ben_danger said:

but what IF ani wasnt even in it? what if he just appears in II onwards? i have no idea how and what it would entail, but perhaps the smarter forum members can ponder such an idea.

"Qui Gon - I need parts for a 327 Nubian

Watto - Ah yes, ah yes. Nubian. We have lots of that. Soooo, let me take- a thee out back. Ni you'll find what you need."

That's it! The Queen's ship can now leave tatooine without Anakin! Okay, it's not that smart of an idea, but it works! Ah!

Of course you'll then need to remove all Anakin's following shots (and some Darth Maul on Tattoine references) .......

The movie would not reach the 2h10 lenght Star Wars canon though.