At just 16, Natalie Portman stepped into the galaxy far, far away as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, a role that would define her early career. Cast by George Lucas, she portrayed the regal queen-turned-senator across the prequel trilogy, including Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005), cementing her place in one of cinema’s most iconic franchises. Her performance, however, came under intense scrutiny, marking a pivotal and challenging chapter in her rise to stardom.
The backlash to the Star Wars prequels profoundly impacted Portman, as she revealed in a candid interview with New York Magazine (via Far Out Magazine). “Everyone thought I was a horrible actress,” she confessed, reflecting on the harsh criticism that followed The Phantom Menace’s 1999 release. The vitriol wasn’t just personal; it had professional consequences. “I was in the biggest-grossing movie of the decade,” she noted, “and no director wanted to work with me.” At such a young age, the wave of disapproval took a significant toll on her mental health and career prospects, leaving her to navigate a storm of negativity in an unforgiving industry.
Portman’s early career had already shown promise before Star Wars. At 12, she captivated audiences as Mathilda in Léon: The Professional, followed by roles in Michael Mann’s Heat, Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks!, and Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You. These performances positioned her as a rising talent, but the global spotlight of Star Wars brought unprecedented pressure. The prequels, particularly The Phantom Menace, faced widespread criticism for stilted dialogue and uneven performances, with Portman, young Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), and Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks) bearing the brunt of the backlash. For Portman, the role became a “poisoned chalice,” as she described to Empire in 2019. “It was hard,” she admitted. “It was a bummer because it felt like people were so excited about new ones.”
The intense anticipation surrounding The Phantom Menace set an almost impossible standard. “It was so feverishly anticipated that it could almost only disappoint,” Portman mused, suggesting the prequels’ reception was shaped by the franchise’s towering legacy. As a teenager, she lacked the experience to brush off the criticism, taking it personally and struggling with the weight of unmet expectations. “I didn’t yet know that angry nerds blasting you online is simply the nature of the beast,” she reflected, highlighting the personal impact of the public’s response.
Over time, the prequels have undergone a reassessment. “With the perspective of time, it’s been re-evaluated by a lot of people who actually really love them now,” Portman told New York Magazine with a smile. “There’s a very avid group of people who think they’re the best ones now!” While she remains cautious about weighing in—“I don’t have enough perspective to weigh in,” she quipped—the shift in perception has been vindicating for an actress who endured significant criticism early on.
Portman’s resilience propelled her forward, leading to an acclaimed career with standout performances in films like Black Swan, which earned her an Academy Award. Her ability to overcome the early setbacks underscores her strength in a challenging industry. In a surprising turn, recent reports suggest she may revisit her Star Wars role. Portman is reportedly close to signing a deal to reprise Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Ahsoka Season 2 on Disney+, potentially through the World Between Worlds narrative device. In a 2023 GQ Magazine interview, she expressed openness to returning, stating, “No one has ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.” If confirmed, this could mark a triumphant return, nearly two decades after Revenge of the Sith.
Portman’s reflections reveal the human cost of Star Wars’ cultural weight. Her journey—from a criticized young actress to a celebrated performer—highlights the power of perseverance and the evolving legacy of the prequels.
