The Original Script for Star Wars The Phantom Menace was much Better!

#starwars #darthmaul #starwarsprequels
This original script George Lucas wrote for the phantom menace was much better that the movie.
Link to original script
fd.noneinc.com/secrethistoryof...
Behind the scenes
• The Beginning: Making ...

[@gatsby798]

Apologies guys! This was meant to come out before May the 4th but unfortunately I had a lot of issues getting it uploaded in time. A lot of the video unfortunately had to be cut due to copyright and had to use a lot of images rather than video. I apologise for the quality of this video. I promise to make my next one better! Gatsby

[@faithlessberserker5921]

It's OK man. It really doesn't matter

[@topsumedia]

The quality of the video is good in my opinion, don’t worry about using images from time to time ☺️

[@TheJediKenneth]

@@topsumediaI agree, the quality is fine.

[@TheJediKenneth]

You released this video after Star Wars Day, May 4th. So what? The movie premiered on May 19, 1999. You are on time, even early, for the actual 25th Anniversary.

[@clarity2199]

I agree, most of this script is superior to what we got. I wonder why he so negatively changed it? The maul fight was an improvement, but that's about it. Yeah, having Anakin older would have been much better, especially. Him and Padme's relationship seemed so creepy in the first movie.

[@kennethferland5579]

Anakin being 12 is probably the single biggest missed oportunity here.

[@cakelover699]

Explain

[@wulfnite4520]

@@cakelover699 Jake Lloyd was too little to be believable as a pod racer etc. Personally I think he should have been closer to 16, like Luke. Can you imagine if a New Hope had an 8 year old Luke?

[@jasons5916]

The relationship between Anakin and Padme makes more sense if he is closer in age to her. If you keep Obi-Wan as a padawan, they are also closer in age and the brother-like relationship between them rather than teacher-student becomes more apparent. Also young child actors are rarely good and are usually the weakest part of a movie. Jake Lloyd does ok, but an older actor probably would have done better and been more believable in the situations they put him in.

[@virgogaming6488]

Jake was fine to me as I first saw Phantom Menace when I was 10, made Anakin more relatable to growing kid audiences for the next 2.

[@xBINARYGODx]

@@virgogaming6488 who cares - I was less than 10 the first time I saw the first movie and Luke being older didnt get in the way of me wanting to be him. Kids dont need other kids in medai to relate. Also, the original three were not kids movies - they were movies for the whole family, and two do things are very different.

[@Graystaff]

“Somehow Palpatine became emperor…”

[@MrTouvan]

I actually like that - part of the problem with the prequels was the underdeveloped political theory woven throughout. Palpatine is trying to manipulate a Senate to become emperor, and it works. That's enough of a description. In the first Star Wars moving they never explain how to the Empire defeated "the old republic" - just that they are going to finally wipe out the last remnants of it. That's enough. This is Star Wars. It doesn't even need to hint at a deeper understanding of politics.

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@MrTouvan The old republic is in full flow until Palpatine defeats it by subjugating the worlds through fear of the trade federation (Random Boogey man) So they surrender their freedom and sign up to the Patriot act. (Sorry reality bleeding in to show art reflecting fiction and reality informing something... Sorry...The CIA made me lose my train of thought...) Luv and Peace...(?)

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

"Somehow Palpatine became Chancellor . ." I'm sure that you'll find that's what was said, he wasn't quite "Emperor" yet.

[@UndyingNephalim]

Padme and Anakin teaming up in a starfighter to destroy the Droid Control ship sounds awesome. Considering what happens to them in later films they barely interact in the Phantom Menace which I always thought was baffling.

[@Lazrael32]

an older anakin sounds better in general to me.

[@jackr2971]

I think a blend of this and the actual movie could have been amazing.

[@pike100]

Yes, as long as the Jar Jar character was deleted entirely as part of the blending.

[@Raximus3000]

@@pike100 Why all this hate? There have been bad comedic characters before, he is hardly the worst.

[@pike100]

@@Raximus3000 Why all this hate? Because Jar Jar ruined Phantom Menace for me.

[@Raximus3000]

@@pike100 How?! What did he do that was so unforgivable?

[@IaMaPh1991]

Re: Obi-Wan wearing all black robes. I always thought that the black suit Luke wore in ROTJ was Obi-Wan's original Jedi uniform taken from his hut, that would also explain why his lightsaber in that film was more reminiscent of Obi-Wan's: spare parts.

[@Shane28-jh8rh]

Yeah but in the ending of return of the jedi they clearly show what a jedi should be wearing and by the time of the prequels lucas made a decision that black clothes are identified with the sith and for a practical reason they are easier to fight in

[@sexobscura]

Luke made his lightsabre in the deleted sandstorm of Tatooine. Black was an executive decision like all of those film were. Any later adjustments a la Lucas or the books is pointless backtracking

[@cl4709]

@@Shane28-jh8rh I know and I really don’t understand this decision by Lucas. All Jedi dress like moisture farmers. Why? Is uncle Owen a Jedi? They should’ve worn black robes like Luke

[@bionodroid547]

The Jedi’s robes in the prequels, while simple, are still quite different than what the peasants wear. They share a color scheme, but the fabrics of the Jedi’s robes are clearly more expensive and usually much cleaner. There’s also a decent amount of diversity in Jedi outfits and they’ll often sport presumably expensive accessories.

[@sexobscura]

@@bionodroid547 that's incredibly important to understand and gather

[@Gasssolo]

I think Palpatine's rise power being explained better is an important improvement compared to this draft. After all, this was thr most important feature of the film.

[@murrayshekelberg9754]

The Darth Plagueis book is great for seeing some elements of that and who Palpatine was in his own youth

[@TheMAZZTer]

It's good they decided to have Qui-Gon in the story from the start. First of all it gives Obi-Wan someone to talk with before running into Jar Jar. But more importantly it gives us time to get to know Qui-Gon so his death is more impactful.

[@DEATH_ROW_DC]

I would disagree. Qui-Gon is an obvious highlight of movie but I feel like a lesser role would have opened the door for greater development with Obi’s character and the Obi/Anakin relationship, plus just give more synergy between Ep1 and Ep2 Like imo, the prequel’s suffer from Obi Wan being an almost tertiary character in Ep1.

[@Lazrael32]

@@DEATH_ROW_DC i largely agree with this take. they could even have just waited till the second movie to kill qui gon. honestly i think killing maul in the first one was a mistake. it created a revolving door of sith who didn't get enough story to truly build a threatening character

[@cdmays]

Qui gon is an idiot

[@Schooley96]

Agreed, would work equally if they made Qui and Obi as friends rather than master and padawan, keeps to them being able to talk back and forth and keep it kinda like brothers. I will go further have Anakin initially think obi is cool and Obi being cool with Anakin but keep qui feeling Anakin like more of a father figure. As the movie goes on Anakin feels he needs Qui as his master, not obi, obi agrees but qui dies after the audience get emotionally attached. Then obi feels he should take up where his friend was going to do. He treats Anakin more like a younger brother which at first Anakin is fine with but eventually hates. Have both QuI and Obi on tatooine and keep the implied padme attraction to obi and qui interactions with shmi (forgot how to spell her name.) Keep Anakin at 12 to 13 like the original script. That seems like a good mix, could be wrong.

[@JamesR1986]

@@Lazrael32 I think Lucas reallyed wanted to plant the seeds of "What if Qui Gon had survived and trained Anakin himself." That's was why they called it "The Dual of the Fates".

[@travisgames6608]

The first draft seems better than what we got. Always felt weird Obi Wan was in the background rather than in the forefront. It also gives Obi Wan and Anakin a better dynamic than what they have in the movies.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

I'm not so sure about that. At the time, Ewan McGregor was a rising star, but still relatively inexperienced as an actor and also new to this kind of role (and it showed), so I doubt he could've projected the same gravitas and maturity that Liam Neeson brought to his portrayal of Qui-Gon Jinn. It would also have meant much less screen-time for Neeson, which would've been a shame as we don't see him again. Having said that, I always felt Lucas tried to do too much in TPM, instead of focusing on Anakin more.

[@1000g2g3g4g800999]

@@GonzoTehGreat People always talk about things like prequel rewrites, but if anything, with that kind of opportunity, I think it would be better to translate the prequels into full on TV series, each episode like a season of something like the Mandalorian. Or otherwise, make the movies all two-parters.

[@dan15000]

This is much better than PM however it is better that qui-gon came in earlier in the real thing. It’s good that Anakin is older, it also makes his and padmes relationship more believable as well as including those scenes of them together. Also making jar jar competent would have made the original film much better.

[@InfernosReaper]

Could have Qui-Gon already on Tatooine, having retired from the order and not having enough money to buy the part they need.

[@ChaosGenerator]

George Lucas mentioning that Jar Jar Binks is based of Goofy is a fact that is much more ironic considering that Disney bought the Star Wars franchise. He even looks like an amphibious version of him.

[@purefoldnz3070]

sure it was "goofy" and not a certain other character.

[@ChaosGenerator]

@@purefoldnz3070 I'm positive. George Lucas mentioned it in a 2015 interview.

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@ChaosGenerator doesnt matter when he mentioned we all know the truth.

[@Mcfly85A]

​@@purefoldnz3070 cause we all don't know the truth because I don't know what character you are talking about. I've heard that he based Jar Jar on Goofy. For the record, I love Jar Jar.

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@Mcfly85A baahahahaahaha aww are you going to get engaged?

[@arturogonzalez-barrios8206]

Aging up Anakin would've made his relationships much more plausible. Maybe it was to facilitate a time jump, but I think the time jump makes it all more confusing relationships wise. Anakin hasn't seen Padme in years, yet he still has the same childhood crush? I love the prequels tho.

[@Skute]

Right I just watched AotC the other day and it’s just such a bad choice. Has Anakin really not run into a single other attractive female in the past 10 years ? We have to have him obsessing about that one time they met when he was nine? I could be just as simple as he falls in love once he sees her again as an adult.

[@JakvsMetalheads999]

The more I think about it, the more I think that a slightly rewritten AotC would’ve made a lot more sense as an Episode I, with Episode II set during the Clone Wars and Episode III being largely the same. Phantom Menace almost feels like some kind of “Star Wars story” type of movie about Obi Wan and Anakin first meeting

[@DEATH_ROW_DC]

⁠​⁠@@JakvsMetalheads999imo, Ep1 should’ve been Anakin as a struggling padawan as the war kicks off, Ep2 being Anakin entering his prime as hero of the clone wars, and then Ep3 unchanged. And then, yeah backtrack and do a ‘Star wars story’ movie for Anakin’s discovery.

[@JDoe-gf5oz]

Anakin was made younger so leaving his mom would be more traumatizing for him.

[@mrheroprimes]

@@Skute Which is even weirder when you realize that There were some female jedi padwon who were in the same age group as him, Such as Barris Offie Considering she's Only one year younger than Anakin at 18 year

[@ReconViper1]

Over all I like this version a lot better than the final film. Although some explanation about Palpatine becoming Chancellor would have been needed.

[@Sorain1]

Agreed, one could easily take the vote of no confidence and have it in this script to fix that.

[@KramericaIndustries-jd9cy]

I don’t understand why Lucas changed the Jedi to wearing moisture farmer outfits. As you stated, Luke in ROTJ is the actual Jedi uniform. It makes no sense that Kenobi would be “in hiding” wearing his Jedi robes. Lol

[@Skute]

It’s such a baffling choice. There’s no reason for it.

[@joshbaker1581]

Cynical marketing reasons?

[@hickoryst.6961]

Yup. I've wondered the same thing. It's amazing how even the smallest decision makes a big difference.

[@benmccarthy1799]

Black robes were already associated with the sith

[@fission_mailed]

Really Lucas had already made that creative decision in ROTJ when original Anakin’s ghost is wearing the same robes as Kenobi

[@cardinalrule6810]

Michael Jackon as Jar Jar Binks would've been preposterous

[@thepurpleshade486]

meesa a smooth criminal ani!

[@darthnagus5457]

Shamone

[@alundrajehuthy1801]

Messa go HEE HEE

[@whyukraine]

A sith playing a sith? nooooooooooooo

[@samuelmarberry4761]

No worse than he was in men in black

[@AsterionH]

My perfect Phantom Menace would have elements of both the actual movie and the draft script. I definitely think Anakin needs to be older and have more screen time with Padme. But I am glad that Lucas decided to change the design of Maul and write Qui-Gon into some of the earlier scenes.

[@EatSleepEmpire]

I support the prequels, but there are some pretty key elements of this original script that I would have preferred.

[@gatsby798]

I am the same as you pal!

[@cloudmaster182]

Same

[@TheChadTI]

Yeah, like most if it.

[@geoffok]

The prequels are worse than every other movie made by a major studio

[@EatSleepEmpire]

@@geoffok you’re face is the worst prequel.

[@supernintendro]

So cool how Obi-Wan is a seasoned Jedi Knight, like Luke in RoTJ.

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

Luke wasn't a seasoned Jedi.

[@supernintendro]

​@@GODCONVOYPRIME You forgot the WHY, homeboy. Tell us WHY. 🙄

[@pike100]

​@@supernintendroLuke left before completing his training with Yoda.

[@johntorres2565]

Luke is not a seasoned Jedi knight in ROTJ. Not even close. He had like a few weeks of training.

[@1000g2g3g4g800999]

@@johntorres2565 It's a whole year after Empire, and he's done a lot on his own at that point.

[@dklustick]

I like that they made Obi more of a protagonist. Him being in the background of the first movie always bothered me.

[@robtennant98]

He defeats Darth Maul? Big role imo

[@dklustick]

@@robtennant98 yeah but his screen time is less than Jar Jars man… and I like Jar Jar, but Obi’s character one weak element of episode one.

[@robtennant98]

@@dklustick I think it’s a good introduction to Obi Wan in the prequels. Star Wars isn’t about Obi Wan and we can enjoy other characters such as Qui Gon. Why do you feel Obi Wan needs more screen time?

[@virgogaming6488]

​@@robtennant98And it's more surprising to a newcomer watching the films in episode order that he becomes a main character.

[@thomasinefitzpatrick]

Yeah!.... Everyones like "yeah but its good they had Qui gon from the start".... no.... this would have been perfect with just Obi from the beginning

[@Mael_Str0M]

I’d love to have a comic adaptation of this. It would be amazing.

[@Bean-vu6gp]

me to and also alternate versions of episode 2 and 3 that are sequels to this episode 1 version

[@1000g2g3g4g800999]

Sort of like how we got a comic of The Star Wars, earlier drafts of A New Hope.

[@Infamous1892]

It's funny how The Phantom Menace get treated like Crap for 25 years, But the Force Awakens got praise.

[@josephlinden1630]

The prequels are superior to the sequels in every way.

[@cajiggle]

At least the prequels were trying to do something different. The Disney sequels just rehashed things from the original trilogy that were done much better.

[@dannymadrigal5112]

Because Phantom Menace fucking sucks dude. It’s poorly paced, the cgi is god awful, and the dialogue is worse. Just because it had “interesting ideas” doesn’t mean it’s not dogshit.

[@Xci8]

@@dannymadrigal5112still enjoyable

[@gamerfan8445]

​@dannymadrigal5112 better than the sequels

[@cmoreskylines]

This was a massive improvement over the film version we got

[@MrJayateabug]

Having an older Anakin was a bit less Cringe, but at the same time Qui-Gon as his original Master made much more sense because Qui-Gon was more of a Father Figure to him and when he was struck down by Maul, Obi-Wan was forced to take his place. Obi-Wan was not ready to become a mentor to the young Anakin, and their relationship was more akin to an older Brother/younger Brother which would in turn lead Anakin to become more resistant to his teachings and contributing to his turn to the Dark Side. "You were my Brother, Anakin!" not his student, not his Padawan. Anakin would have been more hesitant to act out of emotion with a Father Figure/Master like Qui-Gon who would have constantly reminded him to Mind his feelings as a Father would.

[@earlsmith2524]

I agree, since Obiwan was more of brother Palpatine ended up becoming the Father figure

[@Shinhotep]

That dreadhead look you've implied was the concept for Maul was in fact a concept piece done for Palpatine, by artist Iain McCaig, the note on the paper even says "Sith (Palpatine)"

[@atmadja19]

Michael Jackson Jar Jar to Anakin: “Annie are you okay?”

[@christianriddler5063]

xD

[@Mattpatt3]

padme sounds like a bop in this version ngl

[@hkmoney6220]

I saw this again in theaters for the re-release. I was fully expecting it to be terrible like I remembered. I can honestly say it was not half as bad as I remembered. Small changes could have made it pretty decent movie.

[@gatsby798]

Yeah I saw it last Friday and I thought the same!

[@joshimura1995]

Lucas later changed the tone of the screenplay because his son Jett , born in 1993 would have been the perfect age for it. Thats why he made Anakin younger, he was suppossed to be in his early teens like Padme and a little bit emo like. Jar Jar wasnt a funny character more serious like the rest of the gungans. Lucas also had to refine the script all by himself in the later phase of pre production, since the writer he hired to work with him on later drafts (Frank Darabont) couldn't join the production because it was a non union job outside of the WGA/DGA/MPA rules. Lucas cut all ties with them after they tried to stop him and his team from releasing the Empire Strikes Back, a movie Lucas paid for with his own money to get 100% creative control. Phantom Menace was also delayed by 2 years, it was announced to be released in 1997.

[@barkley8285]

This sounds incredible. Idk what happened to go from this to the mess ep1 became.

[@froloffanton]

We really missed out on the vibrating invisible Obi-Wan

[@MrJacksspleen]

How would we know if we did?

[@AbortedEvolution]

In general it sounds more simple and mysterious like the original movies. I wonder where the push came from to over explain everything and add so many extra elements?

[@joshbaker1581]

Toys?

[@damagingthebrand7387]

@@joshbaker1581 Toys. George had piles of money but wanted more from merchandise. How someone like him wrote the best movie ever sometimes baffles me.

[@user-ol5ru8pk1z]

it's also possible the movie was wayyy longer in the original draft

[@jacobdavies-tomlin1726]

because jar jars original idea was to be THE phantom menace, "Darth jar jar". if he rolled with that idea, it would have ben a huge mysterious plot twist that warped everyones minds.

[@1000g2g3g4g800999]

@@user-ol5ru8pk1z Revenge of the Sith was originally going to be something like 4 hours long, so you might be on to something.

[@adrianomoraes5992]

Ah difficult to know these things with Lucas because he always obsessively changes the draft so many times that's hard to know which version of what is from which version of the draft. It is impressive he manages to finish and actually film with this mix of singing and let's change everything. Not surprising given that he tries to change and further tinker the films even after released with new versions. Just choose one and stick to it!

[@vincelupo8419]

An Age 12 Anakin in ep1 fixes so many things for me.

[@Zyummysammy]

Everything people hated about it was fixed in the original

[@cloudmaster182]

Lol honestly

[@GhibliNova]

I bet anything it's because the original was too nebulous for the people funding it to follow and had Lucas change it all to something their simple minds could understand better.

[@suad01]

@@GhibliNova Didnt Lucas fund TPM himself?

[@xBINARYGODx]

@@GhibliNova Lucas didnt have to bend to anyone

[@pike100]

Was Jar Jar "fixed" in the original script?

[@neutralbychoice3584]

The only thing in this version of the script i think is better is Anakins age.

[@caucasoidape8838]

George Lucas sure likes creepy age gaps.

[@neutralbychoice3584]

@@caucasoidape8838 In the movie, Anakin is 9 and Padme is 14. That would only be creepy if Padme was interested in him too, and she clearly never was until she met him years later when he was 19 (a legal adult). Five years age gap is nothing.

[@MyNameIsChadMoore]

Agreed. I felt like it was a mistake ageing Anakin down and George Lucas's reasoning that a teenaged Anakin wouldn't have a strong attachment to his mother was silly.

[@fisher3317]

@@MyNameIsChadMooreI think what Lucas was trying to do was playing up more of Anakin's innocence and vulnerability by making him younger and atba point where he's not showing any darkness or angst yet, strengthening the mindset that you'd never imagine this unassuming kid growing up to be the monster who'd wipe out the Jedi and enforce the tyrannical rule of the Empire.

[@DeepEye1994]

​@@caucasoidape8838 if Anakin and Padmé are weird dont look up the age gap of Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley's then lol

[@Bean-vu6gp]

i would like if the version of the original script was released in comic form and i would like to see alternate versions of attack of the clones and revenge of the sith that are sequels to this version of the phantom menace

[@evanr.g5862]

I think with Dune's successes, Jedi vs Sith demigod like duels would be interesting and could be pulled off in a star wars movie adding more mystique to the whole spirituality aspect. While not being too MCUish is the only challenge.

[@1000g2g3g4g800999]

At some point Lucas said "Jedi aren't superheroes," so that is something to keep in mind (even if they do crazy things in movies and shows he worked on, or he had Vader say that the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the force).

[@theeducatedfool]

I love how so much Star Wars world building is just George Lucas and other people using his first draft ideas for other things.

[@srstriker6420]

Very creepy design for Darth Maul because I don’t if you have seen the original design of the Green Goblin mask, the dark seekers in Ridley Scott’s I am Legend and Snake face Voldemort?

[@gatsby798]

No I have not but I will take a look!

[@srstriker6420]

@@gatsby798good because if you are going to do Spider-Man 2 first draft there 2 version of Doc Ock, one that he is a lot younger and is MJ new love interest and other being that he more closer to the comics where he doesn’t hear voices in head (which I recommend you check out the Misconception of Norman Osborn on Tumbler) and he created the spider that made Spider-Man, killed Peter’s Parents and that he was selling secrets to terrorists

[@t_hetty1758]

I do wish it went that way, I loved the obi wan concept design and it would’ve been cool to see how it evolved. Also I feel it gives him more agency and puts the blame of Anakin falling on him.

[@supernintendro]

The concept design was very OT-like. Wish they'd kept it, too.

[@tFighterPilot]

The only constant thing is Jar Jar. Jar Jar is the key to all this.

[@RyanK2036]

I like this version more just because it has an actual protagonist this time

[@TheAlphaLegionnaire]

*Maul leaps up on the ship with Qui-Gon* “YOU’RE GOING NOWHERE”

[@caucasoidape8838]

I was hoping we would find out what Lucas meant when he said "Jarjar is the key to all this.".

[@Bean-vu6gp]

i believe george was joking when he said that

[@jacksy3693]

Georgie really looked at this and said "WAIT! Theres not enough racial steriotypes!"

[@Z1gguratVert1go]

Obi-Wan and Anakin being older really sits well with me, it just all seems to fit together better this way.

[@rrgale55]

I'm glad they kept Qui-Gon involved from the beginning. It was a great way to combine the relationship in terms of Master/Apprentice when it came to Jedi lore and Obi-Wans development as a character. Anakin, having a say in the war strategy, would have been ridiculous as well as easing Jar Jars fears with "I'll protect you." Padme taking back her own throne was definitely the better choice. Overall, Qui-Gon was definitely the glue the final version needed throughout the entire movie. Anakin came dangerously close to becoming Rey from the Sequel Trilogy. His character was becoming way to "PERFECT" by showing no character arc. Being able to take a ship out of Hyperspace between two objects using the Force on the first try would have been just as ridiculous as Rey beating Kylo Ren in her first ever use of a lightsaber or her shooting Sith Lightning without haven been trained. Im glad Anakin using the force in any controllable way was scrapped altogether. Thankfully, him still having to leave his mom behind, as well as the Council initially rejecting his training, was still kept in.

[@Altaire7]

Phantom menace was amazing. Prequels were all dope. They weren't supposed to be the original trilogy they were different stories at in the same universe. And they felt like they were unlike the sequels. I have no complaints.

[@stormhawk31]

Just making Anakin roughly the same age as Padme, and NOT making Jar Jar a frigging clown, would've DRASTICALLY improved The Phantom Menace.

[@wilkin38]

I feel like the largest issue with the prequels is that Lucas cut all the best stuff out of them and left only the connective tissue. It’s really a shame we’ll never get this version of the movie.

[@switchitwithdc3612]

11:30 "Somehow... Palpatine became Supreme Chancellor"

[@matt55800]

Oh wow, I recognized your voice from prequel rewrites from years ago. Good video!

[@tonyfendex2558]

Wow!!! A lot of things here are very interesting!!! Some of which would've been better for Episode 1. Some!!!

[@jameshunter3867]

...This is so much better than what we got...a great loss to the fans.

[@sgauden02]

They REALLY should've used the original script. Maybe give it a few tweaks, but it was better than the end product.

[@BhelliomRahl]

You get this in a lot of movies, when you read the original script it seems so much better than what was finally chosen. I would be interested to know why they went with the script they did. This Jar-Jar actually sounds interesting instead of being what we got. I agree that an older Anakin would be more interesting especially the interaction between him and Padma. It always seemed odd the infatuation he had for her lasting ten years considering the little contact they had.

[@GiovanniAlckmimRusso]

I don't see as much better, except for making Anakin older, although having as a kid is more impactful because you see him so full of dreams and he is always marveled by what he sees outside of Tatooine, and in 13 years it all fades away. Also having Qui Gon as the protagonist and Obi Wan as young Padawan works really well, because with Qui Gon we have the ideal Jedi Knight who would've been a better Master to Anakin. With Obi Wan, you see a young man who has much to learn, and while he becomes mature and wiser through the movies, you flaws of someone who despite his best intentions was unfit to train Anakin

[@CarbonKnights]

I already saw the Phantom Menace in theatres, don't think I'll be going again this time around.

[@John-gq5bt]

Same here, one time was enough. Garbage. I rather watch the Ewok movies from the 80's.

[@martingeerars9640]

I enjoyed the phantom menace when it came out, but i truly think this version sounds more then 12 parsects better than the version George ended up making

[@pike100]

*parsecs

[@skylancer-zer0205]

I really like the more classic mystical feel of the artwork made for this version. The concepts for Coruscant especially, it feels like something more fantastical than cold and modern. Kinda glad they made Maul the way he is and not like a rejected mask design for Slipknot though LOL

[@dallionaire8947]

This was great. I subbed hoping you do original script for ep 2 and 3

[@roberts_archive]

Anakin encountered an Jedi in his dreams which was Obi Wan. That concept appears to have been repurposed later on for TFA when Rey sees the island repeatedly in her dreams, which turns out to be Achto where Luke is.

[@drevan1138]

I love the blockade Force idea with Anakin.

[@Jilktube]

Making Anakin 12 would've been so much better. It would make his relationship with Padme in AotC feel a lot less... out of nowhere. Teasing the romance from the start and having them go on adventures together- like in the starfighter- feels so right, so fun, so... STAR WARS!

[@Sam_T2000]

_The Phantom Menace_ should’ve been expanded into it’s own trilogy, with _Episodes 2 & 3_ getting their own, revolving around the Clone Wars… giving us _The Skywalker Saga_ as: - _Part 1: the Rise of Anakin Skywalker_ - _Part 2: the Fall of Anakin Skywalker_ - _Part 3: the Redemption of Anakin Skywalker_ - _Part 4: the Legacy of Anakin Skywalker_

[@BigBlobProductions]

It's really interesting to see how a handful of seemingly small changes can drastically affect the story. I can see why George may have changed Anakin's age. If he's younger, there is the prodigy aspect which makes him feel more like he's gifted as well as displaying the tragedy of his ultimate downfall by depicting him as a kind, goodhearted child. But consequently, Anakin seems like a far more interesting and compelling character as a 12 year old and his romance with Amidala works much better. Also, Qui Gon not being present until later works better for allowing Obi Wan to develop a working relationship with Anakin. But I can see why it got changed. Qui Gon's death wouldn't have been as tragic and the story thread of Obi Wan not being completely ready to train Anakin would have been lost. Also, also! I totally see why JarJar became a comedic character. There was so much plot and intense moments and no levity. It makes sense on paper why it was changed, but it really all came down to balance. JarJar could have been less silly, Anakin could have been older, Qui Gon could have been present but still have Obi Wan be on the forefront of the story. It was actually REALLY REALLY close to being darn near perfect. I still love TPM despite it's flaws, but oh, what could have been

[@lutherh6090]

The best outcome would’ve been a blend of both the early draft and the final outcome. Qui-Gon being more involved was a good decision for the final movie as it made his death more impactful and allowed us to see a proper Master/Apprentice relationship. But Anakin being a little older (along with adding more interactions with Padme) was better with the early drafts.

[@jaderonakikissling]

I actually watched a whole video about the original draft for episode one and it had really interesting ideas and concepts which I liked better than the one we've got. But, the original draft was cool, but some elements could've been improved a bit better.

[@iosefa89]

This film will always be perfect to me, my sister took me to the theatre when I was 10 years old. Jar Jar was hilarious, the Jedi, the pod racing everything was amazing. I can see where all the criticism comes from but I will always remember this film as a mind blown kid 😂

[@downix]

I have read this treatment before and generally prefer it.

[@downix]

The main changes I would have done is to retain the original concept from ESB, that instead of droids they used clones with computer brains (which we saw an example of in ESB). I also would have introduced an older Anakin earlier, as a member of a smuggling ship the Trade Federation had captured trying to sneak past the blockade. "That model ship needs two pilots. Who is going to fly it, Master Jedi?" Voice from nearby jail cell, "I can fly it." Ship is hardwired for nav coordinates, so they have to go to Tattooine and get a ride from there. Also make Owen Anakin's younger half-brother.

[@quinnastuno9959]

This is very interesting, are you going to do a video for Episodes II and III as well?

[@gatsby798]

I sure am!

[@quinnastuno9959]

@@gatsby798 if you’re interested afterwards for another SW project, I have an old alternative outline/story treatment I wrote for the Sequels, might be something that would be interesting to use for content creation, just let me know if you would like to connect!

[@arc7818]

While a little rough around the edges, I would have preferred this version to what we got. The end duel at the end isn't impressive sounding, though.

[@isaacmartinez7557]

When I came back to watch this as an adult I really enjoyed the political aspect that I did not understand as a kid. Explained Palpatine’s rise and made it plausible.

[@notagooglesimp8722]

Get me the portal gun from Rick, we need to go there and get the DVD of this version. (Except Maul would still have dual blades)

[@WaterShowsProd]

The biggest issue with this draft is that there is no development arc for Obi-Wan. By reducing him to a Paduan he gained that opportunity for growth. The other issue is that Anakin and Padme's relationship is established too quickly. I assume you are probably aware that R2-D2's introduction in The Phantom Menace was recycled from a discarded scene in the original Star Wars. The scene was included in the NPR radio play version of Star Wars, so when it appeared in The Phantom Menace, I was glad to finally get to see it.

[@samvimes9510]

I wouldn't say everything's better, but there are a couple things I prefer. It makes a lot more sense for Anakin to be a bit older, I could see him being played by a Corey Feldman type. I also like Padme being more active and acting as the gunner for him on the ship. I also prefer the less slapstick Jar Jar. But the Clone Wars show did a good job at redeeming Jar Jar, so I'm okay with his current iteration.

[@TheNameisPlissken1981]

I remember, some time in the very late 90's, getting the original outline for what became Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. It was written by producer Rick McCallum and completely different from the film they ended up making.

[@cloudmaster182]

Do u remember much about it?

[@TheNameisPlissken1981]

@@cloudmaster182 I remember Padema gave birth to the twins much earlier in the outline than in the film. Perhaps even as early as the end of Act One, but don't quote me on that (it was earlier though). Sorry, it's been 25 years and I remember being apprehensive about reading it because (stupid me) I didn't want the movie ruined for me, even though it would have been atleast 7 or 8 years before it came out. The title was something like Episode III - Fall of the Republic, I think.

[@gatsby798]

I will be taking a look at all the Star Wars Movie so I look more into this. Thank you!

[@okupant880]

Hmm, 50/50 on the matter on wether this is better than what we got or not. Jar Jar being a relatively competent if a bit childish character would have been great at least. And they stole my mans Obi Wans drip so bad in the final product.

[@carter358]

I bet this is the rumored version that intended for Jar Jar to be revealed as being in league with Palpatine in Episode 3.

[@pike100]

Jar Jar was too dim-witted to be a spy. Maybe he was written as less "Goofy" and more competent in the original script?

[@y-callos3970]

Well it couldn’t have been any worse

[@All-Heil-Prince-Vegeta]

Darth Maul saved the movie. And revenge of the sith saved the trilogy.

[@jaythor70]

You had me at "Jar Jar talked normal". An older Obi-Wan makes more sense as you get closer to the Alec Guinness version's timeline. An older Anakin would have been better as well. The interactions with Padme were just creepy with that little boy. This is a much better story than what we got. I would only hope that a small edit got us the double lightsaber for Darth Maul.....

[@dwightdhansen]

This would explain a lot of the differences in the novelization.

[@Hotchpotchsoup]

I don't think it's better really, but it's interesting to hear a different version

[@supportpatriarchyordietrying]

Qui Gon was only added to the final version so that they can use the double lightsabre at the end.

[@Adam-2112]

Wow! The original draft was actually a competent and entertaining story!?!?! Genuinely wonder what happened that caused deviating from it?

[@IdealX-fr4eg]

One thing that shouldn't be touched is the duel of the fates. It's perfect as is..

[@Biggarou]

This Draft made a ton more sense to the 5 car pile up we got. I think knowing Lian neeson he pitched afit about his role cut to less then half of the film. Sean Connery would have made a far better choice is hwea the right age and would be OK with haveing that length of a role in a film, we seem him do that time and again and was a much bigger draw then Neeson ever was. I also know that Lucas kapt a lot of thisd less scarry because he said he secretly made thsi film for her and wanted a movie for her age bracket accourding to what he saw. This still make mikles more sense then what we got, that is very accurate.

[@johncrumb7909]

I would have kept that Jarjar is a wise/competent leader in the battle.

[@dagoelius]

Excellent choice of music. KOTR soundtrack is as absolute masterpiece.

[@cjraymond8827]

The original script gets a little messy at the end, but there are aspects that are better. I do, however, continue to ask why the hell they couldn't have saved Shmi from slavery??? And Attack of the Clones only makes this plot hole even worse since Anakin waits 10 years to do anything. They could have still told Anakin he had to concentrate on being a Jedi and all that, but they could've saved Shmi and let her retire somewhere NOT as a slave. That would've helped Anakin not become a psychopath.

[@zerk555]

I don't think the original script is entirely better, but certain key aspects are. Also I'm glad Darth Mauls design was changed to what we have now. The original design was just too hideous to be cool. Final design Maul is simple, cool, and effective.

[@annandune]

This script would have made for a better film. No midichlorians - wonderful. Jar Jar not being a clumsy comedy relief character - much better. Anakin being older - makes more sense. Padme and Anakin working together on a ship - gives them a chance to bond. Further improvements would have been getting rid of the pod racing stuff and either having Maul survive by fleeing or else staying dead after Kenobi kills him, I would be fine with either.

[@lordtelion]

Man this is a shame, i like qui gon abd all, but this really was a better treatment all round. How i envy the parrallel universe that got this film, followed by five more that never got sold ti disney.

[@TheHeirof50]

Glad they made the changes to Darth Maul

[@InfernosReaper]

One good change was dropping a lot of the "witty" dialogue between Kenobi and Maul.

[@lynngreen7978]

So Obi-Wan would have been early 60s in Ep IV (Sir Alec was 62) And Anakin about 42 (Prowse was 41, though Sebastian Shaw would have been 71)

[@WatchVidsMakeLists]

What music did you use for this video? It's absolutely beautiful

[@classic.cameras]

I wish Anakin was never a kid. Just make him a teenager like Luke was.

[@fearlessjoebanzai]

Wow, so much more of this should have stayed, explicitly, in the final movie. There's a great channel here on KZbin that see to have spotted some of the more subtle ideas in this and the other prequels (I wonder now if he was already familiar with this script/story), that I had not considered. His channel's called "Represent This" and is highly recommended by this stranger on the Internet. Cheers.