Star Wars Ep III: Natalie PortmanNatalie PortmanStar Wars creator George Lucas says The Phantom Menace and Attack Of The Clones were not rubbish after all.

Well, not if you're under 25. He claims older Star Wars fans 'control' the media and that is why they were panned. So it had nothing to do with Jar Jar Binks then ...

The legendary film maker says there are two types of Star Wars fan; those who love the prequels and the older fans who stick loyally to the original trilogy.

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival before the world premiere of Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith, starring Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen, Lucas said: "The older ones (fans) are loyal to the first three films I made, and they are the ones in control of the media.

George LucasGeorge Lucas"The films that these people don't like - which are the first two prequels - are fanatically adored by the under 25s. They are always at each other's throats about it."

The Phantom Menace was a box office smash on its release in 1999 - but was severely panned for its lack of story and poor characters.

Attack Of The Clones enjoyed a lukewarm response from the press but the sixth and final instalment - released in the UK this week - has received glowing reviews.

It will finally reveal how jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker, played by Hayden, was seduced by the dark side of the force to become Darth Vader.