Where Are They Now? The 8 Main Cast Members Of Star Wars: Episode I (2025 Update)

Two decades after they first brought the galaxy far, far away to a new generation, the cast of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace remains one of the most fascinating ensembles in film history. Originally released in 1999, the film introduced pivotal characters like young Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Padmé Amidala, launching its stars into a new stratosphere of fame and scrutiny. As of late December 2025, the journeys of these actors continue to unfold with major new projects, personal breakthroughs, and surprising career shifts that prove the Force is still strong with them.

From a highly anticipated West End stage return to major new film franchises and a powerful, honest discussion about mental health, the actors who defined the start of the Prequel Trilogy are busier than ever. This deep dive looks at where the eight main cast members are now, focusing on their most recent and upcoming projects for 2024 and 2025.

The Core Cast: Biographies and Latest 2025 Career Updates

The main ensemble of The Phantom Menace were a mix of established legends, rising stars, and newcomers. Here is a look at their roles, biographies, and the freshest news from their careers.

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• Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn): Born June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. A veteran actor known for his dramatic roles in films like Schindler's List and his later career as an action star in the Taken franchise.
• Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi): Born March 31, 1971, in Perth, Scotland. Gained prominence in the 1990s with films like Trainspotting before becoming the definitive Prequel-era Obi-Wan.
• Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala): Born June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel. Oscar-winning actress, known for Black Swan, V for Vendetta, and her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
• Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker): Born March 5, 1989, in Fort Collins, Colorado. The child actor who portrayed the central figure of the Prequel Trilogy before retiring from acting.
• Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu): Born December 21, 1948, in Washington, D.C. One of the highest-grossing actors of all time, famous for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino and his role as Nick Fury in the MCU.
• Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks): Born August 19, 1973, in New York City. Actor, voice actor, and musician who provided the motion capture and voice for the controversial but pivotal character, Jar Jar Binks.
• Ray Park (Darth Maul): Born August 23, 1974, in Glasgow, Scotland. Martial artist and stuntman who physically portrayed the menacing Sith Lord, Darth Maul.
• Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker): Born February 13, 1958, in Stockholm, Sweden. A highly-regarded Swedish actress and director, known internationally for her role as Anakin's mother.

Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor: The Jedi Masters’ Next Moves

The master and apprentice duo from The Phantom Menace have both seen their careers continue to flourish, with both actors making significant and surprising moves in 2025.

Liam Neeson: Action Retirement and a Comedy Reboot

Neeson, who played the wise but defiant Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, has been clear about his career trajectory. In a surprising announcement, he confirmed his plans to retire from the action genre by the end of 2025, making his upcoming slate of films a final hurrah for his 'man with a particular set of skills' persona. However, before he fully steps away from blockbuster roles, Neeson is set to star in a major comedic shift: the reboot of The Naked Gun, a 2025 film that will see him take on the role of Detective Frank Drebin, previously played by Leslie Nielsen. This move represents a full-circle moment, returning to his roots in comedy and drama after years of action hero work.

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Ewan McGregor: Stage Return and Global Journeys

Ewan McGregor, whose portrayal of the younger Obi-Wan Kenobi was a fan favorite, has maintained a strong presence in both film and television. Following his successful return to the role in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, McGregor is diversifying his portfolio with two high-profile projects in 2025.

First, he is returning to the West End stage in London for a production of Lila Raicek's My Master Builder at the Wyndham's Theatre, with previews beginning in April 2025. This marks a major return to theatre for the acclaimed actor. Second, McGregor is set to premiere his new Apple TV+ travel series, Long Way Home, in May 2025, which follows his continued motorcycle adventures with Charley Boorman. Additionally, he recently wrapped production on the highly anticipated David Robert Mitchell film, Flowervale Street, alongside Anne Hathaway.

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From Politicians to Sith Lords: Other Key Cast Members Today

Beyond the central Jedi duo, the supporting cast of The Phantom Menace has also had remarkable and often challenging careers in the decades since the film's release.

Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala) and Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu)

Both Portman and Jackson are consistently two of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood. Natalie Portman, who played the young Queen and later Senator Padmé Amidala, is currently involved in several high-profile projects. She was a producer at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, showcasing her continued involvement behind the camera. On screen, she is set to star in the 2024 Apple TV+ limited series Lady in the Lake, a dark, complex role that follows her acclaimed performance in May December.

Samuel L. Jackson, the formidable Jedi Master Mace Windu, maintains an unbelievably busy schedule. His 2024 filmography includes a voice role in The Garfield Movie, the thriller Damaged, and the film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, The Piano Lesson. Looking ahead to 2025, he is slated to star in the action film Afterburn, proving his unstoppable presence on screen.

The Prequel's Most Talked-About Actors: Jake Lloyd and Ahmed Best

The experiences of the two actors who played the most divisive characters, Anakin Skywalker and Jar Jar Binks, have been the subject of much discussion.

Jake Lloyd's Personal Saga (Anakin Skywalker)

Jake Lloyd, who portrayed the nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, retired from acting shortly after the film and has faced significant personal challenges. In a rare and candid interview in March 2024, Lloyd's family provided a detailed update on his journey with schizophrenia. The update revealed that he was undergoing inpatient care and that 2025 marks a period of new focus and positive beginnings for the former child star, as he works towards recovery and a more stable future.

Ahmed Best's Redemption (Jar Jar Binks / Kelleran Beq)

Ahmed Best, who endured years of intense backlash for his role as Jar Jar Binks, has found a powerful and celebrated return to the Star Wars universe. Best's 2024 and 2025 activities center around his new, beloved character: Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, who rescued Grogu (Baby Yoda) in The Mandalorian. This role has been widely hailed as a major redemption, allowing him to connect with fans in a positive light. Best is also active on the convention circuit in 2024, and has expressed interest in developing a "Jedi John Wick" style film centered on his new character.

The Supporting Powerhouses: Ray Park and Pernilla August

The actors behind the most memorable supporting roles are also making headlines with fresh projects.

Ray Park (Darth Maul): The martial artist who brought the visually stunning Sith Lord to life continues to be celebrated by the fandom. While his on-screen appearances as Darth Maul have been limited since the prequels, the character remains a major focus of the franchise, with a new series, Darth Maul: Shadow Lord, announced for 2025. Ray Park himself is scheduled to appear at various fan signings and conventions in 2025, often alongside Ewan McGregor, celebrating the enduring legacy of their epic duel.

Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker): The Swedish actress who played Anakin's mother, Shmi Skywalker, is a highly respected figure in European cinema. Her recent work includes starring in the critically acclaimed six-part crime series The Investigation, which was acquired by the BBC, showcasing her continued work in high-quality international television and film.

The careers of the Star Wars: Episode I cast are a vivid reflection of Hollywood's landscape: a mix of massive franchise work, deeply personal journeys, and a constant rotation of new and exciting projects. The legacy of *The Phantom Menace* lives on not just in the Prequel Trilogy, but in the enduring, evolving work of its talented actors.