All photos courtesy Disney Parks BlogIt’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was released. I remember it like it was yesterday! We went on opening night, watching in anticipation. I was excited to see all the new characters, plus the return of a few favorites. The prequels will always hold a place in my Star Wars loving heart, because they were something that my family and I all experienced for the first time together. Even with their flaws, that makes the prequels special to me.
Now it’s 25 years later, and once again we’re talking about The Phantom Menace. Disney Parks Blog has released the following information on merchandise for the anniversary.
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‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ Must-Haves to Mark 25 Years
by Jenna DePellegrini, Communications Specialist: Consumer Products, Games and Publishing
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary and to help fans of all ages commemorate their love for Episode I of the Skywalker saga, I’ve gathered must-have apparel, collectibles, gifts, keepsakes and more from around the galaxy that are perfect for showcasing your love for the The Phantom Menace. With new product offerings from Disney Store and favorite licensees such as Hasbro, Funko, Loungefly, the LEGO Group and more, Star Wars fans will be able to gear up with apparel, accessories, collectibles, keepsakes and more to celebrate this milestone anniversary.
“Always two, there are. No more, no less. A master and an apprentice.” When Darth Maul made his debut in The Phantom Menace, he became a widely recognized, fan-favorite villain with his intimidating appearance and double-bladed Lightsaber. Now, fans can celebrate 25 years of both Episode I and the famed Sith apprentice with the new Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th anniversary collection from Disney Store. Featuring new apparel, accessories, limited-edition collectibles and more, there is something for fans of all ages in this finely detailed collection, launching on May 4 on DisneyStore.com and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Be one with the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Maul, with this special limited-edition Legacy LIGHTSABER hilt set created in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Limited to just 7,000 units, The Sith Apprentice: Darth Maul Legacy Lightsaber Hilt Collector’s Box Set comes packaged in an individually numbered, unique wooden box with Darth Maul graphics that when opened, lights up red and plays the iconic “Duel of the Fates” theme. This stunning hilt set is available on DisneyStore.com and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on May 4th.
Continue to pay tribute to the power of the Sith with new Star Wars: The Phantom Menace bag accessories from Loungefly, including the Darth Maul detachable hood cosplay mini backpack with the matching accordion wallet and a new dark side LIGHTSABER- inspired crossbody bag. Top off your Darth Maul- inspired look with the new Darth Maul Top Frame from Pair Eyewear, available for purchase along with the rest of the Star Wars-inspired collection starting April 10, or these new Darth Maul studs from Girls Crew, available starting April 30.
The new Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Pop! Vinyl bobbleheads from Funko are so wizard. Featuring iconic film scenes like Queen Amidala on her throne, and fan-favorite characters like Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks, Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and more, fans won’t want to miss adding these pieces to their Pop! collection.
For those looking to commemorate their favorite parts of the film with unique, staple pieces, the Queen Amidala in the Throne Room porcelain figure from Lladro is a piece fans won’t want to miss out on. For fans whose collections are smaller in scale, check out the Black Series figures Droideka Destroyer Droid and Padmé Amidala, available now for preorder from Hasbro. And coming soon to a galaxy near you is the newly announced LEGO Star Wars Darth Maul’s Sith Infiltrator building set. A great gift for fans and collectors alike, this new building set is full of playful features and comes with four LEGO minifigures, including an exclusive LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Saw Gerrera minifigure with a display stand.
Those looking for new statement pieces to add to their wardrobes won’t want to miss these new pieces from Her Universe, available for purchase starting tomorrow, May 9. From a vibrant bomber jacket to a new interpretation of Padmé Amidala’s handmaiden dress, fans can showcase their love for The Phantom Menace in style. Fans whose allegiance lies with the Sith will want to adorn this fashionable Darth Maul crossbody, complete with 3D horns, a fabric hood and embossed details.
Padmé Amidala holds a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans. Known for her courage, determination and iconic sense of fashion, fans can follow in her fashionable footsteps with these Padmé-inspired earrings from Star Wars Fine Jewelry. Combine with some sophisticated new sunglasses from DIFF, available for purchase on May 4, and the new limited edition Queen Amidala Cosplay Mini Backpack from Loungefly and you’ve got a wardrobe fit for a queen. And after a successful day of governing, wind down and relax in a Padme-inspired lounge set.
For the Star Wars bookworms looking to expand their to-be-read lists, Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter Audiobook – The Essential Legends Collection (Unabridged) by Michael Reaves is perfect for fans who always wanted to know more about the elusive Darth Maul. In addition to the newest tale by John Jackson Miller, Star Wars: The Living Force takes place a year before the beloved film and is a perfect read before your next rewatch. Another release in celebration of The Phantom Menace’s 25th anniversary is the upcoming comic book one-shot, Star Wars: Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1. Providing readers new context around the secret inner life of Anakin Skywalker with artwork from Will Sliney, fans won’t want to miss adding this to their shelves!
Finally, this guide wouldn’t be complete without some home décor! Fans looking to add some new commemorative art to their walls will want to check out the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace poster collection from Displate, a collection of metal posters full of unique art depicting iconic scenes and characters from Episode I.
As Star Wars: The Phantom Menace gets ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary, commemorate your love for this classic film with collectibles, apparel, merchandise, and more! And be sure to keep an eye out for more announcements and product offerings from across the galaxy.