“Everyone thought I was a horrible actress”: Natalie Portman’s Acting Career Nearly Ended Because of Star Wars Despite Historic $1 Billion Success

Natalie Portman's Acting Career Nearly Ended Because of Star Wars Despite Historic $1 Billion Success
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Natalie Portman is an exceptionally gifted and commercially viable actor of her time. She displays remarkable versatility and effortlessly commands the screen in diverse genres, including action, comedy, drama, and even horror. Portman’s remarkable trajectory is a rarity, transitioning seamlessly from a successful child actor to an even more accomplished adult performer. 

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"Please don't let there be reshoots": Natalie Portman Was Praying to God After Her Oscar Winning Movie Put Her into Absolute Torture
Natalie Portman

Her notable net worth attests to her enduring success. Portman has demonstrated unwavering dedication throughout her career, allowing her to sustain a consistent presence in the industry since her early beginnings. However, there came a juncture where the acclaimed Black Swan star found herself uncertain if she had inadvertently become an outcast in the realm of Hollywood.

Also Read: Marvel Fans Were Tricked as Chris Hemsworth Never Kissed Natalie Portman in Their Intimate Scene From Thor 2

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Natalie Portman Had A Tough Time After Star Wars

One might assume that being cast in a blockbuster franchise film would open doors for an actor’s prospects. However, contrary to expectations, Natalie Portman’s involvement in Star Wars had an adverse effect, almost thwarting her career before it could truly soar.

“Star Wars had come out around the time of Seagull and everyone thought I was a horrible actress,” Portman said. “I was in the biggest-grossing movie of the decade, and no director wanted to work with me.”

Natalie Portman hasn't been the only victim of Hollywood's gender pay gap
Natalie Portman

Consequently, Portman sought solace in theater, using it to hone her skills and affirm her acting prowess. During this time, renowned director Mike Nichols recognized her exceptional talent and offered her a role in his stage production of Seagull. Nichols’ endorsement and commendation of another director breathed new life into Portman’s acting career, reigniting the momentum that had momentarily faltered.

“Mike wrote a letter to Anthony Minghella and said, “Put her in Cold Mountain, I vouch for her.'” she said. “And then Anthony passed me on to Tom Tykwer, who passed me on to the Wachowskis.”

Also Read: “Please don’t let there be reshoots”: Natalie Portman Was Praying to God After Her Oscar Winning Movie Put Her into Absolute Torture

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Will Natalie Portman Ever Return To Star Wars

In 2022, an intriguing turn of events unfolded as Natalie Portman revealed that Taika Waititi, the director of Thor: Love and Thunder, approached her with an offer for a Star Wars film he was involved in. However, in an amusing twist, Waititi momentarily overlooked that Portman had previously portrayed Queen Amidala in the Star Wars saga. Upon realizing his faux pas, Waititi was thoroughly embarrassed by the unintentional oversight.

Natalie Portman at an event
Natalie Portman

“He says he did [forget] because he like asked me if I wanted to be in a ‘Star Wars’ movie and I was like, ‘I was,'” Portman explained. “I thought he was joking. He’s such a joker that I thought it was a joke. And then afterward he said in some interview that he was like cringing afterward.”

Having experienced the uplifting support of writers and directors who had faith in her talents, it would be no surprise if Taika Waititi managed to carve out a role specifically for Natalie Portman. However, now firmly established as a highly regarded actor, any concerns about her career being adversely impacted by the franchise are nonexistent. 

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith is available for streaming on Dinsey+.

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Also Read: “It wasn’t appropriate”: Natalie Portman Said No to On-screen Romance With Leonardo DiCaprio When She Was 13 Years Old

Source: The Things

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Written by Vishal

Articles Published: 976

Vishal Kawadkar is a seasoned writer specializing in writing engaging and informative content on various topics. He is a cinephile with a keen interest in sci-fi and thriller movies and TV shows. With an eye for detail, Vishal likes offering readers a fresh perspective on the latest trends and developments.