Attack of the Clones

Attack of the Clones, science-fiction film about a young man’s coming of age and his role in an emerging power struggle. The motion picture, released in 2002, is the fifth installment in the Star Wars series, functioning as a prequel to Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983) and a sequel to The Phantom Menace (1999). The series, created by American director George Lucas, uses a space-age backdrop to tell the story of one family and its central involvement in a decades-long battle for galactic control. The movies are well known for their cutting-edge special effects and imaginative digital creations.

In this installment, Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) continues to watch over his young charge, teenaged Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). When an attempt is made on the life of Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), the Jedi Knights are assigned to protect her. While Kenobi investigates the crime, Skywalker falls in love with the beautiful senator. Kenobi discovers that forces hostile to the Republic are building a clone army to use in a takeover attempt, and he and the other Jedi must try and stop them. The movie reveals more of the character of Skywalker, who will go on to become the evil Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Alternate Title

• Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones

Director

• George Lucas

---

---

Cast

• Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi)
• Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker)
• Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala)
• Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu)
• Frank Oz (Voice of Yoda)
• Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett)
• Christopher Lee (Count Dooku)
• Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)
• Kenny Baker (R2-D2)
• Ian McDiarmid (Chancellor Cos Palpatine)
• Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho)
• Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi)
• Ahmed Best (Voice of Jar Jar Binks)
• Jack Thompson (Cliegg Lars)
• Joel Edgerton (Owen Lars)
• Bonnie Piesse (Beru Whitesun)
• Daniel Logan (Boba Fett)

Trivia

• The Jedi master Yoda, who has an important role in the movie, is completely computer-generated. In the first three Star Wars films Yoda was done mostly with puppetry.
• George Lucas had originally planned to make nine episodes of the Star Wars saga, but now says it will conclude with Episode III, Revenge of the Sith.

Quotes

• Obi-Wan (to Anakin): “Why do I get the feeling that you are going to be the death of me?”

• Chancellor Palpatine: “You don’t need guidance, Anakin. I see you becoming the greatest of all Jedi.”

	More from Encarta
	•  Presidential Myths Quiz •  Coffee break: Recharge your brain