Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas is known for making last-minute changes to his movies, one Natalie Portman scene removed from ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.'
– The removed scene provided more exposure to an underrated character.
– Lucas made another significant amendment during the film's climax, adding Yoda to a pivotal combat scene.
Introduction
Best known for his iconic Star Wars franchise, filmmaker George Lucas has a reputation for tweaking his projects until the eleventh hour. One of such instances was witnessed during the making of ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.' This article goes into the known details about a Natalie Portman scene that was ultimately deleted courtesy of Lucas' incessant tinkering.
Deleted Scene Involving Natalie Portman
‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' stands as the second episode in the much-celebrated prequel trilogy helmed by George Lucas. The film sheds light on the budding relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, portrayed by Natalie Portman. It also delves into Anakin's bond with the Lars family and his Jedi training.
Within the Lars family, Bonnie Piesse played Beru, the wife of Owen Lars. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Piesse divulged that a scene featuring her and Portman was axed from the film. She stated that Lucas had scripted a dialogue-heavy sequence between Beru and Padmé in the familiar setting of the Lars homestead kitchen. The scene, thrown at her the night before shooting, required Piesse, an Australian, to master an American accent in record time. Despite filming the sequence, it was ultimately left on the cutting room floor.
This experience underscores the director's spontaneous approach. The fact that the scene involving Portman and Piesse was shot with little prior notice is testament to Lucas' knack for last-minute changes.
Last-Minute Inclusion of Yoda in a Key Fight Sequence
The omitted scene involving Portman and Piesse wasn't the sole last-minute amendment made by Lucas. Another notable tweak added the Jedi Master Yoda to a key standoff at the movie's climax.
Nick Gillard, the film's stunt coordinator, shared this during an interaction with Star Wars Theory. According to Gillard, Yoda was not intended to be part of the lightsaber duel in the earlier script drafts. The original combat sequence was slated to feature Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Count Dooku.
However, Lucas had other ideas. On a seeming whim, he insisted on integrating Yoda into the fight scene. Despite initial doubts, Lucas' spontaneous decision led to Yoda's memorable lightsaber duel. The battle concluded with an electrifying entrance by the diminutive Jedi master, a move driven by Lucas, which has since been hailed as an iconic moment in the Star Wars series.
Conclusion
George Lucas' propensity for last-minute amendments and continuous tinkering with his scripts has undeniably left a lasting impact on the Star Wars franchise. From deleted scenes to spontaneous additions of characters in pivotal roles, Lucas' decisions driven by his gut instincts, have largely shaped the narrative and iconic moments in Star Wars history. His approach may be unconventional, yet it has ushered in some of the saga's most iconic moments. ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones,' along with the rest of the franchise, are streaming on Disney+.
Given Lucas' penchant for these impromptu changes, fans can't help but wonder what other adjustments were made during the course of filming this popular franchise, and equally, which ones didn't make the final cut.
