Yes, Keira Knightley was indeed in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. However, her role was a relatively small one, and she wasn’t playing the character you might immediately assume.
Knightley’s Role: Unveiling the Mystery
While many instantly associate her with Princess Leia, Knightley actually portrayed Sabé, Queen Amidala’s (Natalie Portman) handmaiden and decoy. In Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Sabé played a crucial role, impersonating the Queen to protect her during the Trade Federation crisis. While the role was significantly scaled back in Attack of the Clones, she still made an appearance.
This connection often leads to confusion, as Knightley and Portman bear a striking resemblance, especially when made up in Amidala’s iconic regal attire. This visual similarity was deliberately exploited by director George Lucas to further the narrative device of using decoys.
Why the Confusion Persists
The limited screen time in Attack of the Clones and the focus on Anakin Skywalker’s burgeoning romance with Padmé Amidala have contributed to the misconception surrounding Knightley’s involvement. Furthermore, the prequels often get overshadowed by the original trilogy, leading to a less detailed recollection of specific character appearances.
Many fans recall Knightley’s perceived absence, while others are convinced they saw her. The combination of brief screen time, the visual similarity to Portman, and the general complexity of the prequels’ plot contribute to the ongoing debate. Ultimately, despite being a minor role, Knightley’s portrayal of Sabé is confirmed and documented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What Scene is Keira Knightley In?
While not a prominent scene, Keira Knightley appears as Sabé alongside Padmé Amidala in the Queen’s Naboo residence. She is usually positioned in the background, lending a sense of royal entourage. Keep an eye out during scenes on Naboo where Amidala is discussing matters of state or personal concerns.
H3 Was Knightley Credited for Her Role?
Yes, Keira Knightley is credited for her role as Sabé in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. While her name might not be the first one mentioned when discussing the film, it appears in the film’s credits and on reputable film databases like IMDb.
H3 Why Was the Role So Small in Attack of the Clones?
The storyline in Attack of the Clones shifted its focus from political intrigue to the burgeoning romance between Anakin and Padmé, the discovery of the clone army, and the seeds of the Clone Wars. Consequently, the role of Amidala’s handmaidens, including Sabé, was significantly reduced. The narrative focus simply shifted away from the decoy tactic.
H3 How Difficult Was it to Distinguish Between Knightley and Portman?
The visual similarity between Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman was remarkable, and the makeup and costumes amplified this effect. Even experienced viewers sometimes struggled to differentiate between them, especially when they were in full Amidala regalia. This was, of course, a deliberate choice to enhance the believability of the decoy strategy.
H3 Did Knightley Ever Return to the Star Wars Universe After Attack of the Clones?
As of the current date, Keira Knightley has not reprised her role as Sabé, or any other character, in any subsequent Star Wars films or series. There have been no official announcements regarding her potential return to the franchise.
H3 What Happened to Sabé After Attack of the Clones?
While Sabé’s fate isn’t explicitly addressed in the films, the character has been further developed in Star Wars Expanded Universe materials, such as books and comics. These materials reveal that Sabé continued to serve the people of Naboo in various capacities, often working in intelligence and security roles.
H3 Was Knightley’s Voice Dubbed in the Movie?
In The Phantom Menace, Keira Knightley’s voice was primarily dubbed by Natalie Portman to further enhance the illusion of Amidala’s presence, even when it was Sabé in disguise. It is unclear whether this dubbing was continued for her brief appearances in Attack of the Clones, and confirmation on the matter is difficult to obtain.
H3 Did the Similarity to Portman Help or Hurt Knightley’s Career?
While the initial resemblance might have offered Knightley a foot in the door, it also presented challenges. She had to work diligently to establish her own identity as an actress and prove her talent beyond the superficial resemblance. Ultimately, Knightley successfully carved out her own distinct career path, starring in a wide range of acclaimed films.
H3 Is Sabé Considered a Fan-Favorite Character?
While not as widely popular as other Star Wars characters like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, Sabé has a dedicated fanbase. Her role in protecting Queen Amidala and her portrayal as a strong, intelligent woman have resonated with many viewers. The Expanded Universe materials have further solidified her appeal, offering more insight into her character and motivations.
H3 Would Knightley Ever Consider Returning to Star Wars?
This is purely speculative. Knightley has spoken positively about her experiences working on Star Wars, but she has also expressed a desire to focus on diverse and challenging roles. Whether she would consider returning to the franchise would likely depend on the specific project and the character’s significance. Only Knightley herself can definitively answer this question.
H3 Are There Any Behind-the-Scenes Photos or Videos of Knightley on the Attack of the Clones Set?
Finding explicit behind-the-scenes footage showcasing Keira Knightley specifically from the Attack of the Clones set is challenging. Given her minor role and the film’s age, fewer resources were dedicated to documenting her presence compared to lead actors. However, searching for general behind-the-scenes content from the Star Wars prequels might yield some glimpses or mentions of her.
H3 Where Can I Learn More About Sabé?
The best places to learn more about Sabé are Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki, and various Star Wars novels and comic books. These resources delve deeper into her backstory, motivations, and experiences beyond her appearances in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Delving into the Expanded Universe (now Legends) offers a more comprehensive understanding of the character.