A.  What does this FAQ cover?

This FAQ covers all the facts available on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. As shown in the outline of the FAQ, you'll find things, such as commonly asked questions in the Star Wars related newsgroups, rumors about the movie, details of the full story (this page is a fact sheet, too.) Anyone who has anything to add to this FAQ is MORE than welcome to send in questions and/or answers.
 

B.  What about the novelization? Doesn't it answer some questions?

Author Terry Brooks was hand picked by George Lucas to create a whole novel based on his screenplay that would retain the movie's excitement, but also flesh out the characters a bit more. It's clear that this has not been wasted on many fans. The book has become a bestseller hitting #1 on the NY Times hardcover fiction list. 

This FAQ, however, is geared towards the movie, answering its questions, which the novelization is based on, and not vice versa.  The book, more than 300 pages long has explanations to some of the questions, but the problem is they are not in the movie. If the book can clarify something in the movie, that is another story.

A famous example from previous novelizations is the answer to the question as to why Darth Vader had to wear the suit & mask. The Return of the Jedi's novelization claims he fell in a molten pit, and the suit preserved his life. This tidbit even made it to Time Magazine recently, but it is not in the movie in any way, shape or form. This fact exists only for the people who read the book.

The book is an important part of the Episode I phenomenon; Enough fans have read the book to warrant an appendix in this FAQ that covers questions answered in the novelization. This section will be added in the near future.
 

C. Where can I find the FAQ?

Currently, the only place to find the FAQ in html format is www.starwarsfaq.com The html version includes pictures, links, and is always the most up-to-date copy of the FAQ. 

D.  Why an FAQ?

I've seen indications of other FAQ's floating around. They seem to focus mainly on the rumors concerning the whole Prequel Trilogy. This FAQ has certain elements regarding all three movies as information is released, but focuses on the questions and facts about The Phantom Menace; it's story, production, etc. (Yeah, we also have some of the juciest rumors, too.) 
 

E.  How about an Episode II or III FAQ?

"Attack of the Clones" has already been released and a corresponding FAQ is also available at www.starwarsfaq.com . The site also has an Episode III FAQ, but as you can imagine, it's very barren at the moment. Lucas' script for Episode III isn't ready yet.
 

F.  Abbreviations

Though they are mostly VERY obvious, here are the abbreviations:

SW - Star Wars (duh)
ANH – A New Hope
ESB – The Empire Strikes Back
ROTJ – Return of the Jedi
TPM - The Phantom Menace
EPI/II/III – Episode I/II/III
a.f.s - alt.fan.starwars
r.a.s.s.i - rec.arts.sf.starwars.info
r.a.s.s.m - rec.arts.sf.starwars.misc
 

G.  Updates

Updates for this FAQ will be announced on the site www.starwarsfaq.com and in Star Wars related newsgroups. If you sign up for the newsletter on the site, you'll also be notified by e-mail of any important updates and news.
 

H.  Questions, suggestions, assistance and links

If anyone has any suggestions with regards to this FAQ or the multimedia edition currently being worked on, an e-mail address will soon be available for your comments. In the meantime, my UIN is 41462989.

If there is anything you feel should be in this document, do not hesitate to e-mail me at ep1faq@hotmail.com.