Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - 8 Reasons It Will Be The Best Yet
3. Acting Talent
If theres one thing that the prequels have already done to win over the masses it is the casting. Did you hear the one about a wartime hero and his heroin addicted friend teaming up with a child assassin? On top of the return of some actors from the originals (C-3PO, R2 D2 and Yoda all make an appearance), some key characters are getting their boots filled. Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting), who has said he has been a big fan of Star Wars since childhood, will be replacing Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan (and what a nice change itll be to have an Obi-Wan who doesn't dislike working on the series) and Jake Llyod (Jingle All The Way) will play the young Darth Vader himself, Anakin Skywalker.
Whats more interesting is the new castings; Luke and Leias mother will be played by Natalie Portman (Lyon), six years Llyods senior and Liam Neeson (Schindlers List) will be taking up the role of Obi-Wans master. Could a big blockbuster role start a new period in aging Neesons career (hes already 45) as a big action star?