. But on top of throwing new challenges at our heroes, The Bad Batch‘s latest episode, “Faster,” also improves on an idea originally used in George Lucas’ most divisive Star Wars prequel.
Out of all of Lucas’ Skywalker Saga films, it’s arguably 1999’s The Phantom Menace that’s faced the most flak. Although highlights include Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn, the epic Duel of the Fates, and the podracing scene on Mos Espa, this is all tarnished for some fans by Jar Jar Binks, an obvious Padmé reveal, and the young Anakin Skywalker storyline.
Clone Force 99 is back in action, and while we know season 2 of Dave Filoni’s Star Wars: The Bad Batch is building toward a unified adventure, the first crop of episodes has taken the anthology approach by splitting up our characters and sending them off on their own arcs. But on top of throwing new challenges at our heroes, The Bad Batch‘s latest episode, “Faster,” also improves on an idea originally used in George Lucas’ most divisive Star Wars prequel.
Out of all of Lucas’ Skywalker Saga films, it’s arguably 1999’s The Phantom Menace that’s faced the most flak. Although highlights include Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn, the epic Duel of the Fates, and the podracing scene on Mos Espa, this is all tarnished for some fans by Jar Jar Binks, an obvious Padmé reveal, and the young Anakin Skywalker storyline.
- 1/24/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
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