Natalie Portman Stole an Iconic ‘Star Wars’ Prop – and Then She Lost It

Natalie Portman has had many memorable roles over the years, but one of her most beloved roles is Padme Amidala from the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. The mother of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa is not only the major factor in Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side, but she is an amazing character in her own right. Well, it turns out that Portman swiped a prop from the “Star Wars” set – and lost it.

Wait, Natalie Portman Stole a “Star Wars” Prop?

During an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Barrymore asked Portman about the “Star Wars” movies, asking, “Did you take anything from the set after filming wrapped?” Portman cheekily admitted, “I took one of Anakin’s braids.” “Star Wars” fans will, of course, remember how Anakin (played by Hayden Christensen) and other Jedi padawan learners wear thin little braids that distinguish their padawan status. Anakin wears one of these braids for the entirety of “Attack of the Clones.”

Portman went on to describe how the braids were “clip-on,” while Barrymore said she felt like she heard Christensen talk about his braid recently. Portman called the hairstyle “quite iconic,” but unfortunately, she no longer has the braid she swiped. “I lost it,” she said. “I don’t know where it is now. “I, like, stole it and then lost it.”

Of course, this will get fans wondering how she could possibly lose something so iconic. Why didn’t she keep track of her precious souvenir? They might start petitioning Portman to look for the braid so she can find it and put it on display. After all, Anakin’s braids are a part of “Star Wars” history, and people would love to see one of the actual braids that Christensen wore in “Attack of the Clones.” 

Will We Ever See Padme Again?

Padme died in “Revenge of the Sith,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean we will never see her again. Although she wasn’t a Jedi, meaning that it’s unlikely she could appear as a Force ghost, the non-Jedi Han Solo appeared after death in “The Rise of Skywalker,” so we can’t completely rule out that possibility. 

Portman could also appear in a flashback, much like how Christensen appeared in flashback scenes in the Disney+ show, “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Christensen also appeared as a Force ghost in the Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” which will have its second season later this year. Given that Ahsoka and Padme were friends in the animated series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” it would make sense to have a flashback where Ahsoka hangs out with Padme, and it would give audiences a chance to see Portman again. 

Ever since Disney bought Lucasfilm, they don’t seem too interested in doing much with Padme, despite her importance in the franchise. The character needs more attention. Padme could even get her own animated series that takes place between “The Phantom Menace” and “Attack of the Clones” that chronicles her years as Queen of Naboo and her later years as a Republic senator, and Portman could reprise her role by voicing Padme. That could be amazing.

Natalie Portman in Animation

Speaking of animation, the interview also promoted the French animated film, “Arco,” where Portman voices the character Iris in the English dub. “Arco” is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and is currently playing in select theaters. To celebrate the film, Barrymore set up a rainbow of different-colored balloons, some of which contained hidden questions for Portman to answer when she popped the balloons. The rainbow references a suit worn by the title character in the film. It looks like Portman has another amazing film in her catalog.