Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Cast & Characters Guide

May 2, 2024, midnight

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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Cast & Characters Guide

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Summary The Phantom Menace introduces new characters, exploring the galaxy before the rise of the Empire.

Ewan McGregor shines as a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, setting the stage for the original trilogy.

Anakin's tragic backstory unfolds in his relationship with his mother and the Jedi.

The Star Wars prequel trilogy, beginning with Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, served to expand the already-rich Star Wars saga about 20 years after the original movie’s release. The new trilogy introduced audiences to an amazing assortment of characters. It also served to depict what the galaxy was like before the fall of the Jedi and the subsequent rise of the Empire during the Galactic Republic era.

The Phantom Menace takes place several decades before the events of A New Hope in the Star Wars timeline. This opened the door to creating many new characters as well as exploring the youth of several characters who had already existed in the original trilogy. Notably, the movie follows the Jedi’s discovery of a young Anakin Skywalker, unaware that the boy will one day become the fearsome Darth Vader.

Ewan McGregor As Obi-Wan Kenobi

Born March 31, 1971

Active Since: 1993

Ewan McGregor was born in Perth, Penshire in Scotland and raised in Crieff. Though The Phantom Menace was the first blockbuster movie to feature him in a lead role, Ewan McGregor made a name for himself after starring in the musical Moulin Rouge! in 2001. His uncle, Denis Lawson, is also an actor and appeared in the original Star Wars trilogy, portraying the Rebel pilot Wedge Antilles.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Trainspotting Renton Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Obi-Wan Kenobi Moulin Rouge! Christian Black Hawk Down Grimes Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Obi-Wan Kenobi Big Fish Young Ed Bloom Robots Rodney Copperbottom Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Obi-Wan Kenobi The Island Lincoln Six Echo / Tom Lincoln The Ghost Writer The Ghost Salmon Fishing on the Yemen Dr. Alfred Jones The Impossible Henry August: Osage County Bill Fordham Star Wars: The Force Awakens Obi-Wan Kenobi (Voice) Beauty and the Beast Lumière Christopher Robin Christopher Robin Doctor Sleep Dan Torrence Birds of Prey Roman Sionis Halston Halston Obi-Wan Kenobi Obi-Wan Kenobi Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio Cricket (Voice) A Gentleman in Moscow Alexander Rostov

Before he was Luke Skywalker’s mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi was the Jedi who trained his father. The Phantom Menace introduces Obi-Wan as a young Padawan learner, but he is still quite a force to be reckoned with, echoing the mighty warrior that audiences familiar with the original trilogy know he will soon become. Obi-Wan is initially skeptical of Anakin’s importance, but dutifully steps up to train him at the request of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.

Liam Neeson As Qui-Gon Jinn

Born June 2, 1952

Active Since 1976

Liam Neeson was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and rose to fame after starring in the Oscar-winning movie Schindler’s List. He originally had no plans to pursue acting, but joined an Irish acting company in 1976. He was discovered by director John Boorman two years later when he was performing the classics at Dublin’s Abbey Theater. Neeson eventually became known for his action roles after starring in the action-thriller Taken.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Schindler's List Oskar Schindler Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Qui-Gon Jinn Love Actually Daniel Kinsey Alfred Kinsey Batman Begins Ducard The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Aslan (Voice) Taken Bryan Mills The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Aslan (Voice) Clash of the Titans Zeus The A-Team Hannibal The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Aslan (Voice) The Grey Ottway Wrath of the Titans Zeus The Dark Knight Rises Ra's Al Ghul Taken 2 Bryan Mills The Lego Movie Bad Cop / Good Cop Star Wars: The Clone Wars Qui-Gon Jinn Taken 3 Bryan Mills Obi-Wan Kenobi Qui-Gon Jinn

Qui-Gon is a bit of a renegade by Jedi standards, but his tendency to act outside the Jedi Council’s expectations leads him straight to Anakin Skywalker, who will one day play a huge role in the galaxy’s fate. Believing Anakin to be the Chosen One, he sticks up for the young boy and insists on taking him on as his Padawan. His tragic and sudden death opens the door for Obi-Wan Kenobi to become Anakin’s Master, though some believe that Qui-Gon’s training would have drastically changed Anakin’s fate.

Jake Lloyd As Anakin Skywalker

Born 1989

Jake Lloyd made a splash as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s on-screen son in Jingle All The Way, just a few years before landing the crucial role of Star Wars’ Anakin Skywalker. His childlike sense of glee highlighted an incredibly human aspect of one of cinema’s most feared villains, something that set the entire trilogy up as a true tragedy. Unfortunately, the initial harsh critical reception of the movie paired with Lloyd’s mental health struggles led him to walk away from acting soon after.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Jingle All The Way Jamie Langston Apollo 11 Mark Armstrong Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Anakin Skywalker Madison Mike McCormick

When Anakin is introduced, he and his mother are living as slaves on Tatooine. The boy’s tender relationship with his mother foreshadows the struggles he will one day have with letting things go. Though the Jedi are reluctant to take him in, Anakin’s natural connection to the Force is palpable, and Qui-Gon believes him to be the subject of an ancient Jedi prophecy that speaks of someone who will balance the Force once and for all.

Natalie Portman As Queen Padmé Amidala

Born June 9, 1981

Active Since 1994

Natalie Portman was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and was the first person born in the 1980s to win an Academy Award. She won her Oscar for Black Swan, but her breakout role came at the age of 12 as Matilda in Léon: The Professional. She prioritized her education alongside her acting career, and attended Harvard University at the same time that she was working on the Star Wars prequels.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Léon: The Professional Mathilda Heat Lauren Gustafson Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Queen Amidala / Padmé Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Padmé Closer Alice Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Padmé V for Vendetta Evey The Darjeeling Limited Jack's Ex-Girlfriend Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Molly Mahoney The Other Boleyn Girl Anne Boleyn Black Swan Nina Sawyers No Strings Attached Emma Thor Jane Foster Thor: The Dark World Jane Foster Jane Got a Gun Jane Hammond Jackie Jackie Kennedy Thor: Love and Thunder Jane Foster May December Elizabeth

Portman portrays Padmé Amidala, the kind and determined handmaiden who is revealed to actually be the young queen of the planet Naboo. This movie sets her character up as an eventual love interest for Anakin, which will ultimately play a huge role in his fall to the dark side. Luke and Leia’s mother is a rather mysterious figure in the original trilogy, and Padmé’s presence as such an important character in The Phantom Menace does a lot to explore this new side of their heritage.

Ian McDiarmid As Senator Palpatine

Born August 11, 1944

Active Since 1972

Ian McDiarmid was born in Carnoustie, Scotland, where he pursued a degree in psychology until he shifted his focus to acting. He is best known for his role as the treacherous Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars. He worked as a prestigious theatre director for over a decade, restoring the renowned Almeida Theater and earning the London Evening Standard Award in 1998.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Return of the Jedi Emperor Palpatine Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Arthur Heart of Darkness Doctor Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Senator Palpatine Sleepy Hollow Doctor Lancaster Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Chancellor Palpatine Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious The Lost City of Z Sir George Goldie Star Wars Rebels Emperor Palpatine (Voice) Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Emperor Palpatine Obi-Wan Kenobi Emperor Palpatine Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Emperor Palpatine (Voice) Star Wars: The Bad Batch Emperor Palpatine (Voice)

McDiarmid plays Senator Palpatine, an unassuming senator from the besieged planet Naboo. As the trilogy progresses, he becomes a more powerful player in the galaxy, soon replacing Chancellor Valorum in the most influential seat in the government. Though The Phantom Menace depicts him as a helpful senator concerned with his planet’s wellbeing, his character will soon be revealed to be much more complex.

Ray Park As Darth Maul

Born August 23, 1974

Active Since 1997

Ray Park was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but moved to London, UK, when he was seven years old. His biggest role was portraying the Sith apprentice Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace. As a kid, he was enthralled by Bruce Lee movies and martial arts, and went on to be placed worldwide on the British Wushu Team. He eventually found an opportunity to combine his martial arts with film, becoming a martial arts advisor to a stunt coordinator working on Mortal Kombat: Annihilation in 1997. Much of Darth Maul’s stunts and fighting choreography were developed by Park.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Mortal Kombat: Annhilation Raptor # 3 / Tarkatan (Baraka) # 2 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Darth Maul X-Men Toad G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Snake Eyes Heroes Edgar G.I. Joe: Retaliation Snake Eyes Mortal Kombat X: Generations Erron Black Solo: A Star Wars Story Maul City Limits Brian Hull

Darth Maul might not reappear in the Star Wars prequels, but he quickly became one of the most iconic characters in The Phantom Menace. Darth Maul’s impact in Star Wars continues in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and other additions to the saga. After a shocking cameo in the last scene of Solo: A Star Wars Story, it seems that Darth Maul might not be done with live-action appearances just yet, either.

Related How The Phantom Menace Fits Into The Star Wars Timeline The Phantom Menace was a significant turning point for the Star Wars galaxy as the first prequel movie, revealing the origins of Anakin Skywalker.

Pernilla August As Shmi Skywalker

Born 1958

Active Since 1975

Pernilla August was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and is known worldwide for portraying Shmi Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. She is considered one of Sweden’s top leading actresses and has won many awards to support that idea. She has a longstanding relationship with renowned director Ingmar Bergman, and August has become a talented director in her own right.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name The Best Intentions Anna Bergman Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Shmi Skywalker Anna Anna Terlow Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Shmi Skywalker Star Wars: The Clone Wars Shmi (Voice) Young Royals Kristina

Shmi Skywalker might seem like a minor character in Star Wars as a whole, but her presence in the movie is what changes Anakin from simply the future Darth Vader into a lovable child with a tragic future ahead of him. Sadly, her nurturing relationship with her son stops just shy of being able to save Anakin from his grim future. Shmi’s status as a slave prevents her from coming with Anakin when he is freed and offered Jedi training, and this is something that will leave a lasting impact on the young boy.

Ahmed Best As Jar Jar Binks

Born August 19, 1973

Ahmed Best was born in New York City, USA. He’s primarily known for his role as the silly Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Initially, negative reception of the character led Best to take steps away from acting, but recent years have seen a change in his reception in the series. Though Jar Jar is limited to the prequel era of Star Wars, Ahmed Best has returned to Star Wars to portray Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian and as host of the show Jedi Temple Challenge.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Jar Jar Binks Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Jar Jar Binks Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Jar Jar Binks Kangaroo Jack 2 Louis Booker (Voice) Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge Jedi Master Kelleran Beq The Mandalorian Jedi Master Kelleran Beq

Jar Jar Binks is the clumsy outcast Gungan who joins Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon after they save his life. His antics serve primarily as comic relief throughout the trilogy, though he does earn the friendship of many key players in the story. Of course, there are those who believe there might be more to Jar Jar than meets the eye… thus spawning the iconic Darth Jar Jar theory.

Anthony Daniels As C-3PO

Born February 21, 1946

Active Since 1975

Anthony Daniels was born in Salisbury, UK, and is known for bringing the droid C-3PO to life in the Star Wars franchise. Daniels has portrayed C-3PO in every appearance of the character, both with his voice and physically. This has given his decades-long relationship with the franchise a special place in his career.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace C-3PO Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones C-3PO Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith C-3PO A New Hope C-3PO The Empire Strikes Back C-3PO Return of the Jedi C-3PO

C-3PO was already a well-known droid in the original Star Wars trilogy, but The Phantom Menace reveals his origins as a protocol droid rebuilt by the very young Anakin Skywalker. This is a stark contrast from his experiences with Darth Vader in the original trilogy, and is another subtle nod to the tragic turn the story will inevitably take. The droid is still uncompleted when he is introduced in The Phantom Menace, but his iconic high-strung personality is perfectly intact.

Kenny Baker As R2-D2

Born August 24, 1934

Active Since 1960

Kenny Baker was born in Birmingham, England, and his first breakout role was as Fidgit in the movie Time Bandits. He portrayed the droid R2-D2 in six of the Star Wars movies: the original and the prequel trilogies. Inside the R2-D2 costume, Baker was able to control the droid’s rotating “head” and control his balance as the droid wobbled around the set.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Star Wars: A New Hope R2-D2 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back R2-D2 The Elephant Man Plumed Dwarf Time Bandits Fidgit Star Wars: Return of the Jedi R2-D2 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace R2-D2 Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones R2-D2 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith R2-D2

R2-D2 is an astromech droid unit that assists with the repair and maintenance of spaceships. He appears in this first episode as merely a helper to the Jedi on their mission, but will only grow in significance to the series as the movies go on. Anakin’s future as a pilot and his deep connection to the droid is foreshadowed when he and R2-D2 find themselves in a Naboo N-1 starfighter during the Battle of Naboo.

Frank Oz As Yoda

Born May 25, 1944

Active Since 1963

Frank Oz was born in Hereford, England to a family of puppeteers, and he made his name through his work on Sesame Street. Following in his parents’ footsteps, he became one of the main puppeteers on Jim Henson’s Sesame Street and The Muppets. He has worked on over 75 other Muppet productions, and many other puppeteering projects. Oz puppeted and voiced Jedi Master Yoda in the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as in The Phantom Menace before the prequels shifted to CGI. Oz would continue to voice Yoda even after he was no longer a puppet.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Voice Sesame Street Assorted Voices The Muppets Assorted Voices Star Wars: A New Hope Yoda (Voice) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Yoda (Voice) Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Yoda (Voice) Monsters, Inc. Fungus (Voice) Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Yoda (Voice) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Yoda (Voice) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Yoda (Voice) Knives Out Alan Stevens

Yoda plays a small but crucial role in this first episode of the Star Wars prequels, only appearing in scenes that depict the Jedi Council. Grand Master Yoda is clearly the one that the other Jedi look to for guidance, and it is he who declares Anakin to be too old to be trained as a Jedi. He proclaims the boy has too much fear within him, a struggle that will become all too serious as Anakin grows older.

Samuel L. Jackson As Mace Windu

Born December 21, 1948

Active Since 1972

Samuel L. Jackson was born in Washington, D.C. He gained critical success after Patriot Games, but Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction opened the door for him to take on leading roles, and it remains one of his most successful movies to date. Regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation, Jackson has been nominated for one Oscar and has a collection of other awards.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Pulp Fiction Jules Winnfield Die Hard With A Vengeance Zeus Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Mace Windu Jackie Brown Ordell Robbie Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Mace Windu Shaft John Shaft Unbreakable Elijah Price Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Mace Windu The Incredibles Frozone Snakes on a Plane Neville Flynn Inglourious Basterds Narrator Iron Man 2 Nick Fury The Avengers Nick Fury The Hitman's Bodyguard Darius Kincaid

Mace Windu is a minor character in The Phantom Menace, but his interactions with Yoda set him up as one of the Jedi’s most trusted leaders. At Jackson’s request, Mace was the first Jedi to wield a lightsaber with a blade outside the usual blue or green colors. Mace's purple lightsaber would open the doors to an incredibly complex lore surrounding the iconic Jedi weapon.

Andy Secombe As Watto

Born April 26, 1953

Active Since 1975

Andy Secombe was born in Mumbles, UK, and his biggest role is as Watto in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. He has several credits in assorted smaller movies and TV series, and has done a lot of work on video games and podcasts.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Watto Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Watto Wooden Overcoats Rev. Nigel Wavering

Watto is a Toydarian junk dealer on Tatooine who owned Shmi and Anakin Skywalker. His junk business gives Anakin proximity to the tools and skills he needs to be the mechanic and pilot that he becomes. Still, however, he is an antagonistic figure, mainly for how he treats Shmi and Anakin and refuses to let them go.

Warwick Davis as Wald / Pod Race Spectator / Mos Espa Citizen

Born February 3, 1970

Active Since 1982

Warkick Davis was born in Epsum, UK, and his breakout role was in Willow in 1988. He has been acting since he was 12 years old, when he responded to an audition to play an Ewok in Return of the Jedi. When Kenny Baker was too sick to play the lead Ewok, Davis was chosen to replace him. This kickstarted his acting career, and Davis has gone on to appear in many hit films in the decades since.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Return of the Jedi Wicket Willow Willow Leprechaun The Leprechaun Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Professor Flitwick Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Professor Flitwick The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Marvin The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Nikabrik Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Griphook Malefacent: Mistress of Evil Lickspittle

Most of Davis’ characters in The Phantom Menace are background characters. He also portrays Wald, one of Anakin’s friends who was also a slave on Tatooine. Though these are all small roles, Davis’ presence in the movie is a fun callback to his work on Return of the Jedi.

Kiera Knightley As Sabé

Born March 26, 1985

Active Since 1993

Kiera Knightley was born in Teddington, UK to a family of actors. Her breakout role was as Elizabeth Swan in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. She quickly followed that success with a rendition of Pride and Prejudice, and she developed a reputation for starring in period dramas.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Sabé Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Elizabeth Swan Love Actually Juliet King Arthur Guinevere Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Elizabeth Swan Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Elizabeth Swan Atonement Cecilia Tallis The Duchess Georgiana Anna Karenina Anna Karenina The Imitation Game Joan Clarke

Knightley’s Sabé is more than one of Queen Amidala’s handmaidens, as she also stands in as the queen’s decoy. With the help of elaborate costumes and heavy makeup disguising any differences in the girls’ features, she is believed to be the queen instead of Padmé for most of the movie. On the set of The Phantom Menace, Knightley reportedly looked so similar to Natalie Portman that their own families had trouble telling them apart.

Sofia Coppola As Saché

Born May 14, 1971

Active Since 1972

Sofia Coppola was born in New York City, USA to the renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Her first noteworthy role was in her father’s The Godfather Part III, though she had played several small roles in the other movies in the series. George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola have been close friends since Lucas’ days at USC, and their careers often intersected. Lucas offered Sofia Coppola a small role in The Phantom Menace after she asked to visit the set. Coppola has since developed an impressive resume of film experience, and has become a talented director in her own right.

Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Name The Godfather Part III Mary Corleone The Virgin Suicides Director Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Sabé Marie Antoinette Director Priscilla Director

Saché is one of Queen Amidala’s handmaidens that serve the queen by acting as her personal bodyguards in The Phantom Menace. Saché would eventually join Bail Organa in the Rebel Alliance after the suspicious and mysterious death of Padmé. Though playing a smaller role in The Phantom Menace, Saché and the other handmaidens would go on to have incredible legacies in Star Wars.