After 25 years, the Force is still strong with The Phantom Menace.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace made an estimated $14.5 million at the global box office this weekend — an impressive total for a re-release of a film that is a quarter century old.
The film — which released on Friday in celebration of its 25th anniversary and timed to May the Fourth, also known as Star Wars Day — made $8.1 million domestically, which helped it take the No. 2 spot at the box office. It was shown in 2,700 domestic theaters, including 150 Premium Large Format screens and 130 specialty motion D-Box/4D auditoriums.
For comparison, the 40th anniversary re-release of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi opened to $5.1 million in April of last year.
The Phantom Menace opened in 1999 and was instantly a pop culture sensation.
The film — which was directed by Star Wars creator George Lucas and starred Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman — broke box office records and has since found a new generation of fans, growing its popularity over the last two decades.
The film tells the origins of Anakin Skywalker who would eventually become the sinister Darth Vader. The science fiction fantasy classic is full of cinematic innovations, creative storytelling, and iconic moments, which are hallmarks of the Star Wars series.
The re-release of The Phantom Menace was paired with an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte, which premieres June 4.
A significant number of international markets are also playing the film including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Australia, Japan, Mexico and Brazil.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and the entire Star Wars saga is currently streaming on Disney+.