EPISODE I: FRIENDS, WARRIORS AND HEROES!

The two Jedi heroes who'd excitingly kick off the Prequel Trilogy of 1999, and help cement a new legacy for worldwide fans and audiences of all ages alongside the existing Original Trilogy, pose for a great image with the iconic Artoo Detoo, taken within one of the Trade Federation vessel corridors at the UK's Leavesden Studios.

 A terrific shot from 1997 for Episode I, one of numerous character publicity images for magazine/media usage, taken by popular US lensman Matthew Rolston.

https://people.com/movies/liam-neeson-recalls-son-hugging-r2-d2-on-star-wars-set-as-2-year-old-it-was-really-touching/

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE FLIGHT FROM NABOO BEGINS...

Now liberated from droid guards by her new Jedi protectors in Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, the young Queen Amidala, flanked by her trusted handmaidens, must make a brave decision that will see her removed from her world, her people, her society, as a phantom menace makes its powerplay via the Trade Federation's unforeseen invasion of Naboo. From this worsening scenario playing out, Qui-Gon's instincts also reveal that she will be killed if she stays. 

A great scene from Episode I, and an important moment for the series key female heroine/s.

A brief look back at the film from actor/writer/director Sofia Coppola, who played the handmaiden Sache, who can be seen in the above image second to the far right.

Sofia Coppola Looks Back at Forgotten Star Wars Cameo, Relationship With George Lucas

Sofia Coppola as Sache (seated right) as a security officer (Carmine Coppola) checks communications. A scene shot on location at Caserta Palace, Italy. 

For more on the invasion of Naboo linked to Queen Amidala and her enigmatic Handmaidens, check out last year's popular hardback release from E. K. Johnston, Queen's Peril.

Get it here: Star Wars: Queen's Peril: Amazon.co.uk: Johnston, E K: 9781368057141: Books

EPISODE I: THE JEDI SLAYER!

That ominous dark servant of Darth Sidious, now fully out of hiding with the Battle of Naboo, has certainly proved himself as a murderous assassin during his striking battle against the experienced and powerful senior Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn. 

A sinister and effective image as darkness temporarily wins against the light in a pivotal and emotionally-charged moment from EPISODE I.

EPISODE I: 'WOBBED AND CWUNCHED'!

Having explored the seedy locale of Tatooine's Mos Espa spaceport and encountered its denizens, lovable coward Jar Jar Binks is unwilling to take another foray into the busy landscape, but he will soon have no choice as the rest of Qui-Gon Jinn's small group continue their search for a new hyperdrive.

'OBI-WAN KENOBI' - NEWS UPDATE (6)

The series ended with an emotional and exciting duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader that lived up to its potential. And it looks like a second season for the pair may be on the cards at some point in the future after having been such an overwhelming success story for Disney+.

Here's the final batch of related news and clips (for now...)

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Finale: Anakin and Obi-Wan’s Fight Remakes Episode 3 For a New Generation

Darth Vader's return in Obi-Wan Kenobi was originally even scarier, says head writer | GamesRadar+

Obi-Wan Kenobi review: A mesmerizing Anakin moment couldn't fix a galaxy of plot holes | EW.com

Obi-Wan Kenobi Deepens the Star Wars Tragedy of Anakin Skywalker – The Hollywood Reporter

OBI-WAN KENOBI Movie Ended With Darth Vader Defeating, And Believing He Killed, The Jedi Master

Darth and Hayden at a special series cinema screening for Canadian fans.

Obi-Wan Kenobi's Last Duel Recaptures What Made Them Great in the First Place

Hayden Christensen says he saw "glimpses of Padmé" in Obi-Wan Kenobi's young Leia actor | GamesRadar+

The full line-up of official character posters for the series.

Star Wars' Liam Neeson Breaks Down His Obi-Wan Kenobi Role

Obi-Wan Kenobi writer reveals changes to Reva's arc from his original movie script | GamesRadar+

Obi-Wan Kenobi Movie Trilogy Was Planned Before Disney+ (Exclusive)

Original OBI-WAN KEONOBI Film Would Have Featured a Commander Cody and Young Luke Side Story — GeekTyrant

CLASSIC IMAGE: BATTLE-READY JEDI!

With a mysterious warrior suddenly emerged and on the attack with his group's near-departure from Tatooine, a defiant Qui-Gon Jin stands ready, in this great image from Episode One. 

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THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: GOODBYE MY FRIEND...

Critically wounded from Darth Maul's double lightsaber blade, the dying Qui-Gon Jinn departs the world of reality and 'the living Force' showing dignity and tender compassion for his loyal friend and Padawan in Obi-Wan Kenobi. A genuinely sad moment from EPISODE I, as Obi-Wan makes a promise to train Anakin Skywalker with Qui-Gon's passing....

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: DEATH OF A JEDI!

Darth Maul delivers a savage, unexpected move that delivers the final death blow to a surprised Qui-Gon Jinn, all of this watched by a powerless to help Obi-Wan Kenobi, cut off from the action by the energy shield gates.

The killing stroke.

A shocked scream of pain from Obi-Wan Kenobi, as first seen in the film's second trailer.

"A very small portion of the generator room was built in England, and from that we created a huge room measuring six hundred feet across, as well as a huge pit- all through CG. The electrical beams were also computer generated. We blended the virtual set with the set built on the soundstage."

Scott Squires - The Making of EPISODE I book - 1999

"When we shot the scene, we didn't know yet how big the beams would end up being, or what colour they would be. Eventually we came up with a purplish colour, which was reflected on the actors and on all the practical parts on the set."

David Tattersall - The Making of EPISODE I book - 1999

Darth Maul stands ready for his next opponent.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: QUI-GON'S LAST STAND!

Cut off from Qui-Gon Jinn by a series of energy gate screens, Obi-Wan can only watch as his Jedi Master and friend fights on with skill, precision and inner strength against Darth Maul. But even Qui-Gon's experience and agility in fighting can be defeated by the raw power and savagery of the Dark Side...

"We developed the look of the energy doors, going from some of the concept art. We then use the Sabre (digital scanning technology) to design the energy doors and work out how they should open and close, the noise pattern, how much they should glow and the kind of energy that should emanate from them."

Pablo Helman - The Making of EPISODE I book - 1999

A series of frames from the early part of Qui-Gon's solo duel with Darth Maul.

Suddenly, Darth Maul starts to gain the upper hand...

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: THE PERILS OF THE ENERGY CHAMBER

Duel in the labyrinth!

The battle continues between Jedi and Sith, of which Darth Maul plays dirty, effectively separating Obi-Wan from Qui-Gon, though the latter fights on with noble strength and resolution...

Darth Maul is ready to strike!

A deleted moment from the duel.

Filming Mau's kicking Obi-Wan

Rehearsing an unused punch by Maul to Obi-Wan.

Maul kicks out at Obi-Wan, as seen in the film.

"They said, 'Do you wanna be in Star Wars?' I said, 'Too fu+king right!'"

Nick Gillard confers with Ray Park between scene filming.

Deleted action scene: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: EPISODE I AT FIFTEEN: DELETED DUELLING!

Andreas Petrides performs Obi-Wan's fall outdoors at Leavesden Studios.

Falling into a special airbag.

Behind the scenes:
The Fall | Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | StarWars.com

Qui-Gon delivers a powerful blow to Maul in retaliation.

Now it's Ray Park's turn to outdoor fall, taking a hit from Qui-Gon in the finished film.

Filming Obi-Wan's close-up, separated from Qui-Gon at a lower level.

Qui-Gon determinedly fights on against the retreating Sith Lord.

Obi-Wan leaps to catch-up with the distant fighting.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: JEDI PURSUIT!

Out of the hangar, the ongoing Jedi conflict against their Sith opponent, who seems undaunted by the skills of the duo, brings further danger- their location now transferred to the deep interior energy chambers linked to the Theed royal palace and city...

"Nick Gillard told me what he wanted in the moves, but he also let me be very free in my movements and the flashier the better, which was part of Darth Maul's arrogance. He can end with a flashy pose because he's the man and he knows he's not going to make any mistake. He's nasty and he's got no remorse, no compassion for anything."

Ray Park - Cinescape magazine - 1999

Qui-Gon goes in for an attack move on Maul.

Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) and Qui-Gon (Liam Neeson) corner Maul yet watch as he back flip leaps to a nearby bridge.

Ray Park performing the forty foot across somersault from a special pneumatic ram platform.

Obi-Wan (Andreas Petrides) and Qui-Gon (Rob Inch) give chase, shot from similar platforms.

The pursuit leap as seen in the film, and from a different angle.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's lightsabers once more lock with Maul's.