Here’s an unconventional thought: Padmé Amidala arguably stands as a pivotal figure throughout the entire Star Wars narrative. From her reign as Queen of Naboo to her senatorial role on Coruscant, she actively contributed to the nascent Rebel Alliance alongside Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. Her marriage to Anakin Skywalker, though contributing to his descent into Darth Vader, also resulted in the births of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, key players in the Galactic Empire’s downfall.
Considering her widespread influence on the Star Wars universe, it’s easy to understand why some dedicated fans are wondering if Natalie Portman, who portrayed Padmé in the prequel films, might reappear in the franchise. Portman has stated that she would welcome such an opportunity, and more Padmé is an exciting prospect. In the prequel trilogy, her potential was noticeably underutilized. However, Padmé receives ample development in the animated series, *Star Wars: The Clone Wars*, and even features in her own series of novels penned by E.K. Johnston, a celebrated author. So, what more could one ask for?
Instead, consider an alternative: Natalie Portman taking on the role of Sabé.
<div class="body-img landscape ">
<div class="responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item" style="padding-bottom:66.566666666667%" data-img-url="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/star-wars-sabe-phantom-menace.jpg" data-modal-id="single-image-modal" data-modal-container-id="single-image-modal-container" data-img-caption=""Image: Lucasfilm"">
<figure>
<picture>
<source media="(max-width: 480px)" data- />
<source media="(max-width: 767px)" data- />
<source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data- />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="An image of Sabe (Keira Knightley) from Star Wars: Phantom Menace. She wears white make up and a traditional headpiece." data-img-url="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/star-wars-sabe-phantom-menace.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2" src="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/star-wars-sabe-phantom-menace.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2"/>
</picture>
<small class="body-img-caption">Image: Lucasfilm</small>
</figure>
</div>
</div>If you haven’t engaged with the Padmé book trilogy, or are not deeply familiar with secondary *Star Wars* characters, or have not read *Darth Vader* comic storylines, you could be forgiven if you’re unfamiliar with the character of Sabé. This is unfortunate, because Sabé has a strong case as one of the most fascinating figures within the Star Wars galaxy, and is a key player in both Padmé’s and Darth Vader’s narratives.
Let’s review her origins: Sabé, who first appeared in *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace* (1999), was portrayed by Keira Knightley. She served as one of Padmé’s handmaidens during her reign as queen of Naboo. Padmé was accompanied by a group of four other handmaidens who functioned as both decoys and advisors; in exchange, Padmé taught them essential skills. Over time, these handmaidens developed genuine friendships with Padmé. However, Sabé distinguished herself as Padmé’s most trusted confidante, even after Padmé relinquished her crown to become a senator. A defining trait of the handmaidens was their resemblance to Padmé. Sabé bore the most striking similarity, making her the ideal candidate for Portman’s Star Wars return.
Sabé’s connection to Padmé goes beyond friendship; she possesses an intense devotion, willing to risk all – even personal relationships – for Padmé’s sake. If your current romantic situation feels complex, Sabé’s is far more so. A defining moment between the two occurs in the novel *Queen’s Peril*. Here, Sabé expresses her preference to be second to Padmé rather than first to anyone else. This bond, born out of Sabé’s unwavering willingness to self-sacrifice, and Padmé’s awareness that she could, if necessary, ask for such a sacrifice, creates a compelling, although not necessarily healthy, dynamic.
<div class="body-img landscape ">
<div class="responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item" style="padding-bottom:66.566666666667%" data-img-url="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/star-wars-sabe-tsabin.jpg" data-modal-id="single-image-modal" data-modal-container-id="single-image-modal-container" data-img-caption=""Image: Marvel\/Paul Renaud"">
<figure>
<picture>
<source media="(max-width: 480px)" data- />
<source media="(max-width: 767px)" data- />
<source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data- />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="A screenshot of the Darth Vader's (2020) comic featuring Darth Vader with Sabe, dressed in a white outfit with a rifle, standing in front of him." data-img-url="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/star-wars-sabe-tsabin.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2" src="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/star-wars-sabe-tsabin.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2"/>
</picture>
<small class="body-img-caption">Image: Marvel/Paul Renaud</small>
</figure>
</div>
</div>This strong loyalty makes Sabé a compelling character in her own right. If Portman were to return, it would be preferable to see her assume a role where she retains Padmé’s likeness, the character she originally portrayed, but with a markedly distinct physical presence. Such a premise would be an intriguing challenge, one that Portman is well-equipped to tackle. Portman’s compelling performance as a character who sacrifices everything – her own personality and relationships – to achieve success in *Black Swan* (2010), captures the essence of Sabé. Her performance as Jane Foster in the Thor movies also provides opportunities to showcase moments of grief and trauma related to cancer. Portman excels in handling complex emotions.
Fortunately, in contrast to Padmé, Sabé’s narrative offers considerable unexplored territory. Her post-prequel adventures are touched upon in the *Darth Vader* (2020) comic series, where she becomes fixated on discovering the identity of Padmé’s killer. She is instrumental in forming the Amidalans, a group consisting of Naboo personnel and former handmaidens who fight in Padmé’s honor. Eventually, Sabé confronts Vader, revealing his true identity as Anakin Skywalker. Initially driven by vengeance, she then seeks to guide him back toward the light, believing this is what Padmé would have wanted. This endeavor meets with limited success, but Sabé remains alive between the events of *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*.
<div class="body-img portrait ">
<div class="responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item-portrait" style="padding-bottom:151.53906866614%" data-img-url="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tumblr_29500c080723391d6bc561c5f3e2b415_ede84102_1280.jpg" data-modal-id="single-image-modal" data-modal-container-id="single-image-modal-container" data-img-caption=""Image: Marvel\/Raffaele Ienco"">
<figure>
<picture>
<source media="(max-width: 480px)" data- />
<source media="(max-width: 767px)" data- />
<source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data- />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="The Amidalans unite against Darth Vader in a Star Wars comic" data-img-url="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tumblr_29500c080723391d6bc561c5f3e2b415_ede84102_1280.jpg?q=70&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1" src="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tumblr_29500c080723391d6bc561c5f3e2b415_ede84102_1280.jpg?q=70&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1"/>
</picture>
<small class="body-img-caption">Image: Marvel/Raffaele Ienco</small>
</figure>
</div>
</div>What might Sabé be like during that era? Alternatively, how would she be portrayed in the New Republic timeline? Vader is dead, as is Padmé. How would Sabé move forward, or would she finally be allowed to live for herself?
Disney and Lucasfilm have the opportunity to explore much with Sabé, and casting Portman would achieve many goals. Portman would get to return to the franchise, and fans of Padmé (especially those who haven’t experienced her trilogy or the animated series) would find enjoyment in a story that follows one of Padmé’s closest friends who also bears her likeness.
Will this become a reality? It’s unlikely, especially considering Disney’s reported strategy shift toward targeting Gen-Z male audiences, coupled with the unfortunate Star Wars tendency to limit the number of leading female characters in projects.
However, never say never. After all, few anticipated a prequel centered around Cassian Andor.