Samuel Edwards discusses the return and why Padme will be important in the Obi Wan Kenobi series.
It has been 15 years since the release of Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith hit cinemas.
This would be the most well received by critics and fans of the 3 prequels as well as the last installment of the prequel trilogy and the final outing that would see Obi Wan, Anakin and Padme all on screen.
The final third of the film displays the conflict between all 3 characters and proves why these characters were so important in creating the legacy of the next three films.
With the exciting announcement that Hayden Christensen will be returning to play Darth Vader as well as Ewan McGregor’s return as Obi Wan, I believe Natalie Portman’s Padme should return in flashbacks.
In recent years, people associate Darth Vader as being the villain of the Star Wars saga.
He wears all black and makes decisions with cruel intentions.
This is the cultural association.
However, his original turn to the dark side, as shown in Revenge of the Sith was because of two things. The first was his love for Padme and the second was the cruel manipulation of Darth Sidious. He was brainwashed.
The finale of Return of the Jedi sees him overthrow the emperor to save his son. This shows that there was always good in him and some debate on whether or not he was the true villain.
This is an incredibly interesting concept to imagine.
I hope the new Obi Wan series continues in the vein of portraying Darth Vader as menacing, however the inclusion of emotional flashbacks with Padme will evermore show and portray him as a vulnerable character.
This may give Darth Vader more layers.
I believe the producers cannot rule out Padme’s important contribution to Anakin’s downfall.
She was clearly important to him and without her, perhaps he would never have turned to the dark side.
Portrayals of Darth Vader in motion pictures have never delved into his conscious awareness of Padme.
Rogue One simply featured some dialogue exchanges and mass slaughtering of rebels, never in my opinion, humanizing this character. Other than that, we heard his voice in Episode 9 Rise of Skywalker which concludes his redemption from the dark side to the light.
However, after episode 3 you would think he would be carrying guilt and anguish over his decision to kill her.
The third installment includes a scene where Darth Vader explodes with rage over the death of Padme.
This has even been explored in the Darth Vader comic books but never in motion pictures.
It was reported a while back that he she might make a return in this article.
However, it since has been kept unprecedented and not confirmed by Disney.
She is currently involved in the marvel cinematic universe, specifically the Thor franchise.
I believe this narrative should be explored in the Obi Wan series as it was her character that gave him the initial internal conflict in Episode 3.
As she is deceased, flashbacks could be the best portrayal, however, Natalie Portman is a brilliant actress with recent roles in films such as Jackie (2016), it would be interesting to have her return with original scenes and dialogue as a force ghost, if that is possible in the eyes of Star Wars law.
Her return makes sense in the context of Darth Vader’s past and life after the events of episode 3.
It doesn’t feel forced, it’s more of a natural continuation.
I’m sure some fan bases believe the Padme narrative ended with episode 3 and that it would be needless to explores this as it seemed Darth Vader moved on or concentrated on his relationship with Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan
Kenobi in the motion pictures. This makes sense as the series will take place 10 years after Episode 3, perhaps that was enough time for Darth Vader to grieve over Padme.
In terms of the Obi Wan narrative, there have been some unlikely rumors of Qui Gon Jin returning which would be interesting. However, in each return, there should be a purpose. I believe there is a purpose to Padme returning in flashbacks.
The Obi wan series is the most exciting announcement in recent years for Star Wars fans.
They have got the casting spot on as well as the production crew. However, the inclusion of Padme whether as flashbacks or as a force ghost could be a very interesting addition to ever more emphasize Darth Vader’svulnerability, in contrast to what audiences see as a stone-cold villain.
This could be the last opportunity to show Darth Vader’s vulnerable side.
Perhaps the confirmed writer Joby Harold, who previously wrote Edge of Tomorrow and John Wick Chapter 3, will focus on Darth Vader coming to terms with his past, or he may focus all his attention on the Obi Wan narrative. Either way, I can’t wait!
