Natalie Portman Was Rejected by Hollywood After Star Wars—Here’s How She Proved Everyone Wrong

Natalie Portman is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, known for her versatility, intelligence, and ability to fully embody a range of complex characters. However, despite her early success, she once found herself in an unexpected career slump after starring as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

In a candid revelation, Portman admitted that after appearing in the iconic sci-fi franchise, no directors wanted to work with her, as many in the industry believed she was a “horrible actress.” This period of professional struggle nearly derailed her career. However, thanks to her perseverance, talent, and a helping hand from legendary director Mike Nichols, Portman ultimately rose above the criticism.

Since then, she has earned four Academy Award nominations and won Best Actress for Black Swan (2010), proving her critics wrong. Here’s a look at her journey from rejection to Hollywood’s elite.

From Rising Star to Career Standstill

Early Promise and Star Wars Success

Natalie Portman made a name for herself early in her career with standout performances in Léon: The Professional (1994) and Beautiful Girls (1996). By the time she was cast as Queen Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), she had already been recognized as one of the most promising young talents in Hollywood.

The Star Wars prequel trilogy, directed by George Lucas, was among the most highly anticipated releases of its time. Although the films were box office hits, they received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Many viewers criticized the dialogue and performances, and unfortunately, Portman found herself caught in the crossfire.

In an interview, she later revealed:

“Everyone thought I was a horrible actress. I was in the biggest-grossing movie of the decade, and no director wanted to work with me.”

Struggling to Find Work

Despite the global success of Star Wars, Portman’s career suffered. The industry largely dismissed her performance, and directors hesitated to cast her in serious roles. Hollywood’s perception of her had shifted, and she found herself struggling to find meaningful work.

“Star Wars* had come out… and everyone thought I was a horrible actress.”*

For a young actress who had already proven her talent, this was a major setback. The very project that had made her a household name was now preventing her from progressing in the industry.

A Lifeline from Mike Nichols

Just as Portman’s career seemed to stall, she found an unexpected ally in the late Mike Nichols, a highly respected filmmaker known for classics like The Graduate (1967) and Closer (2004). Nichols recognized her talent and personally vouched for her, writing to fellow directors to recommend her.

*“Mike wrote a letter to Anthony Minghella and said, ‘Put her in *Cold Mountain, I vouch for her.’”

Nichols’ endorsement led to Portman securing a role in Cold Mountain (2003), alongside Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. This small but impactful role helped reestablish her credibility as a serious actress.

She then went on to star in Closer (2004), a drama about complex romantic relationships. The film was a critical success, and Portman’s performance as a troubled young woman earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Winning an Oscar and Cementing Her Status

The Black Swan Transformation

Though Closer put Portman back on the map, it was her role in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Black Swan (2010) that truly transformed her career.

Portman played Nina Sayers, a dedicated but fragile ballerina whose pursuit of perfection leads her into a psychological breakdown. The role demanded intense physical and emotional preparation, including months of ballet training. The result was a stunning, haunting performance that left audiences and critics in awe.

Her work in Black Swan earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, proving beyond doubt that she was an exceptional talent. The win was not just a personal achievement but also a public rebuttal to those who had doubted her abilities after Star Wars.

Continued Success and More Oscar Nominations

Following her Oscar win, Portman continued to take on diverse roles, earning more Academy Award nominations:

• Jackie (2016) – She portrayed former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, a performance that was widely praised and earned her another Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
• Vox Lux (2018) – Playing a troubled pop star, Portman again showcased her range in an unconventional role.
• May December (2023) – Another critically acclaimed performance that demonstrated her ongoing evolution as an actress.

Reflections on Her Journey

Looking back, Portman’s story serves as a testament to resilience in Hollywood. Despite being overlooked and underestimated, she remained dedicated to her craft. With the support of influential figures like Mike Nichols and her own unwavering determination, she turned her career around and proved her critics wrong.

Her journey also highlights a recurring issue in Hollywood: the tendency to typecast actors based on one project. If not for Nichols’ intervention, Portman’s career could have taken a very different trajectory.

Today, she stands as one of the most respected actresses of her generation, balancing blockbuster roles (Thor, Annihilation) with critically acclaimed performances (Jackie, May December).

Her story is an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere: setbacks are temporary, but talent and persistence endure.

A Career Defined by Perseverance

From being dismissed as a “horrible actress” after Star Wars to becoming an Oscar-winning star, Natalie Portman’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to rise above industry skepticism and redefine her career is a powerful example of resilience.

Now, with over two decades in Hollywood, she continues to choose bold, challenging roles that defy expectations. And as history has shown, whenever she is doubted, she finds a way to prove everyone wrong.

For a visual recap of her Oscar-winning moment, you can watch: