It’s been roughly 18 years since the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, but many fans of the franchise still complain about George Lucas’ prequel trilogy. In fairness, it’s easy enough to understand why. After all, while each of the movies certainly had their moments, they didn’t exactly deliver after the stellar original trilogy. Not even close.
Hayden Christensen’s career also didn’t fare too well after two movies as Anakin Skywalker, but before he took over the role, it was the young Jake Lloyd who played the child who would one day become Darth Vader. Fans and critics alike tore into his performance and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace has taken a mauling (no pun intended) in the years since.
One person unhappy about that is Mark Hamill. Talking at the Sundance Film Festival, the Luke Skywalker actor had this to say about the way the Star Wars prequels have been treated.
“I couldn’t believe some of the things they wrote about the prequels, you know. I mean really, beyond I didn’t like it. I’m still angry about the way they treated Jake Lloyd. He was only ten years old, that boy, and he did exactly what George wanted him to do. Believe me, I understand clunky dialog.”
Regardless of what Lucas ultimately did with the Star Wars franchise, he was the one who created this far away galaxy, while Hamill arguably has him to thank for his entire career. As a result, it’s easy to see why he would defend both the prequels and the ten-year-old child who faced so much scorn for his performance.
Tell us, do you agree with the actor’s defence of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, or do you think that all the hate is warranted? Sound off down below and let us know!
