Somehow, it’s been 25 years since the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. As if I didn’t already feel like ambulatory dust. In the time since its release, it (and the prequel trilogy as a whole) has gone through the many stages of public perception. From a flawed blockbuster, to hated pariah, to underappreciated childhood favorite, to finally begrudging acceptance. Some people will never like it, others never didn’t. In either case, its legendary status (and, let’s face it, silly script) has made it perfect for a live staged reading with a cast of comedians.
As a co-production between the Star Wars Minute and George Lucas Talk Show podcasts, the reading of The Phantom Menace was performed May 19 at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles. The George Lucas Talk Show added the recording to their YouTube channel and now you can watch it!
The cast includes:
- TAWNY NEWSOME
- HALEY JOEL OSMENT
- DIANA LEE INOSANTO
- LARAINE NEWMAN
- ERIC BAUZA
- VIC MICHAELIS
- TONY HALE
- KRYSTINA ARIELLE
- BOBBY MOYNIHAN
- CORIN WELLS
- MARK MCCONVILLE
- JEREMY CARTER
- HAL LUBLIN
- JOJO GINN
- MATT GOURLEY
- JAMES BLADON
Love it or hate it, The Phantom Menace is definitely much funnier in staged reading form.
Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.