Is Natalie Portman Coming Back? My Top Padmé Theory Could Introduce an Unprecedented Villain to Star Wars

Rumors suggest Natalie Portman may return as Padmé Amidala in Ahsoka season 2. The show hints at a deeper narrative involving the Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll and the ancient Mortis gods, leading to speculation that Portman could portray a unique version of Padmé linked to Abeloth, a chaotic villain from Star Wars Legends. Abeloth, an embodiment of chaos and entropy, may symbolize a threat that unites the light and dark sides of the Force. This potential return could enrich the storyline while paying homage to Padmé’s legacy, aligning with Lucasfilm’s trend of reintroducing beloved legacy characters. Ahsoka season 2 is expected in 2026.

One of my favorite theories regarding Natalie Portman’s possible return as Padmé Amidala could provide us with an experience unlike any in the Star Wars canon to date. Although nothing has been officially announced, rumors have emerged suggesting that Portman might be in preliminary discussions for a role in Ahsoka season 2. I genuinely believe that the most intriguing way for her to return would be as Padmé…and potentially much more.

In the 2023 series Ahsoka, the Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll is summoned by an enigmatic presence promising power, possibly as a way to disrupt the eternal struggle between light and dark that has left him disillusioned. One of Ahsoka’s concluding scenes features Baylan on the ancient planet of Peridea, positioned among statues depicting the Mortis gods—cosmic entities within the Force known as the Father, Son, and Daughter. This has spurred various theories about what fans might witness in Ahsoka season 2, especially my preferred speculation regarding Natalie Portman’s return as Padmé (in a unique way).

Natalie Portman is Rumored To Return in Ahsoka Season 2

Following Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen’s Recent Star Wars Returns

Custom image by Simone Ashmoore

Rumors circulating about Natalie Portman’s potential return to Star Wars come as no shock. In recent years, both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen have reprised their roles as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in the Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka series on Disney+. It’s logical that Lucasfilm would seek a way to reunite Portman with the franchise, following the trend of reintroducing legacy characters from the prequels.

In Ahsoka, Anakin appears as a Force ghost, through holograms, and flashbacks to his time with Ahsoka Tano during the Clone Wars. Moreover, many of Ahsoka’s significant exchanges with her former master occur within the Force nexus known as the World Between Worlds, existing outside temporal boundaries. Hence, there are numerous possibilities for Portman to reprise her role despite her character’s demise at the close of Revenge of the Sith. However, the most fascinating theory could involve Padmé returning in a wholly unprecedented manner.

The Best Padmé Return Theory Involves Abeloth, A Major Legends Villain

A Being Of Death and Entropy

The unexpected appearance of the Mortis gods’ statues at the conclusion of Ahsoka season 1 has ignited hope among Star Wars fans acquainted with older non-canon Legends narratives for the reintroduction of Abeloth, a chaotic cosmic entity symbolizing death and ultimate entropy. Initially a mortal woman who became part of the Mortis gods’ family as the Mother, she was driven by the fear of aging and death while her family remained immortal. This desperation led her to drink from the forbidden Font of Power and immerse herself in the Pool of Knowledge, transforming her into the immortal Star Wars antagonist known as Abeloth.

Palpatine With Bail Organa, Mon Motham, and Padme Funeral Background Custom Star Wars Image

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The Daughter and Son (representing the light and dark sides of the Force) had to unite to imprison their former Mother, lest she annihilate the universe. Subsequently, the Mortis gods’ narrative arc in the Clone Wars series and their diminishing influence led to Abeloth’s liberation during the New Republic Era in Legends novels. Fans are now hopeful that elements of Abeloth’s saga will be reinstated as canon in Ahsoka season 2, particularly due to Baylan’s ongoing mission.

“Abeloth represents chaos, entropy, and the end of everything, which could bring the light and dark sides of the Force together to stop her in the canon…”

Considering the related theory that Anakin’s Force ghost might have transformed into the new Father maintaining balance in the living Force, my favorite speculation posits that Abeloth is the one beckoning Baylan, and the role of the former Mother could be portrayed by Natalie Portman. After all, Abeloth was known to be a shapeshifter in Legends. This implies that Abeloth could easily alter her appearance to resemble Padmé as a way to torment Anakin (and Ahsoka as well).

Why Portman’s Return As A Villain Is So Smart For The Star Wars Franchise

Looking Forward While Honoring The Past

If the theory connecting Padmé and Abeloth holds true, it would create a narrative that honors the past while also innovating forward with a villain the franchise has NEVER seen before. Abeloth is not a conventional dark-side character; she embodies chaos, entropy, and the ultimate inability to escape. This could catalyze a unification of the light and dark sides of the Force to contend with her threat. It’s an exhilarating notion that Star Wars enthusiasts will undoubtedly want to delve into, and the brilliance lies in reintroducing a cherished actor from the iconic prequels.

Ahsoka season 2 is projected to premiere in 2026 on Disney+.