One popularAhsokaseason 2 theory that’s recently been circulating suggests Natalie Portman could be reprising her role asPadmé AmidalainStar Wars, but not in the way one might expect. One of theStar Wars Celebration 2025 revealswas the news thatAhsokaseason 2 was set to begin filming (and it since has), althoughdetails aboutAhsokaseason 2have been fairly sparse. We do know thatHayden Christensen is returning inAhsokaseason 2, yet, in terms of story details, there’s still been very little shared.
TheAhsokaseason 1 endingdid drop some major hints regarding what could be coming, but during the same interview announcing that filming was about to begin, Dave Filoni shared that the script was still changing at that stage. Perhaps because of the mystery surrounding the upcoming second season of the show, theories have been shared widely online. One of them, specifically regarding Natalie Portman, suggests thatthe Padmé Amidala actress could be returning toStar WarsinAhsokaseason 2, and it would be a truly shocking role.
Star Wars Fans Are Convinced Ahsoka Season 2 Will Feature A Classic Legends Villain
One Of Legends' Scariest Villains Could Be Entering Canon In Ahsoka Season 2
One of the most intriguing parts ofAhsokaseason 1 was the revelation that Baylan Skoll is on Peridea, evidently seeking information onthe Mortis Gods. This trio of Gods—the Father, the Son, and the Daughter—was introduced inStar Wars: The Clone Warsas embodiments of the Force itself. Specifically, the Son represents the dark side of the Force, the Daughter represents the light, and the Father embodies balance. While these characters therefore have great significance, it was nevertheless shocking to see them inAhsoka, particularly because all three died at the end of theirClone Warsarc.
The return of these gods has been the source of many theories forAhsokaseason 2 and beyond, such as the theory that Anakin Skywalker (as a Force Ghost), Ahsoka Tano, and Baylan Skoll could take the place of the Father, the Daughter, and the Son, therebyrecreating the Mortis Gods. This is a convincing theory, especially considering the Daughter saved Ahsoka’s life inThe Clone Warsby having Anakin transfer her remaining life essence into Ahsoka, andthe Daughter’s convor, Morai, has followed Ahsoka since.
Yet, an equally thrilling theory is the notion thatone ofStar WarsLegends' most terrifying villains, Abeloth, could be coming inAhsokaseason 2. Abeloth is related to the Mortis Gods, and she is even referred to as the Mother in Legends, but she’s rather different from the Daughter, the Son, and the Father. Specifically, Abeloth was not originally a god. She was afraid of being separated from her family in death (as they were immortal, and she wasn’t), so she bathed in the Font of Power and the Pool of Knowledge.
Unfortunately, this twisted her to evil, and the Mortis Gods ultimately needed to lock her away. The Mother/Abeloth was not mentioned inThe Clone Wars, and she has yet to be seen inStar Warscanon. Yet,Ahsokaseason 2 seems like an obvious place forStar Warsto provide such an introduction. In fact,many have even speculated that the place in which Abeloth is locked up could be Peridea itself, which would be the perfect setup forAhsokaseason 2. This possibility is precisely where the theory regarding Natalie Portman’s return stems from.
Natalie Portman Is A Popular Casting Choice For Abeloth
She Certainly Has The Acting Chops To Play A Villain Like This
Although some theories suggest Shin Hati could become Abeloth, another theory is thatNatalie Portman could return inAhsokaseason 2 as Abeloth. While this may not seem like the return of Padmé, it could be a haunting choice that would, technically, bring Portman back as Padmé. That is, it’s conceivable that, if Abeloth were to appear inAhsokaseason 2, she would want to take the form of someone Ahsoka and Anakin would recognize. Who better to appear as than the mother figure Ahsoka once had and Anakin’s wife, who effectively died by his hands?
Who better to appear as than the mother figure Ahsoka once had and Anakin’s wife, who effectively died by his hands?
This would be a brilliant way to bring Portman back toStar Wars, and it would arguably be one of the most logical ways to do so. Padmé was not Force-sensitive, and she certainly wasn’t a Jedi, so it wouldn’t be possible for her to become a Force Ghost. She could appear inAhsokaseason 2 or otherStar Warsprojects in flashback or as a memory, such as what happened with Han Solo inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, butthis would be a much more inventive, compelling way for Portman to return.
Portman is also surely up to the challenge of transitioning to the role of a villain in this franchise. Portman is known for her heroic roles, including Padmé,but also characters like Jane Foster/Mighty Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, she has more than proven her considerable acting talent since she appeared inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, and movies likeBlack Swanprove Portman can play darker complex characters beautifully. All of this suggests Portman would be brilliant for the role of Abeloth, and her recent comments shockingly suggest she would be game.
Portman Is Actually Game To Return To Star Wars
Natalie Portman Has Recently Expressed Interest, Which Is A Notable Shift
Although Portman has always been positive about herStar Warsexperience, it long seemed unlikely she would return to the franchise. This was in part due to the negative reception of the prequel trilogy when the movies were released, which had nothing to do with Portman but was no doubt difficult to deal with all the same. Yet, questions arose about Portman’s potential return once Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reprised their roles.Obi-Wan KenobiandAhsokaseason 1 came and went without any appearance from Padmé, butPortman has surprisingly expressed interest in returning multiple times recently.
In fact,Natalie Portman confirmed she’s open to returningtoStar Warsrather directly, sharing that,“Life’s only fun if you’re open to every possibility.“Earlier this year, Portman also joked that she’d love to see Padmé come back with a lightsaber, although in the latter interview, she seemed less serious about that concept. In either case, Portman has discussed a possible return several times of late, all of which has me officially convinced that she really could appear as Abeloth inAhsokaseason 2.
Lucasfilm Desperately Needs To Bring Natalie Portman Back
This Would Be The Perfect Return For Portman
No decision will ever be 100% celebrated inStar Wars—that’s just not the nature of the fanbase. Inevitably, ifStar Warswere to bring Portman back inAhsokaseason 2 or otherwise, there would be some who would push back against this choice. In all likelihood, this would fall along the lines of believing the franchise needs to ‘move on’ from the prequels andthe Skywalker familyin general. While there’s some validity to that, as shows likeAndorprove there’s plenty more forStar Warsto explore, they don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
Star Warscan bring new stories to the screen while also offering some connections to the prequels and the Skywalkers. Given Padmé is the final major prequel trilogy hero yet to return to theStar Warsscreen in live-action, I am firmly in favor ofStar Warsbringing her back. I also agree with those who believe bringing Portman back as Abeloth would be a perfect use of the character. With Natalie Portman evidently on board andAhsokaseason 2 setting up the Mortis Gods' return, bringing Abeloth to theStar Warsscreen looking likePadmé Amidalawould be brilliant.
