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Natalie Portman reflects on the negative reception to the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy

May 19, 2019 by Gary Collinson

Exactly 20 years ago today, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace arrived in theaters, simultaneously introducing a new generation to the galaxy far, far away whilst leaving another with a range of feelings, stretching from mild disappointment through to a level of anger and vitriol the likes of which wouldn’t be seen again until 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Speaking to Empire Magazine to mark the anniversary, actress Natalie Portman – who portrayed the character of Queen (later Senator) Padme Amidala in the Prequels – has reflected on the mixed reception to Episode I and its follow-ups Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

“It was hard,” said Portman. “It was a bummer because it felt like people were so excited about new ones and then to have people feel disappointed. Also to be at an age that I didn’t really understand that’s kind of the nature of the beast. When something has that much anticipation it can almost only disappoint. With the perspective of time, it’s been re-evaluated by a lot of people who actually really love them now. There’s a very avid group of people who think they’re the best ones now! I don’t have enough perspective to weigh in.”

SEE ALSO: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

So, with the benefit of twenty years to digest it (and a Sequel Trilogy and a pair of spinoffs courtesy of Disney), what do you make of The Phantom Menace, and the Prequels as a whole? Have they been unfairly criticised, or has it been warranted? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @FlickeringMyth…

Filed Under: Gary Collinson, Movies, News Tagged With: Natalie Portman, Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

About Gary Collinson

Gary Collinson is a film, TV and digital content producer and writer, who is the founder of the pop culture website Flickering Myth and producer of the gothic horror feature film 'The Baby in the Basket' and the upcoming suspense thriller 'Death Among the Pines'.

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