The Anonymous One wrote: "The reason Ep. 4 did not end with cliffhangers is that Lucas assumed that only one Star Wars film would be made back in 1977. However, with the prequels, Lucas knows that all 3 prequels will definitely be filmed. Hence, unlike Ep. 4, Ep. 1 will end with several cliffhangers. Can anyone guess what the cliffhangers will be? These cliffhangers will be resolved in Ep. 2, then Ep. 2 will end with cliffhangers that will be resolved in Ep. 3, then Ep. 3 will end with cliffhangers that will be taken care of in Ep. 4 (i.e., the duel between Old Ben and Vader). . ."

HL wrote: "I don't think there will be a cliffhanger in Episode one that will resolve itself in Episode 2.  It is set TEN years before.  So much must happen in those ten years.  Think of all the STAR WARS books now, and the stories that take place between the three current movies.  Hell, they even made a story about what happens in the few monthe after ESB, and before ROTJ !  There are going to be so many novels written about that 10 year period, it will be unbelievable.  Episode one will be a story on its own about some characters who will all be completely different personality's in 10 years time.  Episode one will have its own resolution.  I think you will find that Episodes 2 and three will be like one giant 4 hour movie."