EPISODE II: CAPTURING AN ASTEROID PURSUIT!

                                           

It's a busy time for Obi-Wan Kenobi on film as he chases after the bounty hunter Jango Fett. And it's a busy time filming the scene for actor Ewan McGregor too, in this great behind the scenes image from Episode II.

EPISODE II: LOVERS IN PARADISE!

The magical beauty of Lake Varykino on Naboo is the perfect hiding place for a young Senator and her obsessed Jedi protector, in another lovely Italian location filmed shot capturing Anakin's first awkward pass on Senator Amidala, from Episode II. 

EPISODE II: THE ONGOING LEGACY...

Love, duty, honour, evil, war. Whether it's in artistic form here, or in its original live action, the icons and dramatic events of EPISODE II live on, winning new fans every year.

Great art, from 2022, by the talented Lyle Cruse.

EPISODE II: TO CHALLENGE A SITH!

Immature and reckless he may be, but the bravery of young Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, and his determination to stop the trouble-making Separatist Leader Count Dooku from unleashing his galactic war-making plans, shouldn't be overlooked, in this great image from Episode II.

EPISODE II: THE KAMINO DISAPPEARANCE!

Deep in the heart of the Jedi Temple Archives, Obi-Wan Kenobi ponders the intriguing mystery of the missing planet Kamino and wonders where it, and its system, has gone from their star maps. Further help will be needed to unravel this anomaly, in a scene from EPISODE II.

EPISODE II: WHAT NEXT?

The Battle and Super Battle Droid armies have temporarily closed down their conflict against the remaining brave Jedi fighting within the vast Geonosian Death Arena, under the orders of Count Dooku, now fully revealed as the Separatists' clever and dangerous leader. As our heroes count the cost of their intervention against the enemy, what further evil will Dooku unleash?

A classic angle showing the Jedi, and Padme, from EPISODE II.

EPISODE II: POLITICALLY CHALLENGED!

Now returned to Naboo, Senator Amidala confers with the new Queen Jamillia about the state of the Republic and a place to hide from potential assassins, much to the chagrin of her Jedi Knight protector Anakin Skywalker, in a memorable moment once more filmed in Italy for Attack of the Clones.

Note the Italian background actor filling in for Oliver Ford Davies as Sio Bibble. Davies would be added to the film in Post Production.

EPISODE II: IN FOR THE KILL!

Bounty Hunters come in all shapes and sizes from across the galaxy, but Zam Wesell must be one of the most intriguing, as seen in EPISODE II, on a mission to assassinate Senator Padme Amidala on Coruscant, under orders from a mysterious Mandalorian armoured paymaster, and using its special skill-sets to the fullest.

EPISODE II: MEETING THE NABERRIES!

Outside Padme's family home, Pooja (Hayley Mooy) and Ryoo Naberrie (Keira Wingate) enjoy the company of R2-D2 in a noted deleted scene from EPISODE II.

Taking a much welcome respite from both the darkness and important political decision-making surrounding her, Padme Amidala lets her true self show when she brings her Jedi protector Anakin Skywalker along with her to a peaceful suburban area of Naboo to meet her parents, sister and her nieces. A charming sequence, ultimately cut for ongoing problematic time and pacing reasons (filmed at the Australian FOX Studios and with location scenes at Lake Como, Italy in 2000), this would have helped further develop Padme's character whilst solidifying her own secret affection for the handsome Anakin, a fact that doesn't go unrecognised by her loving family, nor the potential building danger of her current in-hiding situation...

Arriving at the district house containing Padme's family, on the outskirts of Theed City on Naboo.

Despite their roles being cut, kudos to Prequels casting director Robin Gurland for the choice of fine local Australian talent playing Padme's family. Bar Claudia Karvan's character, the rest of the onscreen family would briefly return for their daughter's onscreen funeral on Naboo, at the end of Revenge of the Sith. 

Padme enjoys a warm reunion with her older sister.

The duo watch as Anakin enters the dining area.

Anakin meets the intrigued Naberrie women.

The playfully inquisitive Sola (Claudia Karvan) soon teases her sister Padme about the handsome young man in her life.

Anakin enjoys the family atmosphere he wishes he could've had as a child, in a lovely moment adding further nuance to his character.

Padme's father Ruwee Naberrie (Graeme Blundell) readies dinners at table.

The meal begins as curiosity about Padme and Anakins's friendship and his protectorate status are asked.

A lovely shot of Natalie Portman from the scene.

Jobal (actress and singer Trisha Noble) is worried when she hears that her daughter's life is in danger, which Padme tries to play down... 

... yet Anakin must ultimately convey the seriousness of the situation to the family to her father.

A seasoned former diplomat, Ruwee confers with Anakin about Padme's situation with Anakin, in a scene filmed on location at a luxury house and its gardens at Lake Como, Italy.

Sola sees Padme's clear affection for her Jedi protector.

A brief moment that appeared in one of Episode II's first trailers.

Natalie Portman has fun being directed on set by George Lucas in 2000.

Natalie Portman's deleted scene wardrobe as Padme.

CLASSIC IMAGE: HELP FROM AN OLD FRIEND...

The trail for the elusive assassins threatening Padme Amidala's existence has seemingly gone cold for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thankfully, an old friend experienced in life and work throughout the cosmos - Coruscant based Diner owner Dexter Jettster, is at hand to help his investigation further along, and sending Obi-Wan into new, mysterious realms...

A fun sequence from EPISODE II.

Out from the kitchen!

It was nice to see Dexter make a return to the saga in the recent Brotherhood novel, once more offering key advice and help to Obi-Wan beyond the knowledge and 'wisdom' of the Jedi Order's capabilities.

Filming the diner scene with actor Ranald Falk in 2000, at Fox Studios, Australia.

Clones at 20 | Rob Coleman on Bringing Yoda, Dexter Jettster, and More to Digital Life | StarWars.com

The maquette of the chosen Dexter Jettster head (based loosely on American star Ernest Borgnine) is brought to the FOX Studios, Australia for actors reference in the scene. 

Ranald Falk and Susie Porter (Hermione Bagwa) enjoy the monster face as shown by George Lucas.

And inspected by an ever-curious Ewan McGregor.

'ATTACK' AT 20: THE SECRET WEDDING...

Newly returned to Naboo, Senator Padme Amidala and her 'Jedi escort' Anakin Skywalker (now bearing a replacement robotic hand for the one lost against Count Dooku), having finally declared their love for each other before and after the Battle of Geonosis, wed in secret at the lush Varykino safe house, with no audience to celebrate their joyful union but their faithful droid comrades Threepio and Artoo. 

As the striking sun sets in front of all of them after the newlyweds long and loving kiss, an uncertain future of war, love, secrets, and betrayal awaits Anakin and Padme, as the galaxy around them equally faces similar tests amidst the encroaching shroud of darkness...

Trisha Biggar Reflects on Star Wars: Attack of the Clones | StarWars.com

 

Natalie Portman in a stunning wedding outfit.

Sealed with a subtly passionate kiss.

The secret wedding ceremony.

Threepio (Anthony Daniels) and Artoo (performer unknown) at the wedding, a moment filmed in London and added into the movie during late post production.

Dermot Power costume design for Padme's gorgeous wedding dress.

Trisha Biggar Reflects on Star Wars: Attack of the Clones | StarWars.com

Preparing the scene, as a local Italian extra plays the wedding overseer.

A close-in look at Anakin's robot hand.

Fun on location with producer Rick McCallum.

This is the final Twentieth Anniversary celebration article on Attack of the Clones. We hope that you've enjoyed the exhaustive coverage...

'ATTACK' AT 20: DISPATCHING THE CLONE TROOPERS!

The first battalions of Clone Troopers gather...

On an immense staging area on Coruscant, the legions of Clone Troopers begin boarding their massive Republic Cruisers bound for galactic conflict against the Separatists. Watching all this from afar, a core group of senators huddle around the pleased Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to watch the epic debarkation, including a clearly but silently frustrated Bail Organa, who knows that the violent troubles of the de-stabilized galaxy will only intensify...

“The Imperial March in this case is a powerful potent, suggesting a very dramatic future which is in store for all the characters in the next episode. It’s a piece of music that represents, in my mind at least, not only Darth Vader but the forces of the Empire. It was actually George’s suggestion to use it there, and I think it works extremely well.” 

John Williams on using The Imperial March theme towards the end of Episode II - Star Wars Insider - Issue 61 - 2002

Onto their cruiser transports. The Clone War has begun. 

On Coruscant, the Republic senate watches the Clones mobilization.

Palpatine and a troubled, helpless to act Bail Organa watch the proceedings.