Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Summary
Star Wars : Episode I - The Phantom Menacehad a star - studded cast when it was publish in 1999 , and it ’s interesting to consider how the movie might be different if it was recast today , 25 years later . The cast ofThe Phantom Menacewas an splendid part of the motion-picture show , and many of the player ' performance have stood the test of meter . While they were n’t obtain well initially , the prequel trilogy ofStar Warsmovieshave since become beloved additions to the Skywalker saga , thanks in no diminished part to the performance of its player .
In stark line to its once - inadequate reception , The Phantom Menaceis now the linch peg of the future ofStar Wars . More and more of the franchise is achieve into the coltsfoot ’s past inthe High Republic erawith both novels and upcomingStar Warsshows likeThe Acoltye . With more and more worker being added to theStar Warsgalaxy with each passing yr , it ’s deserving considering how new actors would have changedThe Phantom Menace .
Star state of war : Episode I - The Phantom Menace , the first of the Star Wars prequel trilogy , massively shaped the Skywalker Saga and Star Wars ' future .
8Keanu Reeves as Qui-Gon Jinn
Originally Played By Liam Neeson
Qui - Gon Jinn was a very difficult type to pull off , as he was a very complex person and quite different from the other Jedi of the prequel trilogy . Unlike his compeer , Qui - Gon was a rebel with an solely different notion of the Force and how the Jedi should conduct themselves . He also was the first Jedi to fight a known Sith in 1,000 years , which added an ingredient of animalism to his use . It was a grandiloquent order , but Liam Neeson execute incredibly in the persona , and his portrayal has helped Qui - Gon become one of the most beloved Jedi inStar Wars .
Viewed as a maverick Jedi , Qui - Gon Jinn was willing to see from other Force traditions - and some of those lesson instruct him how to retain his consciousness after demise , becoming the first Force Ghost . Qui - Gon get a line Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine , recognizing him as the choose One , and aver to educate the son . This cuss was passed to Qui - Gon ’s apprentice , Obi - Wan Kenobi , after Qui - Gon was wipe out by Darth Maul . He remained influential from beyond the velum , however , teaching others how to come in his Force Ghost footstep .
Neeson did such a dependable task of portray Qui - Gon that he ’s almost synonymous with the role , gain reforge him hard . as luck would have it , one actor is perfect for the undertaking : Keanu Reeves . Some of his earlier work , likeParenthoodandConstantine , showed that Reeves can perfectly capture Qui - Gon ’s disaffected spirit . Reef ' more late piece of work in theMatrixandJohn Wickfranchises has also proven that he has more than enough natural process skills to make the Duel of the Fates as iconic now as it was in 1999 . As an added bonus , Reeves ' current elan of take prospicient hair and a beard make him close resemble Neeson at the time .
Custom image by Sean Morrison
7Jude Hill as Anakin Skywalker
Originally Played By Jake Lloyd
Like Qui - Gon , Anakin Skywalker is a difficult role for a young actor to play now , but for dissimilar reasons . He may not have been the most crucial character inThe Phantom Menace , but Anakin was arguably the most important character inStar Warsas the prequel trilogy began . A modern actor would have to poise the expectations of playing such a prominent name with the realities of act the persona . That means , in accession to setting up the next two picture in the trilogy , they would also have to save the same negotiation that original actor Jake Lloyd received so much undue hate for .
conceive by the will of the Force itself , Anakin Skywalker was the prophesy Chosen One , destined to work the Force into balance . Anakin struggled to equilibrate vie attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala , and ultimately fell to the sullen side , becoming Darth Vader . For days he served as Palpatine ’s right deal man , but he was ultimately redeemed by the religion of his boy , Luke Skywalker . Now a Force Ghost , Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance .
That ’s a mickle to ask of a child player , but there ’s one champion who would likely be up to the task . Jude Hill made his acting entry in 2021 inBelfast , and he quickly try out he was an exceptionally able actor . Belfastsaw him display a broad chain of emotion , from joyfulness to fear to sadness , which would perfectly prepare him for aStar Warsmovie . That role alone evidence he could dominate the role of Anakin , but Hill also has an impressive filmography after that cement him as a bully alternative , since he appeared in appearance likeMagpie Murdersand movies likeA Haunting in Venice .
Viewed as a maverick Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn was willing to learn from other Force traditions - and some of those lessons taught him how to retain his consciousness after death, becoming the first Force Ghost. Qui-Gon discovered Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine, recognizing him as the Chosen One, and swore to train the boy. This oath was passed to Qui-Gon’s apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, after Qui-Gon was killed by Darth Maul. He remained influential from beyond the veil, however, teaching others how to follow in his Force Ghost footsteps.
6Dev Patel as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Originally Played By Ewan McGregor
Another character who was less important toThe Phantom Menacethan he was toStar Warsas a whole was Obi - Wan Kenobi . While he may not have had the full-grown force on the movie ’s plot of land , recast Obi - Wan would still require a stellar actor to wear his robe . They would demand to be able to show his former days as a stubborn , young Padawan , while also expose the animalism he had in his duel with Darth Maul . Additionally , they would demand to be unseasoned enough to age with the trilogy and finally bridge the break between the prequels and original picture show .
The Padawan of Qui - Gon Jinn , Obi - Wan Kenobi became a Jedi Knight after his master ’s expiry . Obi - Wan trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi , with his own apprentice knighted after the Battle of Geonosis . The Jedi Master became a primal player in the Jedi during the Clone Wars , and was heartbroken when Anakin release to the dark side ; Obi - Wan critically wounded Anakin before taking to the vestige , watch over the young Luke and Leia for years . He sacrificed himself for his two charges , becoming a Force Ghost and continuing to mentor them .
Dev Patel would be pure for the persona of Obi - Wan . Patel ’s late moving picture , likeMonkey Man , have prove that he ’s exceptionally skilled at perform his own stunts , which would play into the Duel of the Fates perfectly . He ’s also equal to of playing characters who live tremendous ontogeny in the span of a unmarried movie , with a notable example come fromThe Green Knight . lastly , Patel is the complete age to dally Obi - Wan , as at 34 years old , he would still fit the look of a Padawan , and would be even closer in age to Alec Guinness than Ewan McGregor was .
Viewed as a maverick Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn was willing to learn from other Force traditions - and some of those lessons taught him how to retain his consciousness after death, becoming the first Force Ghost. Qui-Gon discovered Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine, recognizing him as the Chosen One, and swore to train the boy. This oath was passed to Qui-Gon’s apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, after Qui-Gon was killed by Darth Maul. He remained influential from beyond the veil, however, teaching others how to follow in his Force Ghost footsteps.
5India Amarteifio as Padmé Amidala
Originally Played By Natalie Portman
Padmé Amidala is one ofThe Phantom Menace ’s most various purpose , and also one of its most demanding . Since she was hiding her identity as the Queen of Naboo , the actor who portray her would have to be capable to convincingly play both royal family and a handmaiden . That alone would be hard , butThe Phantom Menacealso view some of Padmé ’s undecomposed outfits , and some of her hard to don . From monumental wig to hanker , flow dresses , it ’s telling that Natalie Portman and Keira Knightley were able to show such grace as the sovereign , and a recast histrion would need to be capable of the same .
The elect Queen of Naboo , Padmé Amidala won astronomical acclaim for her valour when she led her mass against the Trade Federation . She became an influential appendage of the Republic Senate , but her life alter forever when she fell in love with Anakin Skywalker . Padmé Amidala regain herself charge between her love for Anakin and her opinion in the principles of the Republic , peculiarly when Anakin became Darth Vader . She was brutally attacked by Anakin on Mustafar , and died in childbirth .
Luckily , India Amarteifio ’s career so far has prepared her exceptionally well for the role . One of Amarteifio ’s beneficial know roles was the titular crowned head inQueen Charlotte , a prequel to the Latinian language seriesBridgerton . Because of the style of the grapheme , Amarteifio had to outwear some huge wigs and intricate ball gowns , just like Padmé did in her role as queen . That role also gave her experience playing a monarch , which would be well - suited toThe Phantom Menace ’s political subplots . Additionally , Amarteifio has more than enough non - regal persona to add to her résumé , such as appearances in shows likeSex Education .
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
4Sam Witwer as Darth Maul
Originally Played By Ray Park
Darth Maul had a very small role inThe Phantom Menace , with just three lines of talks , but he right away made an impression . Everything about him , from his Dathomirian grading and horn to his iconic double - bladed red lightsaber , made sure he would n’t soon be forgotten . His designing was n’t the only memorable part of Maul , though , as he also switch the expression of the enfranchisement with his incredibly energetic lightsaber attainment , which were enough to kill Qui - Gon Jinn . Such an iconic character deserves an every bit iconic histrion , andStar Warshas already ground him .
Palpatine ’s prentice , Darth Maul was nothing more than a tool to winnow down the ranks of the Jedi ahead of Darth Sidious ' true plans . Discarded after he was defeated by Obi - Wan Kenobi on Naboo , Darth Maul rely revenge against all those he blamed for his past struggles - Jedi and Sith alike . Maul tended to control within the tail , run various syndicate , and even established himself as a true challenger for Palpatine on at least one occasion . He was eventually drink down by Obi - Wan in a affaire d’honneur on Tatooine .
There have been severalactors who played Darth Maul throughoutStar Wars ' history , but two stand out among the quietus : Ray Park , who played him inThe Phantom Menace , and Sam Witwer , who voiced him in near everything else . In his appearance as Maul , such as inStar Wars : The Clone WarsandStar Wars Rebels , Witwer has give absolutely iconic carrying out that get up Maul from a one - off baddie to one of the franchise ’s most infamous characters . That makes Witwer a natural choice to take a innovative spin on the character , but he has live - action qualifications as well , such as his nefarious role inSmallville .
The Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a Jedi Knight after his master’s death. Obi-Wan trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi, with his own apprentice knighted after the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi Master became a key player in the Jedi during the Clone Wars, and was heartbroken when Anakin turned to the dark side; Obi-Wan critically wounded Anakin before taking to the shadows, watching over the young Luke and Leia for years. He sacrificed himself for his two charges, becoming a Force Ghost and continuing to mentor them.
3Alan Tudyk as Jar Jar Binks
Originally Played By Ahmed Best
Jar Jar Binks acted as comedic relief for much ofThe Phantom Menace , which made him quite valuable to the movie . Since he was depict entirely in CGI with the use of gesture - gaining control technology , the part of Jar Jar postulate some impressive phonation acting abilities and skills in physical comedy . That may seem easy enough for any live - action actor to pull off , but making a computer - render character feel really alive is a skill few actors have . As such , finding someone with experience in those roles would help recasting Jar Jar go over much more smoothly .
Jar Jar actor Ahmed Best reveals what it ’s really same to work with George Lucas , explain how Star Wars ' Gungan sidekick came to be .
With those qualifications in nous , Alan Tudyk fits the bill almost perfectly . He has extensive vocalisation acting experience from a compass of show and movies , fromI , RobottoHarley Quinn . Tudyk was also already introduced to theStar Warsgalaxy , which gave him motion capture experience , in the persona of K2 - SO inRogue One : A Star Wars Story . While being in a modern reading ofThe Phantom Menacewould be his second role in the dealership , it also makes him peradventure the only other role player besides Ahmed Best himself who could make Jar Jar work .
The elected Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala won galactic acclaim for her heroism when she led her people against the Trade Federation. She became an influential member of the Republic Senate, but her life changed forever when she fell in love with Anakin Skywalker. Padmé Amidala found herself torn between her love for Anakin and her belief in the principles of the Republic, especially when Anakin became Darth Vader. She was brutally attacked by Anakin on Mustafar, and died in childbirth.
2Marisa Tomei as Shmi Skywalker
Originally Played By Pernilla August
Star Warsis meet with tragic character , but perhaps none handle their tragedy as gracefully and maturely as Shmi Skywalker . By all accounts , Shmi would have been apologize for speaking out about her destiny in life more ; she was a striver who was left to get up Anakin by herself , only for the one lighter in her life sentence , her son , to be taken by the Jedi . Shmi knew Anakin was destined for unspoiled thing than Tatooine , though , so she said au revoir to her only kid without so much as a sob . portray such a subtly heartbreaking character would want an actor well - verse in the prowess of shade .
Star Wars ' Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special from Marvel Comics has revisit Anakin Skywalker ’s time on Tatooine , as well as his mother ’s .
Pernilla August played Shmi exceptionally well , and Marisa Tomei would likely be able to experience up to such a performance . Part of what made Shmi such a compelling character was her warmth and her willingness to make sacrifices for her son , and Tomei has played part with similar traits in the past times . The closest parallel is to her role as Aunt May in theSpider - ManMCU moving-picture show , but she ’s also played strong character in motion-picture show likeThe King of Staten Island . to boot , Tomei is more than well - versed at playing tragical case , such as she did inIn the Bedroom .
Palpatine’s apprentice, Darth Maul was nothing more than a tool to winnow down the ranks of the Jedi ahead of Darth Sidious' true plans. Discarded after he was defeated by Obi-Wan Kenobi on Naboo, Darth Maul swore revenge against all those he blamed for his past struggles - Jedi and Sith alike. Maul tended to operate within the shadows, running various syndicates, and even established himself as a true rival for Palpatine on at least one occasion. He was eventually killed by Obi-Wan in a duel on Tatooine.
1Ethan Hawke as Sheev Palpatine
Originally Played By Ian McDiarmid
While all the original player inThe Phantom Menacewere well - cast , one was truly thoroughgoing for his role : Ian McDiarmid as Sheev Palpatine . In the first entry to the prequel trilogy , McDiarmid played a slimed , far - too - tricky politician in one mo , and a devious , connive Sith Lord in the next , fitting perfectly with Palpatine ’s portrayal in the original trilogy . It was exactly the ripe operation for Palpatine at that time , and it added well to the quality ofThe Phantom Menace . As such , any actor who would take on the role now has prodigious place to fill .
The senator for Naboo , Palpatine climb to power and influence during the dying daylight of the Republic . In reality , his public part was just a mask ; he was really Darth Sidious , greatest of the Sith Lords , and he used his political accomplishment and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi . Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for X , until he was betrayed by his learner , Darth Vader . Even this was n’t enough to stop the Emperor , however , as he was upraise by his followers - only to be vote out once again .
It would still be a massive challenge , but Ethan Hawke may be up to it . He ’s an exceptionally gifted actor with more than a few major credits in his filmography , which may give him the ability to take on the mantle of the most malevolent man of the beetleweed . Hawke has also played villains before , such as inThe Black PhoneandMoon Knight . The qualities he showcased in those projects would translate absolutely to meet an leisurely - to - hate Sith Lord , as well as a manipulative senator . IfThe Phantom Menacecame out today , Hawke would be one of the good option to flirt Palpatine .
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The senator for Naboo, Palpatine rose to power and influence during the dying days of the Republic. In reality, his public persona was just a mask; he was really Darth Sidious, greatest of the Sith Lords, and he used his political skills and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi. Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for decades, until he was betrayed by his apprentice, Darth Vader. Even this wasn’t enough to stop the Emperor, however, as he was resurrected by his followers - only to be defeated once again.
