Back in 1999, the release of George Lucas’ film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was one of the most eagerly awaited movies. Even though opinions on the movie remain divided among fans (who recently celebrated its 25th anniversary), there has been a persistent rumor that Lucas made a cameo appearance in it. Now, this speculation has been put to rest by Caroleen “Jett” Green, a former matte painter for Industrial Light & Magic.
For numerous years, Green served as a skilled matte artist at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), contributing to various timeless films such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, The Goonies, among others.
During a conversation with Clayton Sandell, who is both a reporter and a dedicated fan of Star Wars, Green revealed the location of George Lucas’ cameo. Specifically, at the 1 hour, 58 minutes, and 17 seconds mark on Disney+ (approximately), as Queen Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) and her guards are seen running down a hallway in Theed Palace, in the background is an archway where Lucas’ face can be spotted. You can take a look at it below:
At first glance, it might not seem like him, but upon taking a second look, it’s definitely Lucas. It’s an amusing touch to include the writer/director in the initial Star Wars prequel this way. While Lucas had a more prominent role in Revenge of the Sith as Baron Papanoida, he also made a subtle appearance in some modern Star Wars films like Rogue One and The Last Jedi; his scream from American Grafitti was used in these movies.
Occasionally, film directors make brief appearances within their own movies, and a notable example is Alfred Hitchcock, who featured himself in the majority of his productions. One particularly witty instance was when he appeared as an advertisement for a fictitious weight-loss remedy in the movie titled “Lifeboat.
Over 25 Years Later, ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ is Still Divisive
The anticipation surrounding “The Phantom Menace” was as great as the eagerness for “The Force Awakens”. It marked the debut of a new “Star Wars” movie after a 16-year gap, with “Return of the Jedi” concluding the original series in 1983. Enthusiasts queued outside cinemas to purchase tickets, mirroring this behavior at the premiere as well.
By the time it debuted in May 1999, fans were eagerly anticipating. However, upon viewing a film with an unprecedented amount of visual effects and animation compared to most films released prior, whether it was Star Wars or not, their enthusiasm started to wane. Moreover, Jar Jar Binks and Jake Lloyd’s performance as the young Anakin Skywalker were met with mixed reviews.
It’s undeniable that “The Phantom Menace” was an enormous financial success, raking in $924 million worldwide upon its initial release. However, the response from critics and fans was quite divided. Many either adored it or despised it completely, with few feeling ambivalent.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, it currently has a 53% approval rating from critics and a 59% positive response from audiences. Compared to its other prequels, however, The Phantom Menace continues to spark debate and division among viewers.
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2025-03-06 23:20