Natalie Portman recently opened up about the special memento she took from the Star Wars prequels, where she portrayed Padmé Amidala. While reflecting on her time in the franchise during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in early February, she revealed that the only prop she kept was a locket holding a lock of hair belonging to her on-screen partner, Anakin Skywalker, played by Hayden Christensen. This item, meaningful for its connection to the characters’ relationship, was the sole piece Portman took from the set. However, she confessed a surprising twist about its fate.
The only problem is I lost it. I don’t know where it is now. I stole it and lost it.
— Natalie Portman, Actress
Details on the Prop and Co-Star Hayden Christensen’s Keepsakes
Portman also mentioned that Christensen’s hair featured clip-on extensions to create his Padawan braids, emphasizing the attention to detail in the costume design. She clarified that this locket was the only item she took or, at least, the only one she is admitting to keeping. In contrast, Christensen has publicly shared that he took several items from the productions as well.
At the Fan Expo in New Orleans earlier this year, Christensen discussed his collection of Star Wars memorabilia, including some of Anakin’s hair, though clarifying it wasn’t his real hair. He also revealed that he took some of Padmé’s braids from Episode II and a few other smaller items.
Full disclosure: That’s not my real hair,
— Hayden Christensen, Actor
a couple of the little Padmé braids from Episode II
— Hayden Christensen, Actor
a couple of other little knick-knacks.
— Hayden Christensen, Actor
Christensen’s Attempt to Retrieve a Lightsaber
Among the items Christensen took was an entire lightsaber from the sets filmed in Australia. He humorously described his efforts to get it back to Canada by disguising it in a package and labeling it as a didgeridoo to avoid complications during shipping.
I was trying to figure out how to get this one lightsaber back,
— Hayden Christensen, Actor
So I packaged it up, and I shipped it as a didgeridoo. I told them I bought a didgeridoo, [because] I wanted them to send it back to Canada for me.
— Hayden Christensen, Actor
Streaming Availability and Closing Context
All the Star Wars prequel films, featuring both Portman and Christensen, are currently available to stream on Disney+. Their revelations about keeping personal mementos offer fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes connection actors maintain with these iconic productions. Despite Portman’s loss of her cherished Star Wars prop, the stories shared highlight the sentimental value these items hold for those involved in the saga.
