EPISODE I: COSTUMED ROYALTY!

A look at just one amazing costume for Queen Amidala seen in EPISODE I. Stunning image by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair magazine.

Never has there been a Star Wars film before or since where the costume design of the characters has been so important to the overall storytelling function than in The Phantom Menace, and especially with regards to the life and duties of Naboo's beloved Queen Amidala, as played by a very young Natalie Portman, who instantly fell in love with the designs, and inspired her acting choices, brought to her in full creation by Trisha Biggar over three months filming in 1997. 

Three shots taken by Nigel Parry for Lucasfilm to use in publicity.

A French film magazine cover from 1999.

EPISODE I: WHAT HAPPENS ON TATOOINE...

All cover arts by Timothy Bradstreet.

The Phantom Menace's critics may often have complained that the film didn't have much plot for our main heroes to be involved in, but the drama taking place on Tatooine with our stranded heroes looking for a hyperdrive generator, and the introduction of Anakin, would open the doors to exciting side story potential that would be adeptly explored in comics via a special one-shoot, four-issue set of Dark Horse Comics. 

Released in Summer 1999, each separately showcased Queen Amidala, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in some impressive work filling in the story gaps on the aforementioned desert planet, executed by a fine team of writers (including Ryder Windham and Henry Gilroy) and artists (including Martin Egeland and Steve Crespo). It's no surprise to me that the series was so well received by fans and later reprinted as part of Disney's Expanded Universe merchandise, via Marvel Comics.

 

Original Dark Horse Comic cover that would be re-used by Marvel.

A fifth mini-story also appeared exclusively for Wizard magazine.

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

CLASSIC IMAGE: WHICH ONE'S THE DECOY?

Though captured by the Neimoidians, the tide of battle and potential victory is turning back into Queen Amidala's favour with the unexpected arrival of her decoy, in another great moment from the Battle of Naboo sequence for EPISODE I. 

CLASSIC IMAGE: ROYAL PROTECTORS!

Loyal as ever, Captain Panaka (Hugh Quarshie) and his elite, skilled guard force are ready to do their Queen's bidding during the Battle for Naboo, as EPISODE I nears its action-packed conclusion.

Find out more about the original invasion and battle of Naboo this summer, with the eagerly awaited second book in the Padme Amidala/Handmaidens saga by E.K. Johnston: Queen's Peril, published in the UK by Egmont.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Queens-Peril-Emily-Johnston/dp/1368057144/ref=sr_1_1?crid=161LMUOLXU7C2&keywords=star+wars+queens+peril&qid=1583333918&sprefix=star+wars+queens+p%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: ICONS FOR A NEXT GENERATION...

We finish our exhaustive and unrivalled 20th Anniversary coverage of EPISODE I with another great art showcase, this time Hugh Fleming's splendid piece that adorned the complete version of Dark Horse Comics 1999 adaptation of the film. The art is a fitting end in showcasing the story's iconic characters in colourful fashion...

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: A TIME FOR CELEBRATION!

The heroes of EPISODE I assemble for the closing ceremony sequence on Naboo.

Celebrating the return of their freedom, the streets of Naboo are filled with joyous people and children in song, as the Gungans begin a new alliance with the humans, a unification cemented via a special peace ceremony and the giving to them by Queen Amidala of a unique energy globe - the Bola Crystal.

With the election of a new Supreme Chancellor promising to bring goodness back to the Republic Senate, as well as a new and powerful young Jedi into the ranks of that esteemed order, the future looks bright for our heroes as EPISODE I ends on a memorable high...

Keeping Natalie Portman's costume clean and accident free for Natalie Portman between takes.

A stunning shot of Natalie Portman as Amidala.

With her once adviser and now galactic ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.

The cast between filming.

Jake Lloyd has fun on the Leavesden backlot.

The new-look Anakin Skywalker is revealed, as his training is about to commence.

The full Jedi Council are present for the scene, shot on the Leavesden Studios backlot.

Amongst the many extras in the scene would be a variety of people linked to the Star Wars production/merchandising divisions worldwide, or family members linked to key cast. Enhancing the scene further, ILM would also provide digital crowds in post production.

The Naboo guard line up.

With the Bola Crystal, awaiting the Gungan party.

Boss Nass arrives at the Palace plaza.

"Peace!"

Jar Jar is ready to celebrate. Note the background extra to his right: Les Conrad, who originally appeared as a Blockade Runner Rebel Trooper in the original Star Wars. 

The end to EPISODE I.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: A VISION OF SERENITY!

The splendid outfit of light and beauty worn by Natalie Portman for the film's closing ceremony.

A special day of celebration for her people means that Queen Amidala must wear a special costume in response, of which Trisha Biggar and her team pulled out all the stops to deliver a truly beautiful silk and petals design for Natalie Portman to wear outdoors during Summer 1997 filming at Leavesden Studios, of which celebrated film unit photographer Keith Hamshere would take the representative publicity shots/wardrobe reference images.

Photographer Keith Hamshere at work in the studio.

"It had to be very light and beautiful with the feeling of a wedding dress. George also liked a drawing Iain McCaig had done that showed a very large, unusual collar at the back at the dress."

Trisha Biggar - 1999

The costume and designs as compiled for a TOPPS Card.

A rare publicity image taken on set at Leavesden Studios, on a palace corridor set recreation.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: TO MOURN A JEDI...

A tribute to the fallen...

The victory of liberating Naboo has come at a terrible price, as important mourners from across the galaxy join the Queen and her people in honouring the passing of Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, his body burnt to ash but his soul transferred to the Force.

Above set showing the mourners at Qui-Gon's funeral.

Sio Bibble (Oliver Ford Davis), a Handmaiden, Ric Olie (Ralph Brown) and R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) are also among the background attendees.

"There's no doubt the mysterious warrior was a Sith..."

Having promised Qui-Gon to train the boy, Obi-Wan takes the upset Anakin Skywalker under his wing. A filmed but deleted line from Obi-Wan to Anakin: "He is one with the Force, Anakin... You must let go." 

Meanwhile, the Jedi Council ponder the continuing mystery of the returned Sith.

"Always two there are. A master and an apprentice..."

A turning point for the galaxy lies ahead...

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: RETAKING HER THRONE!

Captured by Droidekas, Queen Amidala and her party are taken to the Neimoidians. Things look grim but, thanks to Sabe's clever decoy work, our heroine seizes her opportunity to retrieve the hidden weapons in the Throne Room, as she and Captain Panaka finally surprise/capture the enemy overlords. Now the tables are turned, and it's time to discuss a new treaty: surrender!

Sabe's decoy force arrives.

Panaka seizes the attack initiative!

Natalie Portman has fun with Lucas and John Knoll between filming scenes.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: AIMING HIGH!

Unable to reach the next level of the palace due to overwhelming Battle Droid re-enforcements, Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka and her special squad shoot upwards with ascension guns, in this great action moment from EPISODE I.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: PADME FIGHTS ON!

Unable to leave the main hangar, the royal party is cornered by Droidekas. Our dwindling in number heroes valiantly fight on, led by Padme whose skills with a blaster weapon will later be inherited by her equally cause-dedicated daughter, Leia Organa.

Steven Spielberg drops by on the filming, and has fun inspecting Padme's blaster pistol.

A close-up look at Amidala's very Flash Gordon-esque blaster pistol.

Lucas's longtime friend and filmmaking collaborator Steven Spielberg, taking a little diversion from shooting Saving Private Ryan in the UK, would visit and enjoy seeing the filming on the Theed Hangar set at Leavesden Studios.