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

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

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

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.

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

“Somehow Palpatine became emperor…”

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Michael Jackon as Jar Jar Binks would've been preposterous

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

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

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

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

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.

This was a massive improvement over the film version we got

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.

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

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.

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)"

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

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.

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?

We really missed out on the vibrating invisible Obi-Wan

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.

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!

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 contribute 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. 12 hours ago Hmm, 50/50 on the matter of whether 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 man Obi-Wan's drip so bad in the final product. 15 hours ago (edited) I remember, sometime in the 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. When A.I. gets better, I believe I will watch this version. 23 hours ago Am I the only one who heard “Episode S3 Episode 10” I wouldn't say everything's better, but I prefer a couple of things. 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. I see how this draft needed some polishing. A few things should have been kept. How are you so low on subscribers? Man, this is a shame, I like qui gon and all, but this really was a better treatment all around. How I envy the parallel universe that got this film, followed by five more that never got sold to Disney. I think there's a combination of improvements and dropping of ideas which could have been good. having Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan together at the start, Qui-Gons expanded and Obi-Wan's reduced role until the end was better, I always thought the Jedi dressing like farmers was a poor choice, they did because Obi-Wan looked like this in Star Wars because he was disguised as one Anikin being older perhaps about Lukes age would have been better. the original script may have lacked humor and was less appealing to kids which is why they added them. What about Darth Jar Jar" moisture farmer" Is there an original script? I assumed they forgot to hire a script editor and just filmed the first draft. NOW PLAYING WAIT... THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE!! Star Wars Comics 8K views 2 hours ago New live-action in What is the music in that 80s was old is opening day now check it out? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1307">21:47</a> at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="505">8:25</a> pm NOW PLAYING 10 BEST MOVIE TRAILERS 2024 (April) 4K ULTRA HD TrailerSpot 62K views 8 days ago to check on the spotlight okay. opening day to Avengers Endgame Funeral Scene 4k Imax Version was talking on the podcast STUDIOS is here for live-action

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

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

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

padme sounds like a bop in this version ngl

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

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.

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?

Everything people hated about it was fixed in the original

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="690">11:30</a> "Somehow... Palpatine became Supreme Chancellor"

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

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

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

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.

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

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 😂

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

I have read this treatment before and generally prefer it.

I never get bored of watching these incredible illustrations from Ralph McQuarrie.

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

The PT and George hate in this comment sections is so disappointing. The PT is no where near as bad as people say and it’s sad how it had influence in how the ST was made.

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

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

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

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.

These movies were great I’m tired of hearing hate

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

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

Maul was a dreadhead ?

When A.I. gets better, I believe I will watch this version.

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.

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)

There were some things that were improved in the final script (having Qui-Gon with Obi-Wan together and Darth Maul having two blades). However there were some bad changes in the final script as I think Lucas should have kept Anakin older (probably should have aged him up to a teen but him being 12 was better than 8/9), they should have also kept Jar Jar as less of a goofy character (although had they wanted to Darth Jar Jar they could have kept him somewhat goofy more than the original script but less than the final one). I think overall the original script was better it still had some issues (the way too busy ending with 4-5 things going on and killing off Darth Maul) but I think had they stuck with the original more it would have led to a better product.

i think some of the parts was better but i dont think all of it was better anakin being a bit older, no mediclorians(as while i dont hate it i dont think its needed in the movie) and other (mostly smaller) things is better while i like the more competent jar jar i also like the darth jar jar theory which wouldnt be as good if not for the drunken fist so thats mixed but i do think them explaining how palpatine becomes chancellor and qui gon being more in the movies is better also i like quigons character i wouldnt want him to be part of the jedi council i also like the double light saber i also really like the look of maul

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.

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

Good video.

Phantom menace should be mentioned in the top 3 Star Wars movies 🤷‍♂️ it was always my favourite as a kid

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.

I love the blockade Force idea with Anakin.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="589">9:49</a> NO MIDICLORIANS? Sign me up!

The Phantom Menace was a bad movie because it didn’t flesh out Qui-Gon or Maul, so their deaths felt empty and pointless

Honestly, this is much better than what we got. The only changes I would make would be to age up Anakin and Padme, utilize Qui-Gon a lot more in the story, have the film plot involve cloning in some shape or form such as replacing the droids with clones or keeping the droids but have the villain’s main reason for invasion be because of some sort of cloning technology that they want to use for themselves, and change Utapu into Alderaan.

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.....

I will not go to the cinema for this on account of it being crap. The only way you would get me back to the cinema for any old SW films would be if the original theatrical versions of the OT were released, as the special editions ruined those films also; akin to re-releasing the Beatles albums with pitch correction on all the vocals and a load of overdubs by session musicians.

Well it sure af couldn't have been much worse. Heir to the Empire is the true sequel.

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.

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

What we got was more refined and better then the "original" script , nothing wrong with Episode 1

Yeah, 3CP0 not talking is a massive improvement.

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)

_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_

Thank you for sharing. Pushing Obi-Wan to the forefront makes the film 10x better.

I would have to imagine that anything would’ve been better than what we got. I actually always thought that the final script WAS the first draft.

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

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.

"The Original Script for Star Wars The Phantom Menace was much Better!" It literally wouldn't take much *at all*

The best thing they could have done for this film was trash most the cgi, like Jar Jar Binks and his people. But, that would have cost money, so they settled, like all of Hollywood today, for trash. Ever see 'The Thing' from 1982? Animatronics can do practically anything, but film stopped being an art for blockbuster films, and now cash alone is the reason for these over hyped films.

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.

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.

This is a cool video, its so interesting to see what might have been, what we got is more than fine, but this could have possibly been better, its kind of like when a book gets made into a movie and lots of changes happen, basic plot stays but many details change, like The Shining or Forrest Gump

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

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

this is very interesting. can you maybe make one of episodes 2 and 3 as well?

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