Star Wars celebrates 'Phantom Menace' 25th anniversary with marathon of 9 films in theaters

Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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Fans of the iconic Star Wars franchise will be able to watch all nine films that comprise the "Skywalker Saga" in theaters in less than two months.

Star Wars and LucasFilms announced the theatrical event Thursday on its website as the franchise prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace." The showing will premiere May 4 on "Star Wars Day," according to LucasFilms' news release.

Fans line up at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York on May 6, 1999, to be the first to see the movie, "Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace" which is scheduled to open May 19, 1999. A group of people who sit in 4-hour shifts have been in line since May 1, 1999.
Fans line up at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York on May 6, 1999, to be the first to see the movie, "Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace" which is scheduled to open May 19, 1999. A group of people who sit in 4-hour shifts have been in line since May 1, 1999.

All nine films will be shown in chronological order so the lineup will consist of: "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones," "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith," "Star Wars: A New Hope," "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

In addition to the showing of the films, fans will get an exclusive look at a new entry into the franchise's TV offerings titled "The Acolyte," according to the release. "The Acolyte" is a Disney+ series set during the High Republic era, Lucas Films said. The 8-episode show is scheduled to premiere June 4 exclusively on the streaming service.

Tickets go on sale Friday at noon ET, LucasFilms said.

"We would be honored if you would join us for this rare opportunity to see Star Wars as it was intended: on the big screen," according to the release.

Cast of the 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'

  • Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi

  • Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn

  • Natalie Portman as Queen Amidala

  • Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker

  • Ian McDiarmid as Senator Palpatine

  • Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker

  • Ahmed Best as Jar Jar Binks

  • Anthony Daniels as C-3PO(voice)

  • Kenny Baker as R2-D2

  • Frank Oz as Yoda(voice)

  • Ray Park as Darth Maul

Stuntman Ray Park who plays the evil character of Darth Maul in the new Star Wars Film attends the premiere of "The Phantom Menace" in London's Leicester Square on July 14, 1999, accompanied by an unidentified woman.
Stuntman Ray Park who plays the evil character of Darth Maul in the new Star Wars Film attends the premiere of "The Phantom Menace" in London's Leicester Square on July 14, 1999, accompanied by an unidentified woman.

Cast of 'The Acolyte'

  • Amandla Stenberg as Mae

  • Dafne Keen as Jecki Lon

  • Joonas Suotamo as Kelnacca

  • Charlie Barnett as Yord Fandar

  • Lee Jung-jae as Sol

  • Manny Jacinto as Qimir

  • Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseya

  • Rebecca Henderson as Vernestra Rwoh

  • Carrie-Anne Moss as Indara

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Star Wars rereleasing all 9 films in 'Star Wars Day' theater marathon

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