Top 49 Phantom Menace Movie Details

While searching the internet for Phantom Menace movie facts, I found some interesting little known details. Obscure enough that most people could miss it, I want to make you a favor by creating ordered lists with the most intriguing hidden details.

Most of them are not blatantly obvious to be observed at first sight, so take your time and read carefully. We have extensive definitions that accurately explain any behind the scene meaning or famous dialogues.

In "The Phantom Menace" (1999), the podracing crowd was made up of 450,000 Q-tips being blown around

In Star Wars Phantom Menace, Jabba the Hutt was an elaborate costume with no actor so they got creative with the credits
In Star Wars Phantom Menace, Jabba the Hutt was an elaborate costume with no actor so they got creative with the credits

Trivia

I have collected all the famous movie trivia questions with answers from Reddit and other sources. They can be very useful in quizzes or games, or simply to learn more information. Most of the fun Phantom Menace details are suitable for kids.

  1. The lyrics to Duel of the Fates are taken from a Sanskrit translation of a Welsh poem called Cad Goddeu, in which Gwyndion, a trickster sorcerer, animated a tree army to fight for him. The words used were cherrypicked by Williams to fit the melody and don't have any coherence.

  2. George Lucas told Ray Park to keep his piercing because it fit the character. You can also see it clearly in the 3D animated series The Clone Wars.

  3. This shot of the gas leaking into the room with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in the opening scene is the only shot of the movie with no digital modifications.

  4. Episode One: The Phantom Menace (1999), artist Iain McCaig was asked by George Lucas to use the scariest character from his nightmares to design Darth Maul. After being shown this picture, a shocked Lucas suggested McCaig use his second scariest nightmare character instead.

  5. Keira Knightley plays the decoy of Natalie Portman's character. I've always assumed it was Natalie Portman playing both characters.

  6. While being puppeteered by Frank Oz in close ups, this wide shot of Yoda walking was achieved by having a little person in a Yoda costume.

  7. The Droidikas present at the Battle of Naboo have no shields, as the Gungan's own shields would not allow for their shields to enter.

  8. They used a lady's razor to make communications devices

  9. Qui-Gon Jinn uses a high-tech "communicator" device, it's actually a redecorated Sensor Excel Razor for Women. The sound of the hovering battle tanks used by the battle droids was created by running an electric razor around a metal salad bowl then digitally lowering the pitch.

  10. The Droidikas in the battle of Naboo have no shields, as they'd be unable to get through the Gungan's shield

Easter Eggs

Finding Easter Eggs in movies is one of my favorite hobbies. Hidden objects, characters, and their meanings are wonderful ways to discover the filmmaker's perspectives of any given movie.

  • The parade music from the finale is the same melody as the Emperor's theme from Return of the Jedi, just in a major key and higher tempo. This subtly indicates that Palpatine is the one who truly comes out on top by the end of the film.

  • 1 - ET's species can be seen in the senate.
    ET's species can be seen in the senate.
  • 1 - The only time Darth Maul blinks in The Phantom Menace (1999) is right after Obi-Wan Kenobi cuts him in half
    The only time Darth Maul blinks in The Phantom Menace (1999) is right after Obi-Wan Kenobi cuts him in half
  • 1 - One of the Naboo pilots is John Knoll, creator of Photoshop and Oscar winning ILM VFX artist.
    One of the Naboo pilots is John Knoll, creator of Photoshop and Oscar winning ILM VFX artist.

  • A pod from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey can be seen in Watto's junkyard on Tatooine

  • 1 - Lucas used a practical effect for Jar Jar's arm. For one shot of The Last Jedi (2017) Rian Johnson used a practical effect for Snoke's arm. The 2 roles with these scenes in common are portrayed by the pioneers of Motion Capture; Ahmed Best and Andy Serkis
    Lucas used a practical effect for Jar Jar's arm. For one shot of The Last Jedi (2017) Rian Johnson used a practical effect for Snoke's arm. The 2 roles with these scenes in common are portrayed by the pioneers of Motion Capture; Ahmed Best and Andy Serkis
  • 1 - In Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, E.T.'s species can be seen represented in the senate. This is in response to Speilberg hiding Star Wars easter eggs in many of his films, including E.T.
    In Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, E.T.'s species can be seen represented in the senate. This is in response to Speilberg hiding Star Wars easter eggs in many of his films, including E.T.
  • 1 - Saw this "Maz Kanata" statue in Anakin's bedroom in Star Wars Episode 1 (1999)
    Saw this "Maz Kanata" statue in Anakin's bedroom in Star Wars Episode 1 (1999)
  • 1 - During the scene when Padme brings up Palpatine should become chancellor, you can see E.T's kind in a pod celebrating
    During the scene when Padme brings up Palpatine should become chancellor, you can see E.T's kind in a pod celebrating

Hidden Details

1 - After the pod race you can see one of the tracking droids Darth Maul sent to find the queen in the background while Qui-Gon is talking to Watto.
After the pod race you can see one of the tracking droids Darth Maul sent to find the queen in the background while Qui-Gon is talking to Watto.
1 - Sidious talks to Maul outside the office of Senator Palpatine.
Sidious talks to Maul outside the office of Senator Palpatine.
1 - Lucas used a transition between a shot of Anakin and Darth Sidious which foreshadows the entirety of the Prequel Trilogy where the Sith plants the seed of influence to his head which will slowly take over him.
Lucas used a transition between a shot of Anakin and Darth Sidious which foreshadows the entirety of the Prequel Trilogy where the Sith plants the seed of influence to his head which will slowly take over him.
1 - An extra with a yellow line across his face can be seen in the background of one of the scenes in Mos Espa. This extra was later revealed to be 'Quinlan Vos' an undercover Jedi who was coincidentally on a mission at the same time as Obi Wan & Jinn.
An extra with a yellow line across his face can be seen in the background of one of the scenes in Mos Espa. This extra was later revealed to be 'Quinlan Vos' an undercover Jedi who was coincidentally on a mission at the same time as Obi Wan & Jinn.
1 - The slave girl to the right is wearing the exact same costume that Princess Leia does in The Return of the Jedi (1983)
The slave girl to the right is wearing the exact same costume that Princess Leia does in The Return of the Jedi (1983)
1 - In the scene where C3PO is first activated the filmmakers used a plastic Xistera from the Indian sport Jal-Alai as a robotic part in the background.
In the scene where C3PO is first activated the filmmakers used a plastic Xistera from the Indian sport Jal-Alai as a robotic part in the background.

The viewscreen of the Trade Federation is a direct homage to Buck Rogers, one of the serials that inspired George Lucas

1 - A cheap plastic lacrosse scoop was used as a prop on the wall.
A cheap plastic lacrosse scoop was used as a prop on the wall.
1 - At 38 minutes, you can see Anakins doll which is quite clearly Maz Kanata from The Force Awakens.
At 38 minutes, you can see Anakins doll which is quite clearly Maz Kanata from The Force Awakens.

During the Battle of Naboo, Jar Jar Binks performs some incredible stunts first captured for film in Girl Shy (1924) when Harold Lloyd hangs from a street carriage and in Seven Chances (1925) when Buster Keaton is chased by boulders

1 - In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), E.T. recognizes Yoda and 17 years later in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace(1999), we can see E.T's species in the senate!
In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), E.T. recognizes Yoda and 17 years later in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace(1999), we can see E.T's species in the senate!
1 - Anakin Skywalker's unfinished C3-PO exterior droid parts are found in the background of Watto's workshop. You'll also notice the left leg is missing, ultimately replaced for a silver one.
Anakin Skywalker's unfinished C3-PO exterior droid parts are found in the background of Watto's workshop. You'll also notice the left leg is missing, ultimately replaced for a silver one.
1 - One of C-3PO's first lines in Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace (1999) is a callback to a line he had in the Empire Strikes Back (1980).
One of C-3PO's first lines in Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace (1999) is a callback to a line he had in the Empire Strikes Back (1980).
1 - The other half of Maul's lightsaber flies away and hits the wall, causing a small fire
The other half of Maul's lightsaber flies away and hits the wall, causing a small fire

Mace Windu can be seen in the background of one shot played by a completely different actor who definitely isn't Samuel L Jackson

1 - Chancellor Palpatine's line "There is no civility, there is only politics" is a corruption of part of the Jedi Code, which has a negative assertion followed by a positive one. For example: "There is no emotion, there is only peace."
Chancellor Palpatine's line "There is no civility, there is only politics" is a corruption of part of the Jedi Code, which has a negative assertion followed by a positive one. For example: "There is no emotion, there is only peace."

Mirrors the ending of Return of the Jedi (1983).

1 - Darth Maul hits Qui-Gon Jinn in the head with the middle of his lightsaber before killing him. In Rebels, Darth Maul try's the same move on Kenobi but Obi-wan was ready for this move and countered it quickly.
Darth Maul hits Qui-Gon Jinn in the head with the middle of his lightsaber before killing him. In Rebels, Darth Maul try's the same move on Kenobi but Obi-wan was ready for this move and countered it quickly.
1 - The battle droid jar jar knockoff has the serial number 1138 on its back. This is a reference to George Lucas first film THX 1138(1971)
The battle droid jar jar knockoff has the serial number 1138 on its back. This is a reference to George Lucas first film THX 1138(1971)

When Qui-Gon is talking with Boss Nass he uses the Jedi mind trick *three* times to get what he wants.

In Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace During the Battle of Naboo Plains a Battle Droid (Center Left) Loses His Arm to a Booma, But Continues Marching Nevertheless.

When Queen Amidala announces she is heading back to Naboo, You can see a seemingly concerned senator Palpatine give the slightest smirk right before the scene changes.

1 - In Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, when Qui-Gon is searching replacements parts for the ship,he passes by the EVA pod from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey
In Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, when Qui-Gon is searching replacements parts for the ship,he passes by the EVA pod from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey
1 - Darth Maul's double sided lightsaber is cut in half early in his duel with Obi-Wan. This could be hinting at Darth Maul's death later in the fight.
Darth Maul's double sided lightsaber is cut in half early in his duel with Obi-Wan. This could be hinting at Darth Maul's death later in the fight.

Darth Maul uses the force to open a door using battle droid parts.

Jamming communication means invasion by the Trade Federation. In Attack of the Clones, when Geonosis is invaded by the Clone Army, they jam communications.

1 - In Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon Jinn states that there's always a bigger fish. This foreshadows Palpatine's role as the hidden overarching villain throughout the trilogy.
In Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon Jinn states that there's always a bigger fish. This foreshadows Palpatine's role as the hidden overarching villain throughout the trilogy.
Phantom Menace poster
Phantom Menace poster

Phantom Menace Plot: Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their old glory.

I am pretty sure that you've watched Phantom Menace, maybe in a theater near you or on the small screen, but probably not many of the small details have taken your attention. Most of the previous facts are hidden for some reason, but still, there is plenty of randomly forgetten stuff that makes the movie unique and interesting. The more you know, the more fascinated you'll be about Phantom Menace and will watch it online, download or stream it again and again.

Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Director George Lucas
Production 20th Century Fox
Main Actors Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd
IMDB score 6.5

Check out more hidden details