“You’re paying attention to the spaceships”: Natalie Portman Doesn’t Think Star Wars Fans Notice the Unique Inspiration Princess Amidala was Created From

The Israeli-American actress Natalie Portman started her acting career at the age of twelve with Léon: The Professional. Although the film did not see much success at that time, it went on to become a cult classic later on. Portman’s acting prowess at such a young age mesmerized both the audience and critics alike, despite their views regarding the movie. Portman went on to act in commercially successful and critically acclaimed films such as Black Swan, Closer, V for Vendetta, Jackie, No Strings Attached, and the Thor movies in the MCU.

However, the most notable role of Natalie Portman that brought her international fame was that of Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequel series. She starred in the movie when she was only 18. There is no doubt that the role was very special to her. Recently, in an interview, she opened up about how many fans were so busy noticing the spaceships that they missed the unique inspiration the actress brought to the role of Padme Amidala.

Natalie Portman borrowed inspiration from Japanese Kabuki theatre for the role of Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequels

Natalie Portman was 16 years old when shooting for Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace started taking place. She played the eventual mother of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa in the most anticipated Star Wars films of all time. Even after the first movie, when she joined Harvard for her course in psychology, she turned down many films but stuck with the Star Wars franchise.

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The script and production of the Star Wars prequel trilogy were demanding, to say the least. While it was not a problem for seasoned industry veterans like Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Ian McDiarmid, it definitely left a strain on the very young Natalie Portman and her eight-year-old co-star Jake Lloyd. 

It was quite visible on the screen that they were struggling. However, things do improve when Natalie Portman takes her regal getup as Queen Padma Amidala. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about how she drew inspiration from Japanese Kabuki theatre that many did not notice because they were too busy paying attention to the spaceships:

“I had been to Japan. I went to the Kabuki theater, and when I saw the sort of drawings for Queen Amidala, I was like, ‘Oh my god, that reminds me of the Kabuki!’ And so I tried as a 16-year-old to kind of, like, channel that influence because it was such a specific style. The slow kind of movement, and very, kind of, dreamlike … I mean, I don’t know if any of it reads. You’re paying attention to the spaceships.”

Also Read: “You don’t like it when you are a kid”: Natalie Portman Considers Herself Lucky She Was Not Harmed in Hollywood as a Child Star

However, her role as Padme Amidala had a massive pop culture influence among Star Wars geeks. To this day, she gets asked whether she will return to the franchise again. 

What did Natalie Portman say to King Charles at the Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace premiere?

Recently, Natalie Portman appeared on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live and was asked about the time she met King Charles at the Phantom Menace premiere. Portman had quite an amusing anecdote to share regarding that. 

“I remember Prince Charles—he was then Prince Charles—asked me if I was in the originals. I was like, ‘No, I’m 18!’ But he was very friendly.”

Also Read: “He asked me if I was in the OG films”: Natalie Portman’s Hilarious Reply to King Charles Asking Her About Star Wars Left Fans Highly Amused

It was not the first time she had talked about it. In a 1999 BBC News article, Portman opened up about her experience. Apparently, King Charles had asked her whether she appeared in any other Star Wars film, and the actress replied confusedly that she was not even born during the first Star Wars film. 

Natalie Portman’s latest movie, May, December, was released on May 20, 2023.