'He was very friendly': Natalie Portman recalls Prince Charles' question at 'The Phantom Menace' premiere
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Natalie Portman, renowned for her role as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars franchise, recently reminisced about a memorable encounter with royalty at the premiere of 'The Phantom Menace.'
The actress, who was a teenager at the time, reflected on the experience during a recent episode of 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.'
Natalie Portman recalls meeting Prince Charles at 'Star Wars' premiere
Portman vividly recounted meeting Prince Charles at the London premiere of the highly anticipated 'Star Wars' film.
Despite the significant age gap between Portman and the Prince, the latter, who was Prince of Wales at the time, greeted the young actress warmly.
Portman shared the amusing anecdote, stating, “I remember Prince Charles, he was then Prince Charles, asked me if I was in the originals. I was like, No, I’m 18! But he was very friendly.”
The 'Star Wars' premiere in London marked a pivotal moment in Portman's career, propelling her into stardom with her portrayal of Padmé Amidala.
Despite being born after the release of the original trilogy, Portman's character played a crucial role in the franchise, giving birth to iconic characters Luke and Leia Skywalker.
While reflecting on her 'Star Wars' journey, Portman expressed her openness to returning to the galaxy far, far away. She described the experience of working on such a massive production as a teenager, highlighting the challenges of adapting to digital filmmaking and green screen technology.
“It was the first time I worked digitally. I don’t think anyone was shooting that way then, It was my first time working with a green screen. It was a whole new set of skills to pick up and a whole new world to enter,” she said.
Awkward Offer from Taika Waititi
As the 'Star Wars' saga continues under the direction of Taika Waititi, who is set to lead the next film, Portman shared a humorous encounter with the director.
Waititi, unaware that Portman had already been part of the 'Star Wars' universe, awkwardly invited her to join the upcoming project.
Portman revealed on GQ magazine last year: “He says he did [forget] because he asked me if I wanted to be in a Star Wars movie, and I was like, I was. 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.”
Natalie Portman's journey in the 'Star Wars' universe remains a fascinating chapter in Hollywood history, blending the realms of royalty and galactic adventure.
