After facing harsh criticism for her role in the Star Wars prequels, Natalie Portman stepped away from acting for a time, as Hollywood showed little faith in her abilities and her talent was called into question by critics.
Debuting in 1999, The Phantom Menace aimed to recapture the magic of the Star Wars universe for long time fans who had waited nearly two decades. However, the film fell short of expectations, and its two sequels also faced difficulty in gaining widespread audience approval.
Natalie Portman, who portrayed Padmé Amidala, found herself under a harsh spotlight, juggling the demands of a massive franchise while enduring pointed critiques of her performance.
Despite being the trilogy’s leading female figure, Natalie Portman still faced a significant amount of backlash.
When the actress was just 16, she faced a wave of criticism that even proved overwhelming, especially as her acting was frequently called into question.
Rather than push forward under the pressure, she took a deliberate break from the spotlight, using the time to regroup and thoughtfully plan her path forward in the film industry.
How Natalie Portman Dealt with Criticism After Star Wars
After the Star Wars prequels debuted, Natalie Portman found herself at the center of intense public criticism. In an honest conversation with Empire magazine, she reflected on how deeply the negativity had affected her emotionally.
“It was quite tough because there was such high excitement for the new films, and then seeing people disappointed was really hard,” she admitted.
Portman, however, didn’t point fingers at the filmmakers or the audience. She understood that with such immense expectations, meeting everyone’s approval was virtually impossible.
“It looked quite challenging,” she admitted, reflecting on how hard it was at such a young age. “When something is built up to such extremes, it almost always falls short of expectations.” And fall short it did, critics pounced on everything from the performances to the special effects and the plot.
Well, it’s definitely the case! While the prequels were initially met with disappointment by many fans, a new generation of Star Wars followers is starting to appreciate their distinct worth.
Thanks to nostalgia, the meme culture, or a shift in how they’re viewed, the prequels have developed a devoted fanbase. While opinions on newer films like The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi remain split, the prequels are increasingly being appreciated by fans who now have a renewed perspective on them.
While Portman faced intense criticism at the time, her career has since flourished. From her exceptional role in Léon: The Professional, she proved her remarkable talent.
From her breakout role in Léon: The Professional to securing an Academy Award for Black Swan, Portman proved that the prequels didn’t dictate her path. Her legacy now stands far greater than any of the harsh criticism she faced in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
The Hollywood Setback Natalie Portman Experienced After Star Wars
Despite the Star Wars prequels bringing in huge box office earnings, Natalie Portman faced an unexpected setback.
Although she was part of one of the most financially successful franchises ever, Portman found herself turned away by Hollywood. “People saw me as a horrible actress,” she told New York Magazine. “I was in the top-grossing film of the decade, yet no director wanted to cast me.”
Instead of recognizing Portman’s abilities, Hollywood fixated on the criticism surrounding Star Wars, including the stilted dialogue and lacklustre performances.
Consequently, Portman’s portrayal of Padmé Amidala became a focal point for the criticism. Despite her worldwide recognition, directors hesitated to cast her in more substantial roles, questioning her ability to carry a film without the Star Wars franchise’s support.
After earning critical recognition for Léon: The Professional and building momentum in her career, the setback hit Portman hard. The very film that had launched her into stardom seemed to be limiting her next steps.
In time, her persistence paid off, and she soon earned key roles that proved her critics wrong. However, Hollywood took a while to truly recognize her skill.
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Manoj Patel is a senior video journalist who has a degree in Mass Communication. He has a rich experience in editing videos and writing stories on different platforms.
