miker71 said:
I'd let George do the story and assuming he came up with The Phantom Menace, I'd story edit like crazy and open with an older class Star Destroyer launching a pod down onto Tatooine - it lands and Darth Maul emerges.
Actually, I think this approach has a lot of potential. My inclination has been to begin with a 16 to 18 year old Ani. However, if the Leading Lady is also 9 or 10, that could work well.
I have a wild theory (probably projection) about the developement of TPM:
By '94, GL had narrowed things down to two different storylines.
The first, Ani is 9 years old and 'ET' plays a great influence. 'ET' was wildly successful because it was both a beloved pet and the new neighbor kid that moved in, became best friend, and then had to move away. Everyone could relate and feel deeply for it. Parents loved seeing it beside their children. I think Padme was supposed to be that "Angel."
The second story line was quite different. The focus was on the female's "Hero's Journey." 'JOA' served as the primary influence. In this, I suspect that Padme was 14 and Ani was to be 14-18. She is a "Knight" and possibly a Force wielder (sounding familiar?)
Why were these two storylines merged? I have a sneaking suspicion that a cute little film from '87 had something to do with it. I think GL saw 'Adventures In Babysitting' and thought it was one of the few nearly perfect screenplays and also a premier example of the female "Hero's Journey." Chris sets out to rescue a weaker friend, collects a company of mischievous creatures, is menaced by a lecherous dark knight on a red steed, must overcome or befriend other ne'er-do-wells to protect her little ones, and must find her true prince and "marry" this son of the immortals in the end.
'AIB' also had a heartwarming little sub-plot. The boy, a few years younger, falling madly puppy-dog in love with the teen-aged babysitter. It's the sort of thing nearly everyone can relate to, in a bittersweet way.
I think GL wanted to have it all, raising his Leading Lady to Queen in the process.