The Trade Federation, amidst secretly orchestrating a full-scale invasion, disrupted the order of the Galactic Republic by blockading the planet Naboo. In response, Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum dispatched Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi to negotiate with the Federation's viceroy, Nute Gunray. However, Sith Lord Darth Sidious, serving as a covert ally to the Trade Federation, instructed the viceroy to eliminate the Jedi and initiate the invasion using battle droids. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan managed to escape and fled to Naboo.

During the invasion, Qui-Gon saved Jar Jar Binks, a clumsy outcast from the Gungan species. Although the Jedi failed to convince Boss Nass, the Gungan leader, to assist Naboo's surface inhabitants, they secured Jar Jar's help in navigating the underwater paths to Naboo's capital city, Theed. After rescuing Queen Padmé Amidala, the group boarded her royal starship to flee Naboo with the intention of heading to the Republic's capital world, Coruscant.