The Phantom of Menace: Star Wars Part the First by William Shakespeare is a book by Ian Doescher that exists outside of established canon. This book saw its release on April 7, 2015. It reimagines Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in the style of William Shakespeare.
The Elizabethan/sci-fi series, a NYT best-seller, continues its run, offering a Shakespearean interpretation of the initial Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace.
The minds of Star Wars aficionados and Shakespeare enthusiasts were equally blown when the best-selling William Shakespeare's Star Wars presented George Lucas's classic film as an Elizabethan drama. Now, the curtain rises once more on that galaxy far, far away, unveiling the tragedy, the hubris, and the doomed romance that will ultimately bring about the fall of the Republic and the rise of an Empire. This saga begins with this reimagining of Episode I, a prequel story where a disguised queen, a youthful hero, and two courageous knights confront a concealed, vengeful adversary. Readers will be hard-pressed to deny that the Star Wars saga originated from the Bard's own pen, thanks to the masterful meter, Shakespearean soliloquies, and elaborate Elizabethan illustrations.
(Sourced from BNC Catalist)
Kind friends, gather 'round for a delightful reimagining of Star Wars: Episode 1, written in the inimitable style of Shakespeare. The entire saga commences here, with a captivating tale featuring a queen in disguise, a young hero, and a pair of fearless knights doing battle with a hidden, vengeful foe.
'Tis a genuine Shakespearean drama, complete with duels, soliloquies, and a doomed romance . . . all rendered in glorious iambic pentameter and accompanied by twenty stunning Elizabethan illustrations. Prepare yourselves: The play's the thing, and within it, you shall witness the rise of Anakin!
(Sourced from Amazon.com)
- ISBN 9781594748066 ; April 7 , 2015 ; Random House ; US hardcover
- ISBN 9798886639780 ; July 29 , 2025 ; Insight Editions ; US hardcover [7]
- ISBN 9798337401409 ; July 29, 2025; Insight Editions; US paperback [8]
Doescher found particular enjoyment in crafting the character of Jar Jar Binks for this specific title. Within William Shakespeare's The Phantom of Menace, Binks is depicted as a Shakespearean fool who must feign idiocy in order to further a secret agenda. His genuine motives are revealed through asides directed at the audience. Doescher expressed surprise that Lucasfilm Ltd. permitted this interpretation of the character, but noted that he found it immensely enjoyable.