Star Wars: The Phantom Menace to get theatrical re-release to celebrate 25th anniversary
It's for one week only
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace will be making its way back to cinemas this May, just in time for Star Wars Day (4th May). Returning to cinemas for one week only, starting on 3rd May, this epic film is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and tickets are on sale now.
The film, which was officially called Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, was the first prequel to the Star Wars trilogy released in the late 70s and early 80s. Released in May 1999 and written and directed by George Lucas, the film was a box office hit bringing in $1.027 billion.
The Phantom Menace starred Liam Neeson as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Ewan McGregor as his Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Natalie Portman as Queen Amidala.
The film followed the story of Anakin Skywalker played by Jake Lloyd, who is a nine-year-old slave boy. Discovered by Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, they realise his force is particularly strong.
After Anakin wins a nail biting Podrace and wins his freedom, the young boy leaves his home and joins Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn to train as a Jedi.
The Phantom Menace was the first of the second trilogy of Star Wars films to be released, followed by Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), and caused huge excitement at the time of its original release.
When The Phantom Menace was release it had been a massive 16 years since the release of Return of the Jedi, the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy.
How to buy tickets to see Star Wars: Episode 1
You can now buy tickets to see the re-release of Star Wars: Episode 1, tickets can be bought directly from cinemas across the country.
Take a look at some of the biggest films coming out in 2024:
Argylle
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With an all-star cast including the likes of Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, this brand new spy film was an exciting one for fans. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also worked on the smash-hit Kingsman franchise, the film sees the line between fiction and reality blur, as Elly Conway's spy novel begins to mirror a real-life spy organisation.
Dune: Part Two
Release date: 1st March 2024
The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two saw the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continued their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, it seemed as though she would feature more heavily in the sequel, with Timothée stating before the film's release that her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".
Challengers
Release date: 26th April 2024
It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! The actress will star as Tashi Donaldson in the romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring are names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.
Inside Out 2
Release date: 14th June 2024
The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we're set to re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returns as Joy. The film is set for release in summer 2024, and will explore Riley's emotions as a teenager! The film will introduce four new Emotions, including Anxiety, which will be voiced by Maya Hawke. An official teaser trailer for the film was released in November 2023, and the full-length trailer was released in March 2024.
Deadpool 3
Release date: 26th July 2024
Returning for its highly-anticipated third instalment, Ryan Reynolds is set to reprise his role as Deadpool (or should we say, Wade Wilson) in July 2024. The original film dropped back in February 2016, with the sequel arriving two years later in 2018.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Release date: 28th June 2024 (reportedly)
A sequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place is coming in 2024, titled A Quiet Place: Day One. The film will be a prequel to the original idea from John, detailing 'why our world went quiet'. The official trailer was released in February, teasing the film was coming 'only in cinemas' soon. Reports have announced names such as Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou and Denis O'Hare as cast.
Beetlejuice 2
Release date: 6th September 2024
The iconic 1988 hit Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton as the wacky titular character, is officially coming back into our lives in 2024 - with a sequel heading our way. Not only that, but fans of the film will be elated to know that the new fantasy horror comedy will once again be directed by Tim, with other legendary actors returning such as Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. Beetlejuice 2 is also set to feature Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.
Saw 11
Release date: 24th September 2024
September 2024 will see the infamous game continue as the 11th instalment in the Saw franchise arrives at cinemas. Fans of the gory horror don't have to wait too long between films, with the 10th Saw landing back in September 2023.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Release date: 4th October 2024
Following the huge success of the first Joker film in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix will be reprising his role in the highly-anticipated sequel, which is officially set for release in October 2024. Not only that, but fans are gearing up to see none other than 'Born This Way' icon Lady Gaga star as the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, with pictures of her character being teased in December 2023.
Smile 2
Release date: 18th October 2024
Smile 2 is heading our way in October 2024, meaning the sequel will arrive around two years after the original horror/mystery film was released.
Wicked
Release date: 27th November 2024
The hugely anticipated Wicked movie will be landing in two parts - with Part One dropping in late November 2024 - which is around Thanksgiving in the United States. Part Two will land a year later, with a current release date of 26th November 2025. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Moana 2
Release date: 27th November 2024
Disney bosses delighted fans in February by announcing a shock sequel to 2016 movie Moana! Sharing a short announcement clip, Disney confirmed the second movie will land in November 2024!
Gladiator 2
Release date: November 2024
A whopping 24-years after the release of the original smash-hit film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, a sequel is officially on the way! With a current scheduled release date of November 2024, the highly-anticipated movie will see the talented Ridley Scott return to direct, as well as Normal People's Paul Mescal take on a starring role.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release date: December 2024
Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the upcoming prequel film, set for release in 2024, we will get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.
Sonic 3
Release date: December 2024
After the success of the first two Sonic films, which starred the likes of Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and Jim Carrey, fans cannot wait for the third instalment to be released in 2024. The upcoming third film in the franchise is set to feature the introduction of a character named Shadow, who is expected to serve as the movie's main antagonist, with other iconic game characters such as Rouge the Bat making an appearance.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Release date: February 2025
That's right - Bridegt Jones is back! Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson are all set to reprise their famous roles, with Renée confirming the exciting announcement in April 2024. The fourth film, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, will be based on the latest novel by Helen Fielding of the same name, and is thought to be heading for a US release date of Valentine's Day 2025. Find out about the plot, cast and more here.
Snow White live-action remake
Release date: 20th March 2025
Starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, and Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen, Disney will bring us a brand new Snow White live-action remake in 2024. Getting the Disney remake treatment, the film will include new music from composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul - the masterminds behind hit songs from epic movies such as La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen.
Peaky Blinders film
Release date: 2025
That's right, we're officially getting a Peaky Blinders film! In place of a seventh series, show creator Steven Knight has confirmed that they will be creating a movie, which will be set during the time-frame of World War Two. Steven previously teased that production would start in Spring 2023, and that it might hit cinemas by Spring 2024 - however, in January 2024 he told Radio Times: "I'm just working on the final bits of it at the moment", and that: "The plan is to start shooting that in the middle of 2024". So, it looks like a 2025 release date is on the cards.
Find out everything we know about the plot, cast and characters here.
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