
A new rumor has sparked excitement among Star Wars fans, suggesting that Natalie Portman may be in talks to return to the beloved franchise. But is there any truth to it?
Portman, whose career was still in its early stages during the late 1990s and early 2000s, became iconic for her role as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Her portrayal of the young Queen of Naboo, known for her intelligence, courage, and commitment to justice, resonated with audiences. Across three films, Padmé transitioned from a resolute monarch in The Phantom Menace (1999) to a senator secretly involved with Jedi Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith (2005).
Tragically, her character met her end after giving birth to twins Luke and Leia, amidst Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader.
Despite her rather final end, fans have championed the idea of her returning to the franchise, especially after Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reprised their roles as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, respectively, in recent projects.

In 2023, Portman – who previously also made a surprise return to the Thor franchise after an extensive absence – herself expressed openness to the idea, noting, “No one’s ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.”
Rumors of a Possible Return
The latest speculation stems from a report by Kristian Harloff, which claims that Portman is nearing a deal to reprise her role as Padmé Amidala.
This follows reports that McGregor, Christensen, and Ariana Greenblatt—who played young Ahsoka Tano in Ahsoka Season 1—are expected to appear in the show’s upcoming second season on Disney+.
Given Padmé’s canonical death, the exact nature of her potential return is unclear. However, the first season of Ahsoka introduced the World Between Worlds, a mystical plane where characters can interact across time and space. This opens the door for Padmé’s reappearance, even if briefly.
Conflicting Reports
While the rumor has generated considerable buzz, Star Wars News Net recently reported that its sources have denied the claim. This doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of Portman’s return or Lucasfilm’s interest, but it does suggest caution before fans get their hopes too high.
Would you like to see Natalie Portman return to the Star Wars universe?