Speculation is building that Natalie Portman might make an unexpected return to the Star Wars universe in the highly anticipated second season of Ahsoka, possibly portraying the formidable Legends villain Abeloth. Filming for Ahsoka season 2 has kicked off following its reveal at Star Wars Celebration 2025, but few concrete story details have emerged, stirring widespread fan theories and debate online. The prospect of Portman, famous as Padmé Amidala, coming back in a never-before-seen capacity has energized the Star Wars fandom and reignited discussions about the franchise’s direction.
The end of Ahsoka season 1 left viewers with major unanswered questions. During publicity for the new season, showrunner Dave Filoni confirmed that the scripts were still in flux, adding to the intrigue and mystery. Among circulating fan theories, one in particular stands out: the idea that Portman could return, not exactly as Padmé, but as a strikingly different character deeply rooted in Star Wars lore.
Emergence of an Infamous Villain: Abeloth’s Possible Debut
Fans are latching onto the theory that Ahsoka season 2 might introduce Abeloth, a legendary and menacing figure from Star Wars’ so-called Legends continuity, into official canon. Season 1 set up this possibility by revealing Baylan Skoll’s search for the Mortis Gods on the distant planet Peridea. These three deities—the Father, the Son, and the Daughter—were introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and represent core aspects of the Force: the Son symbolizes darkness, the Daughter stands for light, and the Father maintains balance. All three met their end in The Clone Wars arc, making their influence in Ahsoka both shocking and significant.
One prevailing theory is that Anakin Skywalker, as a Force Ghost, alongside Ahsoka Tano and Baylan Skoll, could assume the roles of the Mortis trio, restoring their cosmic significance. This speculation draws on key events, like the Daughter’s sacrifice to save Ahsoka in The Clone Wars, and the ongoing presence of Morai, the Daughter’s convor, who continues to appear around Ahsoka.
However, a rival theory gaining traction is Abeloth’s potential return. In Legends lore, Abeloth—sometimes known as the Mother—is intertwined with the Mortis Gods but differs dramatically from them. Unlike the immortal trio, Abeloth began as a mortal, driven by fear of separation and loss. Her quest for power led her to the Font of Power and the Pool of Knowledge, transforming her into a being of immense and twisted darkness.
Her malevolence eventually forced the Mortis Gods to imprison her. Abeloth has yet to be referenced in current canon, but Ahsoka’s second season, especially with the setting on Peridea, presents the perfect moment for such an introduction. Many suspect that Abeloth’s mystical prison could actually be Peridea, setting the scene for a dramatic confrontation and paving the way for Portman’s possible return—not as Padmé, but as this mythic villain.
Why Portman Is the Top Fan Choice for Abeloth
Debate over who could portray Abeloth has led many to nominate Natalie Portman, whose previous roles prove she is more than capable of tackling such a complex villain. Some fans speculate that Shin Hati might transform into Abeloth, but the leading rumor revolves around Portman returning to embody a new facet of the Star Wars mythos. Rather than a straightforward return as Padmé, this would see Portman morphing into Abeloth’s shifting form. Within the story, Abeloth might choose to appear as Padmé—Anakin’s late wife and a mother figure to Ahsoka—to manipulate and haunt both characters.
This form would offer a profound narrative twist, connecting deeply personal histories while marking a major departure for Portman’s Star Wars legacy. Since Padmé was neither a Jedi nor Force-sensitive, she is unlikely to return as a Force Ghost. While flashback scenes or brief visions, similar to Han Solo’s return in The Rise of Skywalker, remain possible, the Abeloth theory stands out for its inventiveness and emotional weight.
Portman’s career showcases her breadth, from her heroic Marvel Cinematic Universe roles to her Oscar-winning turn in Black Swan, a film in which she adeptly handled dark, psychologically complex material. This versatility convinces fans that she could deliver a spellbinding performance as Abeloth. Recent comments suggest Portman herself is not opposed to the idea, adding fuel to the speculation and increasing excitement around the show’s upcoming narrative twists.
Natalie Portman Openly Enthusiastic About a Star Wars Comeback
For years, Portman was viewed as an unlikely candidate for a Star Wars comeback, partly due to the original prequel trilogy’s divisive reception. Despite her consistently positive attitude toward the series, the intense criticism at the time made a return seem improbable. However, the resurgence of her co-stars—Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker—sparked renewed questions about Portman’s willingness to revisit the galaxy far, far away. So far, Padmé has been conspicuously absent from recent spin-offs, but Portman herself appears to have softened her stance on returning.
In a particularly revealing moment, Portman declared,
“Life’s only fun if you’re open to every possibility.”
—Natalie Portman, Actress. Earlier in 2024, she even joked about wishing to see Padmé wield a lightsaber, though she seemed less committed to that specific scenario. Still, her ongoing discussions about potential returns have convinced fans and commentators that seeing her back in Ahsoka—or elsewhere in the Star Wars universe—is more plausible than ever before.
The Case for Portman’s Return: Storytelling Opportunities and Fan Response
In a franchise as expansive as Star Wars, no casting choice ever pleases the entire fanbase, and bringing Natalie Portman back will likely trigger passionate reactions both for and against the idea. While some viewers call for new stories that move beyond the Skywalker lineage—like those featured in Andor—many others crave connections to the saga’s roots. Padmé remains one of the only main characters from the prequel era yet to make a live-action return, strengthening the case for her comeback.
Balancing the introduction of new narratives with nostalgic callbacks has long been Lucasfilm’s approach. Incorporating Portman as Abeloth would serve both goals, offering a fresh villain while honoring the past. The emotional impact of seeing Padmé’s likeness as a source of terror and conflict, especially for characters like Ahsoka and Anakin, would resonate with long-time fans and draw new intrigue for those just entering the Star Wars universe.
Portman’s enthusiasm for the franchise, combined with the narrative groundwork being laid in Ahsoka season 2—with a renewed focus on the Mortis Gods—suggests that her return, especially in the guise of Abeloth, could serve as a powerful centerpiece for the series and beyond. The move would deliver not just a shock to the canon, but also an opportunity for rich, nuanced storytelling.
Cast and Characters: Familiar Faces and New Possibilities
The principal cast of Ahsoka continues to feature prominent names, with Rosario Dawson reprising her acclaimed role as Ahsoka Tano and Natasha Liu Bordizzo portraying Sabine Wren. Their performances set the emotional tone for the series, and the rumored addition of Natalie Portman as Abeloth would undoubtedly add a dramatic new dimension to the ensemble.
With Hayden Christensen confirmed to appear in season 2, the stage is set for significant reunions and confrontations. Other key players from the wider Star Wars mythos, such as Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and the mystical Mortis entities—the Father, the Son, and the Daughter—are likely to inform the narrative arc, especially as it dives deeper into Force mythology and the dark, uncharted corners of the galaxy.
Why This Theory Matters: Impact on the Franchise’s Future
Star Wars thrives on the interplay between its storied past and bold new directions. If Natalie Portman returns as Abeloth in Ahsoka season 2, it would not only mark a creative casting choice but also bridge the thematic gap between old and new eras. By tapping into Legends lore and reimagining Padmé in an unexpected role, Lucasfilm has the chance to push the boundaries of what Star Wars can be while satisfying audience nostalgia. The engagement and speculation surrounding this theory alone demonstrate its cultural weight and the enduring draw of the franchise’s universe.
As Ahsoka season 2 advances in production, all eyes will be on the show’s creators to see if these rumors become reality. The possibility of Portman’s return—and the debut of Abeloth in canon—could redefine the series and enrich Star Wars storytelling for years to come.
