9 Hidden Facts You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

The Lucas clan had fun, little cameo roles throughout the prequels, with perhaps the most famous being George Lucas himself appearing as Baron Papanoida in Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

But did you know that he actually secretly had another cameo in this Star Wars trilogy?

Remember when Queen Amidala and her palace guards are sprinting around Naboo towards the end of the movie just before they get surrounded by droids? 

Well, look up at the stone archway above them and you'll notice a little face in the middle of it. That face belongs to none other than the mind behind the galaxy far, far away and was put there by the person who created the stunning matte painting used to enhance the practical set.

After former Industrial Light & Magic matte painter Caroleen “Jett” Green added George into the work of art, she was told this cheeky appearance probably needed his approval. And Lucas apparently responded with an "Oh, naughty, naughty" when he saw it, before eventually saying "Okay. Leave it in." (via Clayton Standell)

Before he was getting blue and heading off to the opera, then, Lucas actually first showed up in his prequels within the walls of Theed Palace.