The Star Wars fandom is abuzz with conflicting reports about Natalie Portman’s possible return to the galaxy far, far away. YouTuber Kristian Harloff claims that Portman is in talks to reprise her role as Padmé Amidala in the second season of Ahsoka. If true, this would mark her first appearance in the Star Wars universe since 2005’s Revenge of the Sith.
Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala in Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith – YouTube, Scenepack Library
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Harloff reports that Dave Filoni, the creator and showrunner of Ahsoka and Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer, is eager to bring Portman back into the fold. This rumor comes on the heels of other casting buzz surrounding Ahsoka Season 2, including the possible returns of Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), and Ariana Greenblatt (young Ahsoka).
According to Harloff, a deal with Portman is “close to being finalized.”
How Would Padmé Return to Star Wars?
Speculation about Padmé’s role in Ahsoka naturally leads to the World Between Worlds—a mystical dimension introduced in Star Wars Rebels and prominently featured in Ahsoka Season 1.
Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
This enigmatic realm allows characters to traverse space and time, opening the door for flashbacks and alternate realities. Harloff believes this mechanism could facilitate Padmé’s return, potentially exploring untold stories from the Clone Wars era or offering new perspectives on pivotal events.
Portman has previously expressed openness to returning to Star Wars, though she admitted in 2023 that no discussions had taken place at the time.
Not So Fast
However, not everyone is convinced. Star Wars News Net, a site dedicated to Star Wars news and information, reports that Portman is not in negotiations to return. According to the outlet’s insider, there’s no truth to the rumors, throwing cold water on Harloff’s claims.
Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala in Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith – YouTube, Scenepack Library
The conflicting reports have left fans divided, with some holding out hope for Portman’s return and others skeptical of her involvement.
Production Timeline
Regardless of whether Portman signs on, Ahsoka Season 2 is gearing up for production. Filming is expected to begin this spring, potentially in April.
Baylon Skoll in Ahsoka – Disney+
Thus far, the only confirmed casting news for the new season is Rory McCann’s recasting as Baylan Skoll, following the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson. The rest of the main cast, including Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, is expected to return.
Do you want to see Natalie Portman return to Star Wars? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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That time machine BS introduced in Rebels is what finally made me give up on Star Wars.
Agreed. And yet it’s the only way to erase current continuity, without making a full restart. Poor Star Wars. It deserved better.
Oh god please no. This fake nostalgia obsession is insane.
“Put a chick in it, make it gay and lame.” – South Park.
DEI fails, every single time. I mean, no one cared about this Padme character. She’s almost as uninteresting as Rei Mary Sue. To me, Jar Jar the West Indian frog was more fun.
…”West Indian frog”.. nice.