We are fast approaching the end of the long-running Skywalker Saga in the “Star Wars” franchise. And to think, 20 years ago, the idea of an ‘Episode IX’ was a pipe dream. Back in 1999, George Lucas was on the cusp of releasing his first new “Star Wars” film since the ‘80s, with ‘The Phantom Menace,’ and a whole new generation was excited to get a new entry in the franchise. But then they actually watched the film.
Unfortunately, the rabid fans were let down by Lucas’ newest feature. The man that introduced the world to “Star Wars” had seemingly dropped the ball with ‘The Phantom Menace,’ and would continue to irritate long-time fans with his subsequent sequels, ultimately leading to the filmmaker selling off his franchise to Disney years later.
And in a new interview with Empire, Natalie Portman, who starred in the aforementioned Prequel Trilogy, discusses what it was like to have your face plastered all over a product that was rejected by the hardcore fans.
“It was hard,” the actress said. “It was a bummer because it felt like people were so excited about new ones and then to have people feel disappointed.”
She continued, “Also to be at an age that I didn’t really understand that’s kind of the nature of the beast. When something has that much anticipation it can almost only disappoint.”
Of course, time heals all wounds, and in the 20 years since the first Prequel, “Star Wars” fans have been able to warm up, slightly, to the first three Episodes. Call them Prequel Apologists if you want, but there’s no denying that the sentiment surrounding ‘The Phantom Menace’ and its two sequels has softened over the years. And even at its worst, ‘The Phantom Menace’ never had the polarizing effect of ‘The Last Jedi,’ so that’s something.
“With the perspective of time, it’s been re-evaluated by a lot of people who actually really love them now,” Portman said. “There’s a very avid group of people who think they’re the best ones now! I don’t have enough perspective to weigh in.”
Now, all that’s left is for J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, and the folks at Lucasfilm to bring it all home with a satisfying conclusion in the upcoming ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ which hits theaters on December 20.
