
It’s been nearly 20 years since Natalie Portman last appeared in a Star Wars film, but talk of her return has never really gone away. Now, the actress herself is weighing in once again—and this time, she sounds more open than ever.
Portman portrayed Padmé Amidala in all three Star Wars prequels, starting with Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace in 1999 and concluding with Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith in 2005. Her character—queen, senator, and mother to Luke and Leia—remains a key figure in Anakin Skywalker’s fall from grace.
Though she hasn’t returned to the franchise in live action since, Padmé’s legacy has lingered, especially as Lucasfilm has continued to revisit the prequel era in recent projects such as Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) to Ahsoka (2023). While neither show is set at the same time as those three films, they each form close ties through the long-awaited return of Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, as well as several flashbacks.
Now, during a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight to promote her new film Fountain of Youth, Portman was asked about a possible return to the galaxy far, far away. “Listen, nobody’s asked me,” she replied, “but I’m open to everything, you know? Life’s only fun if you’re open to every possibility.” Watch the clip below:
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Her comments echo what she told GQ back in 2023: “No one’s ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.” And while no announcements have been made, a report from Kristian Harloff earlier this year suggested Portman was “close to reaching a deal” to reprise her role. That was later disputed by Star Wars News Net, whose source denied any such negotiations.
Still, with Ahsoka Season 2 in development, many fans believe Padmé could appear. After all, Hayden Christensen featured prominently in Season 1.
In a separate report earlier this year, it was said that Portman had filmed scenes for Obi-Wan Kenobi while she was working on Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), but that they were ultimately cut by Lucasfilm.
Here’s hoping Portman doesn’t get left on the cutting room floor next time around.
Would you like to see Natalie Portman reprise her role as Padmé Amidala in a future Star Wars film or television series? Let us know in the comments below!