7 Shocking Facts About Keira Knightley's 'Secret' Role As Natalie Portman's Star Wars Double
The enduring mystery surrounding Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman's shared role in the Star Wars universe is one of Hollywood's most fascinating casting stories. For over two decades, the fact that two future Oscar-nominated actresses were cast specifically for their uncanny resemblance in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace has confused fans, critics, and even the actresses themselves. This deep dive, updated for December 2025, explores the little-known details of Keira Knightley's pivotal, yet often forgotten, character, Sabé, and the powerful legacy the Queen’s decoy continues to hold in the galaxy far, far away.
The story goes beyond a simple body double; it is a tale of strategic deception that was integral to the plot of the 1999 prequel. George Lucas’s casting choice not only leveraged the physical similarities between the then-young actresses but created a canonical element of intrigue that has since been expanded upon in official Star Wars literature, cementing Sabé’s place in the lore and sparking fresh speculation about her potential return.
The Complete Profiles: Natalie Portman vs. Keira Knightley
The incredible resemblance between the two actresses at the time of filming The Phantom Menace is the core of this Star Wars trivia. Both were young, rising stars who would go on to define a generation of cinema. Here is a brief look at the careers of the two iconic faces of Naboo.
Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala)
- Born: June 9, 1981 (Jerusalem, Israel)
- Star Wars Role: Padmé Amidala Naberrie, Queen of Naboo, and later Senator.
- Key Films & Milestones:
- Léon: The Professional (1994) – Breakthrough role.
- Closer (2004) – Golden Globe Award.
- V for Vendetta (2006) – Cult classic.
- Black Swan (2010) – Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actress.
- Jackie (2016) – Critically acclaimed performance as Jackie Kennedy.
- Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – Jane Foster/Mighty Thor in the Thor franchise.
Keira Knightley (Sabé)
- Born: March 26, 1985 (Teddington, London, England)
- Star Wars Role: Sabé, Padmé Amidala’s chief handmaiden and most trusted decoy.
- Key Films & Milestones:
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) – Early career role.
- Bend It Like Beckham (2002) – International breakthrough.
- Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise (2003–2007) – Global superstar status as Elizabeth Swann.
- Pride & Prejudice (2005) – Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- Atonement (2007) – Golden Globe nomination.
- The Imitation Game (2014) – Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The Uncanny Resemblance: Why Even Their Mothers Were Confused
The primary reason Keira Knightley was cast was simple: she was an almost perfect doppelgänger for Natalie Portman. The resemblance was so striking that it became a running joke on the set of The Phantom Menace.
The Makeup That Made Them Twins
In the film, when Padmé is acting as Queen, she wears elaborate makeup and costumes that deliberately obscure her true identity. When Knightley was playing Sabé, the decoy Queen, she wore the exact same elaborate makeup, headdresses, and robes as Portman. The combination of the heavy Naboo royal makeup and the intricate costumes made the two actresses virtually indistinguishable.
The makeup process was a key element of the deception, both on-screen and off. Keira Knightley was only 12 or 13 years old when she filmed her scenes. She later admitted that the experience was so brief and she was so young that she often forgets her character’s name, sometimes thinking she played Padmé.
The Ultimate Confusion Test
The most famous piece of trivia confirming their near-identical appearance comes directly from the set. In a 2020 interview, Knightley revealed that the resemblance was so strong that even their closest family members couldn't tell them apart when they were in full costume and makeup. "Our mums did actually confuse us on set," Knightley stated, proving George Lucas’s casting choice was a resounding success for the plot device.
Sabé’s Decoy Scenes: When Keira Knightley Was The Queen
Sabé’s role was more than just a background handmaiden; she was a crucial decoy intended to draw fire and protect the true Queen Amidala from the Trade Federation’s threats. This strategic element is what allows Padmé to escape Naboo and travel with Qui-Gon Jinn and the Jedi to Coruscant.
Identifying Sabé on Screen
For years, fans debated which scenes featured Portman and which featured Knightley. Thanks to behind-the-scenes accounts and expanded canon, we now know the key moments where Keira Knightley was the one wearing the crown:
- The Landing Platform Scene: When the Queen’s ship lands on Tatooine, the figure who steps off and is addressed as the Queen is Sabé, played by Knightley.
- The Red-and-Black Battle Dress: Anytime the Queen is seen wearing the elaborate black gown with the feathered headdress or the red-and-black battle dress, it is Sabé acting as the decoy.
- The Reveal: The most important moment is the famous scene where the supposed Queen reveals her true identity as Padmé Amidala, and the "handmaiden" Padmé reveals herself to be Sabé.
The Expanded Canon of Sabé
While Knightley’s on-screen time was limited, her character has experienced a massive resurgence in the official Star Wars canon, which adds significant topical authority to the story. The 2020 novel Queen’s Peril by E.K. Johnston delves deep into the origin story of Padmé and her handmaidens, including Sabé. The novel establishes Sabé as Padmé’s most trusted advisor and bodyguard, a strong and intelligent character in her own right.
The Latest Speculation: Will Sabé Return to Star Wars?
The resurgence of the Star Wars universe on Disney+, particularly with live-action series like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi, has fueled fan curiosity about Sabé's fate. Given that Sabé is a loyalist to Padmé, the canonical narrative has explored her quest for justice after Padmé’s death.
A Potential Confrontation with Darth Vader
In the comic book series Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith, Sabé becomes a central figure. She teams up with a rogue group of Naboo loyalists to investigate Padmé’s death, believing Darth Vader was responsible. This narrative places Sabé directly in the path of Anakin Skywalker’s dark alter ego, creating a powerful emotional link to the prequel trilogy.
Fans have clamored for Keira Knightley to reprise her role in a live-action capacity, perhaps in a series set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, like the Obi-Wan Kenobi show.
Keira Knightley’s Stance
Keira Knightley has been asked about a potential return in recent interviews. While she has expressed some distance from the franchise due to the small, early nature of her role, she has also shown openness to the idea. In a 2022 interview, she mentioned that no one has ever contacted her about a return, but she seemed receptive to the possibility, stating, "I was only 12 when I did it, and I was only in it for three days... I'll be waiting for the call." This lingering possibility keeps the door open for Sabé’s live-action return, which would be a monumental moment for Star Wars fans.
The shared legacy of Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman in The Phantom Menace remains a fascinating piece of cinematic history. It’s a testament to a brilliant casting decision that created a canonical decoy so convincing that she continues to be a major point of discussion and a character ripe for a major Star Wars comeback.
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