Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen talk about the Star Wars prequel 25 Later

Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen admit it was a dream come true to star in the Star Wars prequels, but there were also concerns about their roles.

The actors, who portray future star fans Padme / Queen Amidala and Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader, reveal what it means to take on the iconic parts for them in an interview with Empire magazine.

The publication released two different covers to accompany the 25th anniversary edition of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Both will be released on February 15.

For 42-year-old Natalie, her biggest concern is how the role will affect her future.

‘I was afraid to do it, that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else after that, because the series brings such legends to American life. But that’s exactly what made it such an incredible time,’ he told the publication.

In the end, ‘This is what connected my work from childhood to adulthood.’

The actor, who will win the Oscar for best actor for Black Swan in 2010, said that his childhood experience helped him prepare for his character.

‘When I was in Japan doing a magazine for Léon when I was 13, I had the opportunity to see a Kabuki theater. When I saw the design of the dress, hair and make-up for Queen Amidala, I immediately thought of it,’ she explained.

‘I tried to use some of the way I watched the actors move their eyes, the way they moved their bodies slowly and gracefully, as inspiration for the role.’

Hayden Christensen, 42, beat out tough competition to win the role of Anakin Skywalker, the young Jedi who will turn to the dark side of The Force.

The Canadian actor joined the franchise in 2002’s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

‘The extent of the freedom – the extent of it all – was amazing to me,’ he recalls.

‘Obviously it was a bit scary, but there is a saying: “pressure is a virtue”. I felt very lucky to have it.’

The young actor relished the opportunity to watch Anakin’s journey from light to dark.

‘I’m really glad I was able to portray George’s (Lucas) portrayal of how people go from good to bad.’

Looking back on the impact the role has had on her career, the actress said: ‘It was something special… I think if I had any advice for myself during this time, in my life, it would be this: “Patience..”‘

‘My journey with the actor and with Star Wars has, at times, been very difficult… And that’s why I say “patience.”

Patience, or the lack of it, may be the reason Liam Neeson, 71, who portrayed Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace, was happy to kill his character.

‘It’s a calling. I was happy and excited to be a part of George’s epic story, but I wasn’t keen on signing up for two or three sequels,’ she explained.

Working with Liam was a joy for 52-year-old Ewan McGregor, who played the role of young Obi-Wan Kenobi.

‘I really like Liam. He’s such a generous and lovely man – it’s very easy to play him, because he was with me at the time, and I was with him.’

The character sat down again in the series Disney + 2022 Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The two longtime actors were furious at the backlash against Jar Jar Binks, who were particularly fond of Ahmed Best, 50, who played the controversial character.

‘Ahmad is funny and creative. Myself and Ewan were hurt and offended by the criticism of the character,’ the actor explained.

Ian McDiarmid, 79, who began his Star Wars career in 1999 as Senator Palpatine and returned to the franchise to play Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, is happy with the legacy of his character.

‘The thing that really pleased me… is that every villain in the entire Star Wars franchise is directly or indirectly based on this character.’ he said.

‘It’s totally badass, and it’s as satisfying as an arc. I feel lucky to have been able to do that — and other villains in cinema have to compete with that.’