News culture It’s one of the most hated Star Wars films in a long time. Today, it’s one of the most watched of the entire franchise on Disney+, even though it was completely lynched upon release.
Surprise in the galaxy far, far away! “The Phantom Menace,” which was widely criticized upon its release, dethroned all of its rivals to become the most-watched Star Wars film on Disney+.
An unexpected upheaval in the galaxy
While debates raged over the quality of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 25 years ago, the film met an unexpected fate, to say the least. Against all expectations, it established itself as the most-watched Star Wars film on the Disney+ platform.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace takes place 32 years before the events of the original trilogy. Two Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, are sent to the planet Naboo to resolve a trade dispute with the Trade Federation. There they meet the young Anakin Skywalker, a slave with a keen sense of the Force. Convinced that Anakin is the chosen one announced in a Jedi prophecy, Qui-Gon decides to take him to Coruscant to train him. Meanwhile, Sith Lord Darth Maul wreaks havoc across the galaxy under the orders of his master Darth Sidious. The two Jedi are confronted by Darth Maul in an epic duel that will decide the fate of the Republic.
Several factors explain this renewed enthusiasm for the first work of the Prelogy. The generation that grew up alongside Anakin Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn, now thirty years old or almost thirty, wants to introduce their children to the saga. This phenomenon of familial transmission and sharing plays a crucial role.
An underrated film?
While it is true that The Phantom Menace was subject to criticism upon its release, particularly regarding the pacing of the story and certain dialogues that were considered simplistic, time seems to have softened the judgments. The film, celebrated back in 1999 for its revolutionary special effects, now offers a nostalgic look at the origins of the saga. It allows us to better understand the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the Empire’s rise to power, central elements of the original trilogy.
This renewed public interest in The Phantom Menace once again demonstrates the strength and longevity of the Star Wars universe. For Disney+, this is a valuable win for its streaming plat form. The Star Wars catalog continues to grow, with hit series like The Mandalorian and the highly anticipated Obi-Wan Kenobi series coming soon.
In addition to its success on Disney+, The Phantom Menace also played a crucial role in expanding the Star Wars universe. It introduced characters that have become iconic, laid the groundwork for the downfall of Anakin Skywalker, and breathed new life into the saga after years of waiting. The Star Wars saga therefore seems to have a bright future on Disney+, and the previously maligned “Phantom Menace” plays an unexpected role in this revival. Its rise to the top of viewership on the platform sets new standards and proves that the universe created by George Lucas continues to fascinate and reinvent itself to attract new generations of viewers.
The success of The Phantom Menace on Disney+ reminds us that the Star Wars adventure is not yet over. New stories, new characters and new planets are waiting to be discovered by fans of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned Jedi or a budding Padawan, there’s sure to be a Star Wars game for you. What are you waiting for to board a spaceship and conquer the galaxy?
The entire Star Wars saga is available on the SVOD platform Disney+.