Star Wars fans discover Phantom Menace secret after 26 years

Star Wars fans will be sent into a frenzy after a sneaky easter has been discovered 26 years after the release of The Phantom Menace.

Released in 1999, it’s fair to say that Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace probably isn't the most beloved entry in the ever-popular movie series created by George Lucas. However, over time, I feel some have slowly warmed to the original prequel movie.

Check out the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace trailer below!

“Experience the heroic action and unforgettable adventures of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace,” reads the synopsis. “See the first fateful steps in the journey of Anakin Skywalker.”

As reported by Game Rant, former ILM matte painter Caroleen Green who worked on The Phantom Menace helping to design sets, recently spoke to Clayton Sandell of the SFFGazette.

“I decided to get a picture of George, and I put it on this plaque,” Green said. “I thought, ‘Well, that’ll be cool. By the time you shrink that down, his face is just a blur.’”

Not getting too far ahead of herself, Green first received the approval of Lucus, albeit, a subtle one. “Oh, naughty, naughty,” said Lucas, according to Green before confirming “Okay. Leave it in.”

Game Rant details that the easter egg in question can be found 58 minutes and 17 seconds into The Phantom Menace when watching on Disney Plus when Queen Amidala and her guards are running down the hallway.

In that hallway above Amidala and her guards, if you squint your eyes ever so tightly, you might be able to make out a face above an archway that is rather pixelated at a distance. That face apparently belongs to George Lucas.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace as well as the entire Star Wars movie saga is available to stream now on Disney Plus.