As I understand it there was absolutely no expectation for the first movie to be much of a success. Lucas even secured rights to merchandising simply for using them for the sake of promoting the movie. In an interview, he said the whole series was already written, but chose the story in the initial Star Wars movie because it was more action-oriented and thus might have better commercial success, easier to get produced, etc.
I would think that by starting with the beginning of the story (Phantom Menace) your boy will be pulled right in, identifying with Anakin. But getting to #3 might be a little rough -- Lucas himself said this episode wasn't for kids, what with the triumph of evil, the death of the mother etc.
In that case, just show him 4-6 and make like the story of Anakin doesn't exist.
I would think that by starting with the beginning of the story (Phantom Menace) your boy will be pulled right in, identifying with Anakin. But getting to #3 might be a little rough -- Lucas himself said this episode wasn't for kids, what with the triumph of evil, the death of the mother etc.
In that case, just show him 4-6 and make like the story of Anakin doesn't exist.
