The entertainment world offered a diverse range of stories this week, from potential returns to beloved franchises to personal anecdotes from established stars and expressions of solidarity with communities facing hardship. Natalie Portman, a mainstay of both independent cinema and blockbuster franchises, hinted at a possible return to the Star Wars universe, while also revealing a playful story about a souvenir taken from set.
Portman, who portrayed Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, indicated she would be open to reprising her role. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, she stated, “Listen, nobody’s asked me, but I’m open to everything. Life’s only fun if you’re open to every possibility.” This comes as her former co-star, Hayden Christensen, has already returned to the franchise in recent Disney+ series Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Portman’s character, Padmé, died giving birth to Luke and Leia Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, but the possibilities within the expansive Star Wars galaxy remain open.
Beyond potential future roles, Portman shared a lighthearted story about a memento she attempted to take from the set of the prequel films. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she confessed to stealing a locket containing a braid of Anakin Skywalker’s hair – a clip-on extension worn by Christensen. “It’s quite iconic,” Portman said, “The only problem is I lost it. I don’t know where This proves now. I stole it and lost it.” Christensen himself admitted to taking similar souvenirs, including some of Padmé’s braids and even attempting to smuggle a lightsaber out of Australia disguised as a didgeridoo.
Elsewhere, actor Michael Douglas announced the upcoming release of his autobiography, a project he has been working on for the past six months with author Mike Fleming Jr. Douglas revealed the news on Instagram, stating, “There is so much to tell, and the writing process has brought up many memories.” The biography is scheduled for publication on .
On a more somber note, actors Debra Messing and David Schwimmer, along with comedian Amy Schumer, are set to participate in a literary and musical benefit event in support of the rebuilding of Kibbutz Be’eri in Southern Israel. The kibbutz was attacked by terrorists on . The event, titled “Letters, Light and Love,” will be held at Carnegie Hall in New York City and will feature readings and performances centered around Jewish history, identity, and resilience. The aim is to provide a human and emotional narrative surrounding the events and the ongoing recovery efforts.
In other news, Austrian skier Avital Carroll shared the story of how she came to represent Austria in the Winter Olympics. In an interview with the Austrian team’s Instagram channel, Carroll explained that her grandmother, Elfie, fled Italy for the United States during World War II to escape the Nazis and subsequently took up skiing. This passion for the sport was then passed down through generations of the family. Carroll, a New York native who received Austrian citizenship in , continues this family tradition.
Finally, Estonian musician Este Haim expressed her desire to compose film scores for director George Jaques. Speaking at a press conference for the film Sunny Dancer, Haim stated that while she enjoys making music with her sisters, collaborating with Jaques has been a particularly rewarding experience. Sunny Dancer follows the story of 17-year-old Ivy, who experiences a transformative summer at a rehabilitation camp after overcoming cancer.
These diverse stories highlight the multifaceted nature of the entertainment industry, encompassing both personal reflections and expressions of support for global communities. From the potential continuation of iconic cinematic narratives to acts of solidarity in the face of tragedy, the past week has offered a glimpse into the lives and concerns of those who shape our cultural landscape.
