Summary
The forbidden romance betweenAnakin SkywalkerandPadmé Amidalais pivotal inStar Wars, and this work of art reimagines them as literature’s most famous star-crossed lovers. When the two characters fall in love, they have a lengthy conversation about why a romance is a bad idea, citing Anakin’s role as aJedi Knight. Ultimately, they opt for secrecy, marrying in a private ceremony. Unfortunately, just like Romeo and Juliet, it’s their love and devotion to each other that becomes Anakin and Padmé’s undoing. In this version of the story, however, they take the whole galaxy down with them.
Artistscadartsposted this incredible piece on Instagram, captioning it “Star Crossed Lovers.”
Paying homage to a painting by Frank Dicksee titledRomeo and Juliet, Anakin is shown climbing over the stone wall of a balcony into the arms of Padmé.The setting is remarkably reminiscent of Padmé’s palace on Naboo, where the two shared their first kiss and had their secret wedding. Both characters wear the same Renaissance garb seen in the original piece, but Padmé’s hair is now pulled up in the two buns she sported on their picnic inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
Attachments Were Always Anakin’s Weakness
With his background as a slave raised by a single mother, Anakin never stood a chance against thestrict Code the Jedi hadfor acting on one’s emotions. Anakin was a kind little boy, but the extremity of his emotions got him in trouble even at an early age. He took things personally and hated change. When he had to leave his mother behind on Tatooine, Shmi told her son not to look back, knowing thathe would never be able to achieve his dreams if he was thinking about the life he was leaving behind.
Anakin’s regret over not being able to save his mother’s life because of his absence and devotion to the Jedi would haunt him forever. This perceived failure would lead him to commit his first act of true darkness when he slaughters the village ofTusken Raidershe held responsible, and it would cause him to cling tighter to Padmé. Anakin’s fear of losing Padmé the way he lost his mother led him to betray the Jedi, givingStar Wars’iconic villain an even more tragic backstory than the original trilogy had already established.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
