Lucas answers Star Wars critics

An estimated 8,000 Star Wars fans were in Leicester Square for the premiere.

The fans, many wielding toy light-sabres, sang Happy Birthday to the film's director George Lucas as he arrived at the Odeon, but Mr Lucas, who was 58, had more serious matters on his mind. Critics have accused the cast - including Ewan MacGregor, Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen - of wooden performances, some suggesting that the digitally-enhanced Jedi Knight Yoda is the most believable actor in the film.

Mr Lucas said: "People have criticised every film so far but the entire story will only be told when the six films are finished - and only then will you really be able to judge them."

MacGregor, who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Portman, who plays Senator Amidala, were not present but Samuel L Jackson, who plays swashbuckling Jedi Knight Mace Windu, did make it.

He said: "My favourite part was getting to slash away with my light-sabre. I especially asked for mine to be purple so I could pick myself out in the big fight scene."

Christopher Lee, who plays Count Dooku, said: "I haven't seen the film yet, not even the rushes, so I am very excited indeed."

Hayden Christensen is Anakin Skywalker, the young Darth Vader, and was most recently seen in This Is Our Youth at the Garrick Theatre. He said: "This is the biggest premiere I'll be attending and I am just trying to take it all in."

Guests included Halle Berry, who is in Britain shooting the new Bond film, with her husband Eric Benet. Also present were Chelsea footballer Graham Le Saux, DJ Chris Moyles, Zoe Ball, Sara Cox, Frank Skinner and Atomic Kitten.

Some cast members remained sanguine about their part in the movie. British actor Anthony Daniels, who plays the fastidious golden droid C3PO, said: "For 25 years now I've been making a living by saying 'Hello I am C3PO, human-cyborg relations' - it's a bit sad, isn't it?"