When it comes to being part of a huge franchise likeStar Wars, there are some actors who jump at the chance and others who have moments of doubt over whether it is the right thing for them.Natalie Portmanjoined the franchise in 1999 as part of the cast ofStar Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, and taking on the role of Padmé Amidala came with a certain amount of trepidation for actress, over where it could leave her future career.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (null)
Portman’s character is introduced as the young Queen of Naboo, a strong-willed leader committed to protecting her planet from the Trade Federation’s invasion. Across theStar Warsprequels, Padmé’s role evolves, seeing her as a senator of Naboo, fighting for peace in the Galactic Senate during the onset of the Clone Wars, inAttack of the Clones, and then secretly marrying Anakin Skywalker and dying while giving birth to twins Luke and Leia inRevenge of the Sith.
Portman’s portrayal of Padméwas critical in linking the prequel trilogy to the original films, establishing the lineage and legacy of some of the saga’s most important characters. However, as she revealed toEmpire magazineas part ofThe Phantom Menace’s 25th anniversary celebration, the actress revealed that she initially worried about what the role would mean for her ability to get subsequent roles. She said:
I was worried about doing it, that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else after, because the series carries such a mythology in American life. But that was precisely why it was such an incredible opportunity. It bridged my career from a child to an adult.
Star Wars Can Be a Huge Opportunity, or an Unending Nightmare
From Mark Hamill to Daisy Ridley, theStar Warsfranchise has brought many actors to the attention of the world, but that attention is not always a good thing. Despite Hamill’s prolific work as a voice actor and more, he initially struggled to find roles in the wake of his original appearances as Luke Skywalker. Harrison Ford, on the other hand, was already established as an actor, and his role as Han Solo only served to push him even further up the ladder of success, propelling him to other roles such as Indiana Jones.
However, there have been some who have seen the Dark Side of the franchise in more ways than just facing off against its on-screen villains. Actors such as John Boyega (the sequel trilogy) andMoses Ingram (Obi-Wan Kenobi) suffered online racial backlashfrom a portion of the fan base, something that seems to rear its head with the casting of any person of color in a main role, and often led to stars suffering anxiety and other trauma due to the relentless stream of abuse.
Daisy Ridley Reveals Backlash to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is “Still Upsetting”
Even though it’s been nearly five years, the polarizing reception to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker still eats away at Daisy Ridley.
Although this kind of abuse of stars via online social media platforms is not quite as intense as it once was, it certainly is still present, and that can lead to unnecessary stress for anyone joining the franchise. With manynew and increasingly diverse projects on the way, both on the big and small screens, the Star Wars franchise will undoubtedly produce several more stars of the future, but unfortunately, not all will receive the welcome to the franchise that they should.
