Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is a 2002 American epic space opera film directed byGeorge Lucasand written by Lucas and Jonathan Hales. The sequel toStar Wars: The Phantom Menace(1999), it is the fifth film in theStar Warsfilm series and second chronological chapter of the Saga. The film starsEwan McGregor,Natalie Portman,Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid,Samuel L. Jackson,Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, and Frank Oz.The story is set ten years after The Phantom Menace, as thousands of planetary systems slowly secede from the Galactic Republic and join the newly formed Confederacy of Independent Systems, led by former Jedi MasterCount Dooku. With the galaxy on the brink of civil war,Obi-Wan Kenobiinvestigates a mysterious assassination attempt on SenatorPadme Amidala, which leads him to uncover a clone army in service of the Republic and the truth behind the Separatist movement. Meanwhile, his apprenticeAnakin Skywalkeris assigned to protect Amidala and develops a secret romance with her. Soon, the trio witness the onset of a new threat to the galaxy:The Clone Wars. Revenge of the Sith(2005) followed Attack of the Clones, concluding the Star Wars prequel trilogy.