Exact Answer: 10 years
‘The Phantom Menace’ is the first Star Wars Episode. The film was released in 1999 and went on to become an unparalleled blockbuster that pioneered the legacy of the other two prequels in the series. The movie was directed by George Lucas and consisted of a star-studded cast including the likes of Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, and others. The plot is based on the Jedi Knights who are assigned the duty of protecting Naboo from the trade federation’s blockade.
This movie was chronologically followed by the release of ‘Attack of the Clones’. This installment of the prequel was classed as Star Wars Episode 2. The story highlights the beginning of the clone wars after Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect the Queen of Naboo after a failed assassination attempt, while Obi-Wan Kanobi attempts to investigate the attempt.
How Long After Phantom Menace Is Attack Of The Clones?
Much like many franchise movies in Hollywood that have released multiple installments to complete the onscreen world of their franchise, the Star Wars films also have a confusing and complex chronology. The problem primarily arises from the issue of having two simultaneous timelines. The first is the release dates and the consequent chronology created in the real world. While the second corresponds to the in-story chronology of the events occurring in the reel world.
The First Star Wars Episode titled ‘Phantom Menace’ was released in the year 1999. While the second installment in this prequel trilogy, titled ‘Attack of the Clones’ was released in the year 2002. This film was to be the Second Episode in the Star Wars universe. Thus, the chronological gap between the two films was merely 3 years. This is, however, according to the real-world time frames.
On the other hand, in terms of the in-story timelines, there is a significantly longer gap between the two stories. The events of the ‘Phantom Menace’ occur 10 years prior to the events occurring in the ‘Attack of the Clones’. This would mean that the in-story chronology puts the First Star Wars Episode at least 10 years before the Second Star Wars Episode.
Since there are several prequels and sequels to the already established and explored storylines in the Star World universe, without keeping a tab on these chronological details, understanding the flow of events can be daunting and misleading. It can confuse an individual who is watching the franchise for the very first time.
In Summary:
| Star Wars Storylines | Chronological Difference |
| Release Chronology | 3 years |
| In-Story Chronology | 10 years |
Why Is Attack Of The Clones So Long After Phantom Menace?
The 10-year gap between ‘The Phantom Menace’ and ‘Attack of the Clones’ is because of the events in the overarching storyline. The Battle of Yavin is the time measuring yardstick in the Star Wars universe. Every event in this universe is thus described as either Before the Battle of Yavin (BBY) or After the Battle of Yavin (ABY).
Therefore, by following this time-stamped trajectory we find that ‘The Phantom Menace’ occurs 32 years BBY or before the Death Star is destroyed. On the other hand, ‘Attack of the Clones’ occurs 22 years before the Death Star is destroyed. Thereby, creating a 10 year lag between the two. Moreover, one must remember that these films were both part of a three-part prequel trilogy to the initial Star Wars movies- Episode 4: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
The real-world timeline of the release of the two films was contingent on the considerations like procuring a budget, shooting and editing the films. The VFX effects used in each film also took time to create and perfect. Thus, there exists a 3-year gap between these two prequel installments.
The 10-year lapse encompasses the Jedi Knight training that according to the texts lasts for up to decades at a stretch. Moreover, during this period, the characters of the story also went on to mature and develop. To view the entire Star Wars universe, an in-story chronology will be better than a release chronology. This will help a novice viewer to understand the nuanced of the story’s progress and development than a release timeline.
Conclusion
The Star Wars universe has been the subject of many intense debates and discussions, primarily with regard to the timeline of the events portrayed in the story. However, enthusiasts of the franchise argue that even though the timeline of the stories portrayed onscreen and the release of the installments do not coincide completely chronologically, it is quite easy to figure out the chronology of the movies released under the franchise.
Simply put, the official release timeline is different from the in-story timelines. ‘The Phantom Menace’, as the First Star Wars Episode was released just 3 years prior to ‘Attack of The Clones’, its successor. However, in the storyline, the events of the former occur 10 years before the events of the latter.
I appreciate the thorough explanation. It’s fascinating to see how the timeline impacts the character development and overarching story.
Absolutely, it enriches the viewing experience and allows for a deeper connection to the characters and their journeys.
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A fascinating explanation of the chronological difference between the two Star Wars movies. It’s impressive how much depth and complexity there is in the storytelling of this franchise.
I couldn’t agree more. The immersive universe of Star Wars is truly remarkable.
I never realized the depth of the chronological differences between the films. This article has shed light on a fascinating aspect of the Star Wars saga.
Agreed, it’s interesting to explore the intricacies of the timeline and how it impacts the narrative.
The detailed explanation about the Battle of Yavin and its impact on the timeline provides valuable context to the story.
Yes, it’s intriguing to learn about the significant events that shape the chronology of the Star Wars universe.
The 10-year gap makes sense when considering the characters’ growth and development. It adds to the richness of the story.
Absolutely, it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the characters’ journeys.
I don’t see the point of explaining the timeline in such detail. The movies should stand on their own, without the need for lengthy explanations.
But understanding the timeline adds more depth to the viewing experience. It’s a choice whether viewers want to delve into it or not.
The detailed explanations are enlightening, and they offer a new perspective on the complexity of the Star Wars narrative.
Agreed, the level of detail in the storytelling is truly remarkable and adds to the overall experience.
Absolutely, it’s a testament to the depth and intricacy of the storytelling in the Star Wars saga.
All this talk about timelines and chronology is making my head spin. Can’t we just enjoy the movies without overanalyzing every detail?
Agreed, the movies are meant to be enjoyed, whether through intense analysis or casual viewing.
Sometimes it’s fun to delve into the intricate details, but it’s also fine to simply enjoy the movies for their entertainment value.
The in-depth analysis of the timeline provides valuable insights into the intricacies of the Star Wars universe.
Indeed, it enhances the appreciation for the storytelling and world-building within the franchise.