Lucas has stated that a character which has always been thought of as a good guy will do some bad things in Episode 2. Lucas has also stated that someone unexpected will become a valiant hero. I find it relatively likely that Jar Jar Binks will be the character who becomes the hero. Lucas's favorite movies were some samuri movies under a certain director. In his movies a clumsy comic relief character (most of the character's comedy is slap stick) who no one respects at the begining turns out to be a hero in the end. George Lucas tends to borrow from these movies. The Jedi are supped up samuri. (Nov. 2, 2000)
Canadian actor Hayden Christensen was choosen to play the part of Anakin Skywalker. He was one of four finalist who flew to Skywalker Ranch to screen test with Natalie Portman (Queen Amidala). For more information follow the links.
Anakin Skywalker will become a Jedi Master and fight in the clone wars before becoming seduced by the darkside. Lucas also stated that the reason Qui Gon didn't disappear will be revealed in Episode 2, and that it involves when Obi Wan told Darth Vader that if he striked him down he would become more powerful than you can imagine.
On January 6, 2000, in a press release on Wednesday, Fox and Lucasfilm revealed plans for the world-wide release of Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace on video the week of April 3, 2000. While available only in VHS format, the release will vary in different markets. In North America, the traditional pan and scan (the film is re-formatted to fill a television screen) version will be available at a suggested retail price of $24.98 U.S ($27.98 Canada). The film is digitally mastered by THX for superior sound and picture quality.
Episode 2 is scheduled to come out in May of 2002. It will take place 10 years after Episode 1.
Episode 2 will not have nearly as many special effects as The Phantom Menace had. Therefore, it could be finished a year early. IF it is finished a year early I still doubt the movie will be in theatres a year early. They will still want some time to build up the hype and won't want to distact the public from Episode 1 coming out in video.
As I learn more details I will post them here.
Things some people didn't get about Episode 1
The parents of Luke and Leia are Anakin Skywalker and Queen Amidala.
Emporer Palpatine is the same person as Senetor Palpatine (who at the end of the movie recieves the title of High Chancelor).
Darth Maul is dead. Jeorge Lucas has even stated it. Darth Maul was cut in two and fell down a shaft.
