THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: GUIDING 'THE QUEEN'!

Escape from Naboo and a flight to the protective heart of the Republic at Coruscant looks to be the only way for Queen Amidala to save her people and planet, her actions guided by her closest Handmaiden, Padme, and venerable Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, who is suspicious of the Trade Federation's recent bizarre actions.

Playing the Queen in this scene would be British rising star Keira Knightley, who was on the film acting on and off for two weeks, and was twelve years old at the time. She also did double duties as a clothes reference model for costume designer Tricia Biggar.

With thanks to General Grievous Tributes for the screen caps. All images copyright: Lucasfilm Ltd.

https://www.starwars.com/news/a-guide-to-the-royal-handmaidens

"I loved the first Star Wars. The problem for me was because I was in it the magic had gone! But I loved the first Star Wars and my mum was really into it. That’s why I took the part-though I didn’t know what the part was when I took it. I don’t know what it would have been like if I hadn’t been in it, but the Force wasn’t the Force when we were filming it. And they didn’t have lightsabers, and that really annoyed me."

Keira Knightley - Film Review magazine - May 2005 

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: THE DEFIANT QUEEN!

Despite her bold defiance of the Trade Federation blockade's leaders, Queen Amidala's concern for her world and people grows, especially as her closest advisors know that invasion is surely inevitable.

"I was looking for someone who was young and strong, along the lines of Leia. Natalie embodied all those traits and more."

George Lucas - press quote - 1999

"George was really wonderful to work with. When I got there my first day, we started to rehearse. George was the one who suggested the voice and the accent. I had a a dialect coach to work with me on making up a kind of accent that we called 'the Lauren Bacall,' that had no specific accent. Then we worked on deepening my voice, which was deepened (electronically) in post-production to further distinguish between Padme and Amidala."

Natalie Portman- Starlog magazine - 1999

"George wanted to distinguish between what my voice is in real life and what the Queen would sound like. I worked with a dialogue coach for two days. We made something up to sound a bit like the old film actresses, Katherine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall, that regal tone."

Natalie Portman - Premiere magazine - 2002

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'QUEEN'S SHADOW'

Crafting a new young heroine to follow in the footsteps of Princess Leia Organa, as inimitably brought to life onscreen by Carrie Fisher, was surely not going to be an easy one for the Prequels debuting from 1999 onwards, yet writer/creator/director George Lucas rose to the challenge considerably with his reveal of the enigmatic, loyal and courageous Queen Amidala of Naboo, an even younger regal player and powerful female role model for fans to enjoy as she, alongside her valiant Jedi Knight protectors, valiantly fought to rescue her people from the oppression of the slimy Trade Federation. To this legion of new and impressionable generation of SW female fans, Queen Amidala, as played with sincerity and beauty by Natalie Portman, was their new saga favourite. One of those beguiled and impressed female fans would be fifteen-year old E.K. Johnston, whose love and affection for the Prequel opus and Naboo's finest leader is now effectively showcased in her adult life as an acclaimed novelist, via an all-new adventure launched within the 20th Anniversary of EPISODE I. Queen's Shadow, here next month in UK paperback from Disney/Egmont, is truly a worthy and affectionate tribute in all the best ways.

The young Queen of Naboo, as seen in EPISODE I.

Four years on from the invasion of Naboo, where the inaugural queen proved herself valiantly against the thuggish brutality of the aforementioned Trade Federation, and was not the malleable puppet ruler they'd originally hoped for, the time has now come for Amidala, no longer involved with the Jedi or her young friend in former slave Anakin Skywalker, to pass the torch of power and responsibility on to a new, older Queen. But Padme's dutiful and inspiring work will not be forgotten by her adoring people, some of whom will even try to amend Naboo's constitution in order for her to stay in office. Recognising this popularity and her strengths, it isn't long before her successor offers Padme - herself at a crossroads and pondering the future now that she is separating from many of her loyal handmaidens - the new and soon hard to resist opportunity of being a senator for her people and system, operating between Naboo and the galactic core world of Coruscant- a task that will soon prove to be as considerably challenging as her once position at the centre of her home world. And one that will not be without controversy (targeted and plagued by the kind of 'fake news' smear campaigning we're all seeing in our own modern world) or potential life-threatening danger, engineered by lingering forces possibly out for revenge after the failed Naboo invasion.

Though used to the senate by the time of EPISODE II, Padme's early dealings are on shaky grounding.

Being quite the stranger in a very strange land on Coruscant, discovering the unique characters and ways of the 'Lion's Den' Republic's unique political affairs of ego, greed and powerplays - indeed, a place not for the timid, Padme must become inventive and responsive in interactive ways beyond anything straightforward, especially as many senators are wary of the newly inaugurated senator after she prior deposed the beloved Chancellor Valorum and helped replace him with one of her own in the seemingly benign former Naboo senator, Palpatine. In and out of the main diplomatic chambers, this is a book that gives us important first meetings with the key political figures of the Star Wars universe that will shape her life and destiny by the doom-laden turn of events that will be EPISODE III, including Alderaan's influential Bail Organa, the quietly powerful Mon Mothma, and Padme's future lover who'd go on to appear in The Clone Wars animated series- the slippery and ultimately corrupted senator/banker Rush Clovis.

Senator Amidala and her handmaiden/aide Dorme enter the new and complex political arena on Coruscant.

Further filling in important gaps in the timeline of the Prequel movies (one little moment in the book that we would have loved more of - Padme's dealings with the Wookiees: a potentially great solo tale in itself!), critical events build that will see-in approaching Separatist disharmony (egged on by a mysterious figurehead of respected intellect), leading to Padme and her new allies having to use all their ingenuity and skill-sets to fight the counter-productive, overriding greed and corruption of the senate once an humanitarian crisis beckons, amidst the build-up of rampant space piracy in the mid-rim sectors. Cleverly, the book also leaves room for events years down the line, initiating sequel avenues linked to those surviving characters of Naboo from the aftermath period of Padme's ultimately heart-breaking demise.

Queen Amidala hides as 'Padme' amidst her decoy handmaidens, during the events of EPISODE I.

As the book's star, Johnston's vision of Padme Amidala is every inch the character from the movies transferred to the page for this new story, and in my mind's eye I could effectively imagine Natalie Portman playing out certain scenes had they been filmed- certainly, were this story slipped onto the actresses dressing room table, I'm sure she'd read it and be impressed with the thought and care taken with the character. The new senator even gets a detail-descriptive wardrobe that costume designer Trisha Biggar would be proud of! In between heavy diplomatic duties, Padme's return visits to Naboo see her reunited with her cherished family (sadly necessary casualties of the EPISODE II editing process), providing her with welcome stress relief and initiating the vital heart-to-heart decisions needed in shaping both her life and her new status in helping the weak and the vulnerable.

The ever-loyal Sabe, as played in EPISODE I by Kiera Knightley.

Beyond politics and duty, another intriguing aspect to The Phantom Menace linked to Amidala would be the fascinating nature of protective duality she'd share with her elusive, enigmatic and ultra-loyal handmaidens, always in the background and ready to serve. With Queen's Shadow, we're given an equally thorough exploration of those handmaidens personalities and backstories unlike anything attempted before. alongside vivid development of the affection and emotional bonds they share, almost like symbiosis. The most important of them, Sabe, the handmaiden who was Padme's closest confidante and chief bodyguard/decoy (originally played by Kiera Knightley in EPISODE I), notably her own unique sub-plot missions, including a special trip to Tatooine, and undercover work on Coruscant linked to Padme's safety. All of which goes some way to explaining the character's absence by the time of EPISODE II.

The decoy Queen and her Handmaidens on Naboo.

Continuing the post 2015 LUCASFILM initiative to shake up the status quo and bring more female participation into all the saga's realms, Queen's Shadow further introduces Captain Panaka's wife in the role of successive security chief, plus a feisty new pilot replacing Ric Olie. Though, in all honesty, these additions add very little to the overall existing strong collective.

AFICIONADO RATING: More a book of character incidents rather than having an overall story, Queen's Shadow is a worthy read, better than Miss Johnston's previous, Ahsoka. Though specifically aimed at the female Star Wars side of the market (indeed, the UK cover is very much geared for the young 11-15 year old territory that's now so strong in buying power), it's also one that generic Prequel fans will nonetheless greatly appreciate. 3.5 out of 5.

Available from May 2nd, 2019. Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Queens-K-Johnston/dp/1405293381/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=QUEEN%27S+SHADOW&qid=1556186718&s=gateway&sr=8-2

CLASSIC IMAGE: PALACE TAKEOVER!

The invasion of the peaceful Naboo by the Trade Federation is completed and seemingly won. All that's needed now is for the acquiescence of their stubborn young Queen, then the first stage plans of their ally in the shadowy Darth Sidious are assured- a scene filmed at Caserta Palace, Italy, with Keira Knightley as the decoy Queen, from EPISODE I.

CLASSIC IMAGE: TO WIN SUPPORT!

On Coruscant, within an immense senate arena that should be a beacon of hope but actually proves a mist of confusion, squabbling and personal agendas, Queen Amidala pleads her case for the survival of Naboo and its captured people, in an important scene from EPISODE I.

CLASSIC IMAGE: UP ABOVE THE WORLD SO HIGH!

Newly arrived on Coruscant and within the protection of Queen Amidala's royal party, young Anakin Skywalker gets his first taste of life, adventure and wonder beyond the daily grind and hardships of his once home on Tatooine. His dreams of travelling the stars have now been made spectacularly real!

CLASSIC IMAGE: BOMBAD JEDI!

Knowing that they must rescue young Queen Amidala at all costs, noble Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi intercept the captured Royal party in a deserted Theed City street, for an exciting scene showcasing our heroes sterling lightsaber skills, during early events of EPISODE I.

AFICIONADO CLASSIC BEHIND THE SCENES INFO - PART ELEVEN

COLLECTORMANIA UK EVENT

AT THE OLYMPIA 2 EXHIBITION HALL 28^TH -29^TH NOVEMBER 2009

Behind the scenes STAR WARS information from the cast and crew attending the event. Compiled by Ian Trussler and Scott Weller

Cristina De Silva (right) poses with Friday Wilson as a Handmaiden, alongside Natalie Portman's Queen Amidala.

CRISTINA DE SILVA- RABE THE HANDMAIDEN-“STAR WARS: EPISODE ONE- THE PHANTOM MENACE”

Cristina had been working primarily as a model when she went up for the general casting for Episode One. She attended an initial casting and then received a call back for a second before being told she had the part. She did not meet George Lucas at either of her casting sessions. She very much enjoyed working on the film despite not being a Star Wars fan before getting the role. She was surprised when all her friends were telling her what a big deal it was to get a part in a SW movie. She spent several months working on the movie both at Leavesden Studios and on location in Italy and enjoyed working with the other cast members, particularly Hugh Quarshie whom she had many scenes with. She has remained very friendly with Hugh and he is the only cast member that she continues to see regularly. A year after she completed filming she was very surprised to get a call to return to take part in the pick up shooting. This was when she filmed the scene with a very obviously older looking Jake Lloyd as Anakin when he comes to say goodbye to Padme. In this scene it is her own voice we hear-she was not dubbed as they liked her native Brazilian accent. She recalled being asked to recite the line before filming and particularly being asked to pronounce "Padme" several times. As far as she is aware she did not have any of her scenes cut. This was her first ever convention and she is currently studying for a degree in acting and theatre arts.

Cristina also recalled the photo shot for the famous shot of her and Friday Wilson flanking Natalie Portman in her Japanese style gown. The shot took place over a day at a studio in Watford. This was different to most publicity photo's she did for the movie as normally she would be grabbed in between takes on set whilst in costume, to pose for a few ad-hock pics.

BOB KEEN-SPECIAL EFFECTS/ MAKE-UP EFFECTS-ALL THREE “STAR WARS” ORIGINAL TRILOGY MOVIES

Bob started work on the original Star Wars straight from school at 16, and spent most of his time mending Rebel and Imperial helmets when they got damaged during the Rebel Blockade Runner corridor scenes. He was amazed how badly damaged they got because the glue they were using was incredibly strong. He had no idea what he was working on but he had a life long ambition to work in special effects and this was a start on that career path. For The Empire Strikes Back he was hired directly by Stuart Freeborn for initially 3 weeks to work on creature like the Ugnaughts and some work on Yoda. The job ultimately lasted 11 months. During the Empire shoot he also wore a Wampa costume for filming at Elstree for the scenes that eventually got cut (I have a hunch that this was for test footage of the creature, as Terry Richards played a Wampa in some filmed action sequences also-Editor). After filming as the Wampa he had a renewed understanding of what costumed actors go through in terms of heat and discomfort. For Return of the Jedi he was hired by Robert Watts and told it was to focus specifically on Jabba the Hutt. Along with a team of guys he helped build and operate the giant puppet. He was responsible ultimately for performing the radio controlled eyes on set.

GARY KURTZ-PRODUCER-“STAR WARS” AND “THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK”

Gary stated that, contrary to some fan belief, Kenny Baker did not play a Jawa while out in Tunisia, because most of the Jawa scenes involved R2 so obviously Kenny was doing R2. Most of the Jawas were local Tunisian children plus his two daughters, Giles Instone's son and one of Peter Diamond's sons alongside Jack Purvis. He confirmed that Rusty Goffe did not play a Jawa whilst filming took place in Tunisia

Before departing LUCASFILM, Kurtz revealed that he did some early Pre-Production work on REVENGE OF THE JEDI before story changes led him to pursue work on other projects like THE DARK CRYSTAL. He also confirmed that he was indeed a consultant to JEDI in its early stages, too-it was always pre-determined that JEDI was going to be an even bigger, more ambitious production than EMPIRE.

With regards to some the Kurtz/Joiner archive images of the Original Trilogy currently appearing for sale by OFFICIAL PIXS, some 60 to 70 images that Kurtz himself took for the first two films were already pre-approved for promotional release when they came out and those are what OP are including. Kurtz has no ties or relationship to OFFICIALPIX.

He hasn’t seen THE CLONE WARS animated series yet.

IRENE LAMB- UK CASTING DIRECTOR-“STAR WARS” AND “THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK”

A little bit guarded at first, and amazed at having been asked to attend an event like COLLECTORMANIA, Irene revealed that she worked only on the UK aspects of the film’s casting with regards to supporting actors and selecting people that would eventually wear alien masks or Stormtrooper costumes, of which she did the work in the ten weeks of Pre-Production in the run up to filming-with the odd exception (Denis Lawson as Wedge, taking over from Colin Higgins-Editor), no casting took place during shooting. On STAR WARS she was working on the project all the way through to the films completion, which she recalled was a lengthy shoot for her. She had no involvement with the US casting of Ford, Fisher and Hamill at all-they had already been pre-cast. Sir Alec Guinness’s joining the film meant that any scenes he was involved in needed experienced actors for him to work opposite-that was a specific stipulation from the actor. She was on set watching the filming all the time and it was certainly an unusual movie at that time for her to be involved in.

Being such a long time ago she couldn’t confirm whether actors like Michael Elphick or Ken Hutchison appeared in the first movie, but she re-iterated that there were unknown actors on the set who went onto greater things over time. Many of the actors used in the first film were American or Canadian-a great many of which have sadly returned back home since the STAR WARS films were made. She confirmed that Koo Stark was never tested for Princess Leia though she was impressed with the actress at the time during filming of the infamous deleted scenes in 1976.

JAY BENEDICT-DEAK STARKILLER-“STAR WARS”

As friendly as he was at his previous convention signing appearance, Jay sadly couldn’t confirm who played the elusive character of Windy in his Tosche station interior deleted scene (and neither could Irene Lamb when he asked her). He has been asked the question lots of times. Whoever it was, Benedict thought that they were wearing a wig for the role!

BEHIND THE SCENES: WHO ME?

Donning the visor, Ahmed Best as hapless Jar Jar Binks films his scenes conferring with Queen Amidala, opposite Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson as Jedi protetcors Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, in a decisive moment from EPISODE I.

BEHIND THE SCENES: CORUSCANT GATHERING

Pretty much all of the main cast of EPISODE ONE gather for continued top secret filming on the blue screened Coruscant landing platform set at London's Leavesden Studios during Summer 1997.

CLASSIC IMAGE: CIVILITY GONE, POLITICS LOST

No longer comfortable with the turn of events that have unfolded within the political environs of Coruscant, Queen Amidala makes preparations to return to her captured people on Naboo, watched by a surprised Senator Palpatine, in this decisive scene from EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE set within the intriguing environs of Palpatine's office-note the creepy headless statue on the right!

EPISODE I BEHIND THE SCENES: PICTURE TWO - A MASTER AND HIS QUEEN

Our behind the scenes photo celebration of the release of EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D in cinemas this week continues with an image from the first day of shooting of the film from 1997, at London's LEAVESDEN STUDIOS, as STAR WARS creator/visionary George Lucas finally returns to the directing chair and goes through a scene with Natalie Portman, looking beautiful in her resplendent wear as Queen Amidala (the Japanese influence of the costume more than obvious and delightful). Note two of the character's Handmaiden/decoy bodyguards behind her within Senator Palpatine's apartment.

DELETED SCENES WE WANT ON BLU-RAY: MOTEE THE HANDMAIDEN...

Seen but briefly in the finished film, Australian actress Kristy Wright would play one of Senator Padme Amidala's loyal and dutiful handmaidens (and presumably occasional decoy), Motee, during the critical events of EPISODE III. One of her main deleted scenes would occur within Padme's apartment veranda: just before Anakin arrives to sit down with her to discuss the current Republic turmoils, both Motee (alongside other handmaiden Elle) and Captain Typho leave their leader in peace, whilst Threepio goes off to turn on the security droids (pictured below). This deleted scene section has yet to appear on any DVD or Blu-ray release, which is a shame...