LOS ANGELES — May 19, 1999, in a galaxy not so far away ...

Excitement for "Star Wars" is at an all-time high. The first new film in the beloved series that originally concluded with 1983's "Return of the Jedi" is about to be released in 2,970 theaters, with a majority starting their first screenings just after midnight. (Ticket sales opened just the week before.)

Audiences have had 16 long years to dream about what George Lucas has conjured up for this new cinematic adventure. But instead of whatever they'd imagined, "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" involves a nefarious trade dispute, myth-altering midi-chlorians and Jar Jar Binks.

And although it becomes, for a while, the second-highest grossing film of all time, the divisive new chapter gains a reputation as one of the worst "Star Wars" movies ever.

This month, "The Phantom Menace" celebrates its 25th anniversary. In the 19 years since 2005's "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith," the much maligned prequel trilogy has, in many ways, been redeemed.

Just look at how its stars — including Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen and Ahmed Best — have been reembraced by fans in their returns to the franchise in television projects such as "Obi-Wan Kenobi" and "Ahsoka." Even the actors themselves have voiced appreciation that their original films seem to be regarded more positively. Becoming "more aware of the fondness that the generation that we made the prequels for has for those films ... [has] meant a lot to me," McGregor told NBC News in 2022.

And as the "Star Wars" franchise continues to grow, with upcoming projects including two new series, "The Acolyte" and "Skeleton Crew," the second seasons of "Andor" and "Ahsoka" and at least two additional films, it has become increasingly apparent just how much of it is built upon a foundation laid down by the prequels. "Star Wars'" most recent successes would not exist if not for "The Phantom Menace."

"The Phantom Menace" arrived saddled with many expectations. Audiences who grew up on "Star Wars" in theaters or on VHS tapes knew how Darth Vader's story ended.

"The Phantom Menace" was going to show how it began, something only teased in the original films. Many fans camped outside movie theaters for weeks, just to be among the first to see it. Reports at the time mention that the line outside Westwood's Village Theatre included about two dozen regulars ages 14 to 40 equipped with couches, recliners, beach chairs, video games and even satellite TV.

"It is only a movie," The Times reported Lucas insisting during a press event during the lead-up to release. "We have tried hard not to let the film get over-hyped. . . . [It's] a film for 12-year-olds ... a Saturday-afternoon serial for children."

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