Natalie Portman’s critically acclaimed 2024 mystery TV seriesLady in the Lakehas made Padmé Amidala’s live-actionStar Warsreturn feel so much more possible. There has already been plenty of speculation that Hayden Christensen will be reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker inAhsokaseason 2and that Ewan McGregor may even be joining him as Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is somewhat less surprising in Christensen’s case, astheAhsokafinaleconfirmed that Anakin is on Peridea with Ahsoka as a Force ghost, heavily hinting that he still has a role to play.
Hints that McGregor and Christensen are both returningare more surprising, although it’s clear that neither actor is opposed—on the contrary, both actors remain enthusiastic about the possibility.The much more shocking news is that Natalie Portman’s return as Padmé is now heavily rumored, teasingthe ultimateStar Warsprequel trilogy reunion. It has long seemed like Portman’s time inStar Warswas over, and while these rumors are unsubstantiated and must be taken with a grain of salt, Portman’s seriesLady in the Lakeperfectly laid the groundwork for her return totheStar Warstimeline.
Lady In The Lake’s Flashbacks Showed What A De-Aged Natalie Portman Could Be Like
Lady In The Lake Impressively Avoided The Uncanny Valley
Star Warsalready brought Christensen and McGregor back. Both actors returned inObi-Wan Kenobi, and Christensen returned inAhsoka. De-aging technology was used in both cases, specifically in the flashback sequence between Obi-Wan and Anakin inObi-Wan Kenobiand the Clone Wars flashback inAhsoka. The need for de-aging was minimal for both, though, which has raised questions about how Portman could ever really return.
Because ofPadmé’s death inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and since she cannot return as a Force ghost,Portman’s involvement would need to be done entirely with de-aging technology. That would no doubt be a daunting task, butLady in the Lakehas proven that de-aging can be brilliantly effective with Natalie Portman. In the series, Portman had entire scenes in which she was de-aged to be a teenager. The most impressive aspect ofLady in the Lake’sde-aging is that it avoided the uncanny valley.
Lady in the Lakehas proven that de-aging can be brilliantly effective with Natalie Portman.
Star Warshas unfortunately fallen victim to this problem before, especially with Luke Skywalker’s return inThe MandalorianandThe Book of Boba Fett, as well as Leia’s cameo inRogue One: A Star Wars Story. Yet,Portman’s appearance inLady in the Lakehas proven that not only is de-aging Portman possible, but also, it works incredibly well. This example of de-aging may have been precisely whatStar Warsneeded to finally take the leap and bring Padmé Amidala back toStar Wars.
Natalie Portman’s New TV Show Makes A Huge Star Wars Wish More Likely After 19 Years
De-aging technology was used on Natalie Portman in Apple’s new series Lady in the Lake, which may be the only way she can return to Star Wars.
Will Ahsoka Season 2 Use The World Between Worlds To Give Us A De-Aged Padmé?
Star Wars Is No Stranger To De-Aging Technology
The World Between Worldshas already proven to be a fun tool that allowsStar Warsto bend the rules of space and time. This is one obvious wayAhsokaseason 2 could bring Portman back, especially considering it already appeared in season 1. On the other hand, that might make it less likely. PerhapsStar Warswants to avoid repeating the same trick.There are other possibilities, of course, such as Padmé appearing in flashbacks—either Anakin’s or Ahsoka’s.
It remains to be seen whether these rumors are true or how likely such a return could really be.Star Warsaudiences have long hoped for a Clone Wars live-action show announcement, andAhsokaseason 1 even teased that possibility with the Clone Wars flashback sequences. Even so, bringing Natalie Portman back as Padmé Amidala inAhsokaseason 2 may be too big a leap, even withLady in the Lakeas a solid example of how well this can work.
Ahsoka
Cast
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
