The Untold Legacy of Padmé Amidala: Star Wars' Best Kept Secret
Discover Padmé's untold story in Star Wars as her role in the rebellion is explored and her legacy finally honored Don't miss out on the exciting journey to Naboo in Andor Season 2, as the truth about Padmé's rebel legacy is unveiled
Star Wars now has the opportunity to honor Padmé Amidala by reclaiming the rebel legacy that was removed from the prequels by George Lucas. Unfortunately, Natalie Portman's portrayal of Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars sequel trilogy has faced significant criticism. Despite being introduced as a strong and influential character, Padmé gradually lost her agency throughout the prequels. This was particularly evident in her death scene in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, where she simply perished due to a broken heart.
In recent years, Lucasfilm has worked diligently to rectify the flaws in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and author E.K. Johnson has contributed with a series of novels that shed light on Padmé's story. These novels have successfully reinstated Padmé's agency by showcasing her unwavering political beliefs and highlighting her resilience and determination. Now, Star Wars has the opportunity to establish Padmé's true significance by showcasing her crucial role in the early Rebel Alliance.
Padme's Role In The Rebellion Explained
George Lucas decided to remove a significant scene from Revenge of the Sith that showcased the birth of the rebellion. In this scene, Republic senators began organizing themselves against Palpatine just before the Empire's emergence. Lucas made this decision to focus more on Anakin's fall, but he later expressed regret in interviews. The senator scene was crucial as it highlighted Padmé's role in establishing the rebels' strategy, which involved initially submitting to Palpatine while secretly organizing.
This scene was incorporated in Matt Stover's novelization of Revenge of the Sith and has been referenced in various parts of the Star Wars canon. The funeral of Padmé, briefly shown in the movie's final moments, has also been rewritten as a significant hub of rebellion. According to Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Ahsoka Tano covertly attended the funeral and had a clandestine meeting with Senator Bail Organa. Additionally, many of Padmé's closest friends, including her former handmaidens, formed a rebel group named the Amidalans in homage to Padmé.
Evidence Is Building That Andor Season 2 Will Head To Naboo
There is evidence suggesting that Andor season 2 will return to Naboo, Padmé's homeworld. Reports have been consistent for months that filming will occur at Hever Castle in England, previously used in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Recent reports indicate that filming has indeed started at Hever Castle, with a security guard confirming that it is for filming Naboo scenes in Andor. This would mark the first proper return to Naboo in the Star Wars franchise since the prequels. It's worth noting that Andor season 1 already hinted at this, with references to Naboo and Naboo artifacts in Luthen Rael's antiques shop. There has even been speculation that Luthen's assistant, Kleya, could have a connection to Padmé, possibly being an Amidalan who has joined the rebel cell on Coruscant, potentially a former handmaiden.
Andor Season 2 Can Finally Explore Padmé's Rebel Legacy
Andor season 2 has the potential to focus on Padmé's legacy of rebellion. While season 1 delved into the early days of the rebellion, with independent cells operating, season 2 will explore the time of the Rebel Alliance itself. Notable leaders like Luthen Rael and Mon Mothma will undoubtedly attempt to unite the scattered rebel groups, and it's conceivable that they may consider involving the Amidalans. The significance of this group is twofold, as Naboo, their home planet, held meaning for both Padmé and Palpatine. It would be a significant achievement for the Rebel Alliance to incorporate a cell operating on Palpatine's own homeworld.
During the Empire's Dark Times, Naboo held a place of importance due to its connection to Palpatine. This makes Naboo an ideal location for the Rebel Alliance leaders to hold clandestine meetings before relocating to Yavin 4, as it would be unexpected. It would be a wise move for Star Wars to explore this narrative, as it would contribute to developing Padmé's neglected legacy and rectify the omission made by George Lucas in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
