In the galaxy of Star Wars, every character leaves an indelible mark, but few have sparked as much curiosity as Jake Lloyd’s portrayal of young Anakin Skywalker.
His performance in “The Phantom Menace” was pivotal, setting the stage for the saga’s most complex character.
Among the memorable moments from the film is a behind-the-scenes anecdote involving Lloyd’s pronunciation of “Coruscant.”
Here’s the story of how a simple mispronunciation during filming became a notable part of Star Wars lore.
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The Mispronunciation Incident
In the vast expanse of the Star Wars universe, every detail holds significance, including the correct pronunciation of galactic locations.
One such detail that sparked discussions among fans was the pronunciation of “Coruscant,” the capital planet of the galaxy.
While filming “The Phantom Menace,” one of the more lighthearted challenges encountered by the cast was mastering the pronunciation of “Coruscant.” This was particularly memorable for young actor Jake Lloyd, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker, as he navigated this tricky aspect of his role.
In a behind-the-scenes documentary, Lloyd is seen struggling with the line, trying to pronounce the name of the galactic capital correctly.
This moment, though not present in the final cut of the film, has lingered in the memories of fans and has been a topic of conversation.
On set, there was a light-hearted exchange between Jake Lloyd and George Lucas, stemming from Lucas’s concern that Lloyd was distracted by the food on the set.
However, Lloyd clarified, saying, “No, it’s not the food that’s a problem. I’m used to saying Corooskant,” indicating that the mispronunciation was a habitual error rather than a momentary lapse.
George Lucas’s Oversight Perfects Every Detail in “The Phantom Menace”
The myth of the mispronounced “Coruscant” is a testament to the attention to detail that Star Wars fans possess.
It also highlights how behind-the-scenes footage can influence fan perceptions and create alternate versions of movie scenes in the collective memory.
The reality is that the final cut of “The Phantom Menace” presents Anakin Skywalker articulating “Coruscant” without error, showcasing the professionalism and dedication of the young actor despite the challenges faced during production.
Some fans recall a version of the film where Anakin mispronounces “Coruscant” during the dinner table scene, saying “Cor-RUS-Kant” instead.
This has led to a search for this particular cut, with enthusiasts scouring through various releases and editions of the movie.
However, in the widely released version of “The Phantom Menace,” there is no such mispronunciation, and Anakin correctly says “Coruscant.”