Most of us thought it would never happen. Despite the fact that George Lucas has been insisting that the original
Star Wars movie is actually the fourth episode in a much larger and far more complex story for something close to 20 years, none of us ever thought that he'd find the ambition and energy to mount an entirely new
Star Wars trilogy - especially after a decade of relative silence. But 5 years ago, back in 1993, Lucas announced that he was soon to begin production on three pictures that would chronicle Darth Vader's undocumented journey to the Dark Side. For
Star Wars fans, this was likely the most exciting news they had ever heard. It didn't matter how or why: it was happening. That was enough. For true die hard fans - fans who live and breathe
Star Wars and have done since they were children
- next year's long-awaited prequel, titled
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, is likely to be the most important theatrical release they will ever experience. For Lucas, the pressure must be unbearable - where do you go back and tell a story as elusive and important as Darth Vader's? Our minor worries aside, we have full confidence in George Lucas as a visionary filmmaker who can craft the perfect story. In fact, if he doesn't deliver the goods - especially since he's had the stories in his head for most of his adult life - we'd be very, very shocked indeed. Here's 8 things that, given the information we've attained, can't wait to see. As of now, plot details remain relatively vague, but we're convinced that - done right - this episode could seriously end up being the greatest
Star Wars movie ever made. Mr. Lucas, may the force be with you...