Picture this: you’re working on the biggest movie franchise in history, surrounded by incredible props and costumes that fans would give anything to own. Would you be tempted to take a small souvenir? That’s exactly the situation Natalie Portman found herself in while filming the Star Wars prequel trilogy over two decades ago.
Most of us have probably pocketed a pen from work or kept a small memento from a special event. But when you’re on a multimillion-dollar movie set, those “souvenirs” become legendary pieces of cinema history. And sometimes, even Oscar-winning actresses can’t resist the urge to take home a piece of movie magic.
The story gets even better when you realize what happened to this precious stolen treasure – it’s now completely lost, turning a Hollywood heist into a tale of everyday forgetfulness that we can all relate to.
The Confession That Has Star Wars Fans Talking
During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Natalie Portman revealed the truth about her Star Wars set “theft.” The actress, who played Padmé Amidala in the prequel trilogy, admitted to taking one of Anakin Skywalker’s iconic braids from the set.
“I took one of Anakin’s braids. They had these little like clip-on,” Portman shared with a sheepish grin. “It’s quite iconic. The only problem is I lost it. I don’t know where it is now. I stole it and then lost it.”
This wasn’t the first time the Black Swan star has come clean about her galactic theft. She originally revealed this tidbit during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning show in May 2025 while promoting her film Fountain of Youth. Even then, she admitted to the same frustrating outcome – the precious memento had vanished into thin air.
The braids in question weren’t just random costume pieces. They were part of Anakin Skywalker’s distinctive Jedi Padawan look, worn by Hayden Christensen throughout Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. These hair accessories became an iconic part of the character’s visual identity, representing his youth and training under Obi-Wan Kenobi.
What Makes This Star Wars Memento So Special
To understand why Natalie Portman’s stolen braid is such a big deal, you need to appreciate the cultural significance of Star Wars memorabilia. The franchise has created some of the most coveted collectibles in entertainment history.
Here’s why Anakin’s braid holds special meaning:
- Symbol of Jedi tradition and Anakin’s training period
- Visual representation of his journey from slave to Jedi
- Key costume element from two major prequel films
- Rare behind-the-scenes artifact from the actual production
- Connected to one of the most tragic character arcs in cinema
| Star Wars Memorabilia Category | Typical Value Range | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Screen-used costume pieces | $5,000 – $50,000+ | Extremely rare |
| Character props (lightsabers, etc.) | $10,000 – $100,000+ | Museum quality |
| Background costume elements | $1,000 – $10,000 | Very rare |
| Production crew items | $500 – $5,000 | Rare |
“Star Wars costumes and props represent more than just movie memorabilia,” explains film historian Dr. Sarah Martinez. “They’re pieces of modern mythology that connect fans to their childhood dreams and the magic of storytelling.”
The fact that Portman specifically chose Anakin’s braid shows her understanding of the character’s importance. This wasn’t just any random prop – it was a piece that represented the tragic hero’s journey from hopeful Padawan to Darth Vader.
The Reality of Losing Hollywood History
What makes Portman’s story so relatable is the universal experience of losing something precious. We’ve all misplaced items that meant the world to us, whether it’s a family heirloom, a concert ticket, or a special gift from someone we love.
The irony isn’t lost on fans that an Academy Award-winning actress, known for her meticulous preparation and professionalism, could simply misplace such a significant piece of film history. It’s a reminder that celebrities are just as human as the rest of us when it comes to keeping track of their belongings.
“I think what resonates with people about this story is how normal it is,” says entertainment journalist Mike Thompson. “Here’s this incredibly valuable piece of Star Wars history, and it’s probably sitting in a junk drawer somewhere, forgotten like everyone’s old phone chargers.”
The loss also highlights an interesting aspect of movie memorabilia – sometimes the most valuable items are the ones that seem insignificant at the time. A small braid might not have seemed like a big deal during production, but decades later, it represents a tangible connection to one of the most beloved franchises in entertainment history.
For Star Wars collectors, the knowledge that this braid exists somewhere adds an element of treasure hunt excitement. Could it turn up in a garage sale? Might it be discovered during a house move? The possibilities are endless, and that uncertainty only adds to its mystique.
What This Means for Star Wars Fans and Collectors
Portman’s confession has created a fascinating subplot in the Star Wars collecting community. The idea that a genuine screen-used piece from the prequel trilogy is out there, lost but not destroyed, has collectors and fans buzzing with possibilities.
The story also sheds light on the casual attitude that sometimes surrounded valuable props during major productions. While studios now carefully catalog and secure every significant item, the early 2000s were a different time for movie memorabilia management.
“This kind of story wouldn’t happen today,” notes prop master veteran James Rodriguez. “Studios are much more protective of their assets now, partly because they understand the collector market better.”
The revelation has also sparked discussions about the ethics of taking items from movie sets. While Portman’s “theft” was clearly lighthearted and involved a small costume piece, it raises questions about where the line should be drawn between harmless souvenirs and valuable studio property.
For everyday fans, the story provides a perfect example of how even the smallest connections to beloved franchises can become treasured possessions. It doesn’t matter if you’re an A-list actress or a regular person – we all want to hold onto pieces of the stories that move us.
FAQs
What exactly did Natalie Portman steal from the Star Wars set?
She took one of Anakin Skywalker’s braids, which were clip-on costume pieces used during filming of the prequel trilogy.
Why did Natalie Portman take the braid?
She found it “iconic” and wanted a memento from her time filming Star Wars, though it wasn’t part of her character Padmé’s costume.
How much would Anakin’s braid be worth today?
Screen-used Star Wars costume pieces can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their significance and rarity.
Has Natalie Portman found the lost braid?
No, she admits she has no idea where it is now and that she “lost it” after taking it from the set.
When did this theft happen?
Portman took the braid at the end of filming the Star Wars prequel trilogy, which wrapped up in the mid-2000s.
Are actors allowed to take props from movie sets?
Generally, no – props belong to the studio. However, sometimes actors are given or allowed to keep certain items as gifts, though this wasn’t an official arrangement.
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