<P> George Lucas , Rick McCallum , and casting director Robin Gurland auditioned over 200 actresses for the part of Padmé Amidala . They chose 16 - year - old actress Natalie Portman to play the role . According to The Phantom Menace production notes , `` The role required a young woman who could be believable as the ruler of that planet , but at the same time be vulnerable and open . '' Portman 's performances in The Professional ( 1994 ) and Beautiful Girls ( 1996 ) impressed Lucas . He stated , `` I was looking for someone who was young , strong , along the lines of Leia . Natalie embodied all those traits and more . '' </P>
<P> George Lucas , Rick McCallum , and casting director Robin Gurland auditioned over 200 actresses for the part of Padmé Amidala . They chose 16 - year - old actress Natalie Portman to play the role . According to The Phantom Menace production notes , `` The role required a young woman who could be believable as the ruler of that planet , but at the same time be vulnerable and open . '' Portman 's performances in The Professional ( 1994 ) and Beautiful Girls ( 1996 ) impressed Lucas . He stated , `` I was looking for someone who was young , strong , along the lines of Leia . Natalie embodied all those traits and more . '' </P>
who played padme in star wars the phantom menace
who played padme in star wars the phantom menace
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman