<Li> Liam Neeson as Qui - Gon Jinn, a Jedi Master who discovers Anakin and insists that the boy be trained as a Jedi despite the Jedi Council's protests . Lucas originally wanted to cast an American actor in the role, but cast Irishman Neeson because he considered that Neeson had great skills and presence . Lucas said Neeson was a "master actor, who the other actors will look up to, who has got the qualities of strength that the character demands". </Li> <Li> Ewan McGregor as Obi - Wan Kenobi, Qui - Gon's Jedi Padawan, who holds his master in high regard but questions his motives at times . McGregor was cast from a shortlist of fifty actors, all of whom had to be compared to pictures of young Alec Guinness, who portrayed the elderly Obi - Wan, to make a believable younger version . McGregor had a vocal coach to help his voice sound closer to Guinness' . He also studied several of Guinness' performances, from his early work and the Star Wars movies . </Li> <Li> Natalie Portman as Queen Padmé Amidala, the 14 - year - old Queen of Naboo, who hopes to protect her planet from a blockade invasion made by the Trade Federation . Over 200 actresses auditioned for the role . The Production notes stated; "The role required a young woman who could be believable as the ruler of that planet, but at the same time be vulnerable and open". Portman was chosen especially for her performances in Léon: The Professional (1994) and Beautiful Girls (1996), which impressed Lucas . He stated, "I was looking for someone who was young, strong, along the lines of Leia (and) Natalie embodied all those traits and more". Portman was unfamiliar with Star Wars before being cast, but was enthusiastic about being cast as a character she expected to become a role model . Portman said, "It was wonderful playing a young queen with so much power . I think it will be good for young women to see a strong woman of action who is also smart and a leader ." </Li> <Li> Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker, a 9 - year - old slave boy and a skilled pilot who dreams of becoming a Jedi . Hundreds of actors were tested before the producers settled on Lloyd who Lucas considered met his requirements of "a good actor, enthusiastic and very energetic". Producer Rick McCallum said that Lloyd was "smart, mischievous and loves anything mechanical--just like Anakin ." </Li>

Who plays the queen in episode 1 star wars