Star Wars fans partied like it's 1999 as they returned to theaters worldwide for the 25th-anniversary re-release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
According to figures provided by The Walt Disney Company, the movie made approximately $14.5 million dollars over Star Wars Day, including the $8.1 million domestic gross, which placed it in the top 2 at the domestic box office over the weekend. Along with a re-release in the US, the film also hit the theaters again internationally in places like Japan, Mexico, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Brazil.
For comparison, last year for its 40th anniversary, Return of the Jedi was re-released in theaters. It opened to $5.1 million.
There is also exclusive footage of The Acolyte attached with The Phantom Menace, which premieres on Disney+ on June 4th. The Acolyte is set about 100 years before Episode I, during The High Republic era. It follows the Jedi at the height of their glory as they face the rising threat of the dark side.
Ewan McGregor attended a special screening for the #StarWars 'THE PHANTOM MENACE' re-release in Atlanta, Georgia
— ScreenTime (@screentime) May 5, 2024
(via: @StarWarsExplain) pic.twitter.com/0W0XEr0mix
Meanwhile, Ewan McGregor surprised fans in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was on hand for a screening of The Phantom Menace on May 5th. The actor shared his fond memories of filming the prequels. Fellow prequel star Hayden Christensen and Ahsoka star Rosario Dawson were out and about at the Fan Expo in Philadelphia on Star Wars Day. Also in attendance were Eman Esfandi, Diana Lee Inosanto, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo.
A galaxy far, far away came to life at FAN EXPO Philadelphia with @rosariodawson and Hayden Christensen on stage. From Jedi wisdom to Sith intrigue, every moment felt like stepping into the Star Wars universe. May the 4th be with you and see you tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/h5CcKU2Adu
— FAN EXPO Philadelphia (@FANEXPOPhilly) May 5, 2024
The Phantom Menace stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, and Jake Lloyd. The movie tells the story of Anakin Skywalker's childhood before he was taken by the Jedi Order to be trained in the ways of the Force. Hailed for its incredible visuals and thrilling duels, The Phantom Menace has aged quite well, and fans have flocked to theaters in large numbers to catch it on the big screen. It's an amazing time to be a prequels fan!
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is streaming on Disney+.