20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

12. A Film Of Firsts

Death Star
20th Century Fox

The Phantom Menace was an historic film for many reasons, resulting in a number of firsts for the franchise both good and bad.

For starters, it was the first of the Star Wars films not to receive a single Academy Award, despite receiving nominations for Best Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects, all of which it (quite deservedly) lost to The Matrix.

In less downcast terms, it was also the first Star Wars film not to feature any Stormtroopers, nor use the word "lightsaber" (Anakin calls it a "laser sword"), nor make any mention of the Death Star whatsoever.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.