Natalie Portman’s Padmé Amidala played a pivotal role in the Star Wars prequels, yet she remains absent from recent franchise projects. While Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) have returned in various Disney+ series, Padmé was reportedly set for a cameo in Obi-Wan Kenobi—only to be cut.
According to entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider, Portman had filmed material for the Disney+ series while working on Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) for Marvel Studios, another division of The Walt Disney Company. Speaking on The Hot Mic podcast, Sneider claimed that Portman “previously did shoot some stuff” for Obi-Wan Kenobi, but the footage was removed from the completed series.
While details about her intended role remain scarce, the revelation has sparked renewed discussion about Padmé’s potential return to the franchise and the missed opportunity for deeper exploration of her legacy.
Padmé’s significance in the Star Wars prequels extends beyond her political role as Queen of Naboo and later as a senator of the Galactic Republic. The character was instrumental in shaping the events leading up to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, as well as in the personal downfall of Anakin Skywalker. Her tragic fate at the end of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) left audiences with lingering questions, particularly regarding her mysterious death and the emotional weight of her final moments.
Given that Obi-Wan Kenobi focused on the Jedi Master’s struggles in the aftermath of Order 66 and Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader, a flashback or vision of Padmé could have added significant emotional depth to the story.
Despite the removal of her Obi-Wan Kenobi cameo, there may still be hope for Padmé’s return. Recent speculation suggests that Lucasfilm wants to bring the character back in Ahsoka Season 2, possibly utilizing the World Between Worlds—a mystical plane that allows characters to interact with past and future moments in time.
While these reports remain unconfirmed and were quickly denied by official sources, the concept aligns with Ahsoka’s first season, which saw Anakin appear through a similar mechanism. If Lucasfilm decides to revisit Padmé, it could provide long-awaited closure to her character and further enrich the Star Wars narrative.
Portman herself has expressed openness to reprising the role, stating in 2023 that “no one’s ever asked me to return” but that she would be willing to do so. Given the growing trend of Star Wars revisiting past characters through flashbacks, visions, or Force-related phenomena, the demand for Padmé’s return remains strong.
Whether through Ahsoka, a standalone project, or another unforeseen avenue, the possibility of seeing Padmé Amidala back in the galaxy far, far away is still on the table. For now, fans can only hope that Lucasfilm will recognize the enduring impact of the character and provide her the return she deserves.
Would you like to see Padmé return to Star Wars?