Natalie Portman Says Star Wars Backlash Was ‘Hard,’ Reflects on Changed Attitude Towards the Prequels

Natalie Portman has opened up about her response to fans’ initial backlash towards the Star Wars prequels. Portman played Padmé Amidala, the former Queen and Senator of Naboo in the Star Wars prequels, appearing in all three movies, with her character becoming the love interest for Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker prior to his transformation into Darth Vader. Despite their newly lauded position in the ever-growing roster of Star Wars projects, the prequel trilogy was maligned by fans when they were first released between 1999 and 2005.

Speaking to TotalFilm, Portman discussed her feelings towards fans’ dislike of the films when they first came out. The actress said she struggled dealing with the negative opinions immediately following the trilogy’s release, saying:

“I think obviously with the reaction to them when they came out, being as harsh at it was – it was hard.”

While the prequel trilogy was hated by fans in the late 90s and early 00s, the Star Wars community has since grown to love them, now considering them to be among the best Star Wars has to offer. Portman addressed the shift in attitude towards the prequels, saying she’s glad that fans have come to appreciate the films. She continued:

“And obviously, over time they’ve gained more appreciation, which has been nice, to always feel the balm of time. But, yeah, I feel very blessed to have been part of that, at that moment in my life.”

Natalie Portman has been acting since she was a child, with her first credited role being in 1994’s Léon: The Professional. But her starring role in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace five years later helped to cement her as a Hollywood mainstay. During the interview, Portman talked about the legacy of Star Wars, how lucky she feels to be a part of the franchise, and that she’s still approached by fans who have just shown their children the franchise for the first time. Portman said:

“I see it as an extraordinarily lucky thing to have been part of. I know how meaningful it is for people. And, every day, still, people are like, ‘I just watched it with my kids.’ To be part of something like that that’s part of that cultural mythology, and part of people’s childhoods, in such a vibrant way, is so, so lucky.”

The Phantom Menace was recently re-released in cinemas to celebrate its 25th anniversary. While it was the most hated film in the franchise (thanks in part to Jar Jar Binks), The Phantom Menace has become adored by Star Wars fans in recent years, and is currently the most streamed Star Wars movie on Disney+.

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Jar Jar Binks Actor Reveals the Advice George Lucas Gave to Get Him Through Prequel Backlash: ‘He Was Right’

According to Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best, George Lucas knew how Star Wars fans would respond to the prequels over time.

Star Wars‘ future remains steady. The Acolyte, the latest series in the franchise, is currently streaming on Disney+. There are also several new movies on the way. Daisy Ridley is returning as Rey for (at least) one new movie. Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian is also stepping out of his Disney+ series to helm his own standalone movie, alongside the internet’s favorite, Grogu.