Several deleted scenes fromStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithreveal how incrediblePadmé Amidala’sprequel trilogy arc was meant to be, but sadly, her story was changed in the final cut of the movie. Padmé is one ofStar Wars’best charactersdespite only appearing in the prequel trilogy movies andStar Wars: The Clone Wars. Not only did she have a massive impact ontheStar Warstimelineas Anakin Skywalker’s wife and Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa’s biological mother, but also, she had an incredible legacy in her own right.
Padmé was Queen of Naboo at just 14 years old and led the planet bravely in the fight against the Trade Federation. She then went on to be a senator who defended the rights of others and never backed down, even following multiple attempts on her life and the beginning of the Clone Wars. Yet,Padmé’s characterization changed considerably inRevenge of the Sith, largely for the worse. Thedeleted scenes fromRevenge of the Sith, many of which directly reduce not only Padmé’s screen time but also her impact inStar Wars,reveal that wasn’t always the plan.
Padmé Was Meant To Form The Rebel Alliance
In A Deleted Scene, Padmé Helped Begin The Rebellion
In one of the most significant scenes cut fromRevenge of the Sith, Padmé sat with Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and other senators who intended to oppose Palpatine and essentially initiated what would become the Rebellion inStar Wars.Had Padmé been confirmed on screen to have played a key role in the Rebellion, it would have had a profound impact on her character. For one, this would have given her an incredible connection to her children.
Padmé beginning the Rebellion inRevenge of the Sithwould have been more in keeping with her character throughout the prequel trilogy movies.
Even more importantly, Padmé beginning the Rebellion inRevenge of the Sithwould have been more in keeping with her character throughout the prequel trilogy movies and would have lessened the blow of some of her other plot points. Up untilRevenge of the Sith, Padmé was a politician and a leader first and everything else (including Anakin’s love interest) second. In the final cut of the movie, Padmé was reduced to a character who died simply because she gave up hope.
19 Years After Revenge Of The Sith, I’m Still Convinced Padme’s Death Was A Big Mistake
While Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is an excellent movie, the manner of Padme’s death was nevertheless a major mistake in Star Wars.
Having Padmé form the Rebellion wouldn’t have entirely resolved the issue of her death—which remains one of the biggest disappointments of the prequels—but it would have at least given her much more agency. Without this inclusion, Padmé’s story inRevenge of the Sithreally boils down to someone who was concerned about the future of the Republic but didn’t act. Worse, Padmé still wanted Anakin to leave Mustafar with her and raise their child together, despite knowing what he’d done during Order 66. In the final cut, Padmé comes across as almost selfish, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Padmé Was Suspicious Of Anakin
Another Revenge Of The Sith Deleted Scene Reveals Padmé Didn’t Trust Anakin
Coinciding with the deleted scene in which Padmé helped to initiate the Rebellion was another scene in which the senators, Padmé among them, agreed to not share what they’d discussed with anyone—including their family. This means thatPadmé was agreeing to conceal this information from Anakin. Even more surprising, Padmé spoke of a Jedi she could trust and asked that the senators seek that Jedi’s council, but she wasn’t referring to Anakin. The single Jedi Padmé trusted was Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The single Jedi Padmé trusted was Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Although this may not seem as monumental as a scene wherein Padmé starts the Rebellion, this deleted scene has major implications for Padmé’s character. InRevenge of the Sithin particular, she seems to prioritize Anakin above all else, to an extent that undermines her character thus far.This scene instead reinforces the person that Padmé always was.
Not only would this have proven that Padmé was wise enough to know that she could not fully trust Anakin, but also, this would have cemented that Padmé’s true loyalties were with the Republic and justice, not with Anakin. This was particularly needed following her odd response to Anakin’s confession that he’d slaughtered the Tusken Raiders inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, wherein she essentially told him it was only natural to be angry. This deleted scene would have confirmed that, in the end, Padmé didn’t abandon her values for Anakin.
Padmé And Obi-Wan Originally Spoke About Their Concerns
Obi-Wan And Padmé Initially Seemed Much More Aware
Yet anotherRevenge of the Sithdeleted scene involving Padmé would have seen Obi-Wan visit Padmé to discuss his concerns about Anakin(before he had already fallen to the dark side and carried out Order 66). This scene would have been a positive not only for Padmé but also for Obi-Wan. Although it was clear thatObi-Wan knew about Anakin and Padmé, he never acted on his awareness that Anakin was defying the Jedi way, which has always been both surprising and a bit of a blemish on his history.
This scene would have addressed that to a certain degree, as it would have at least been clear that Obi-Wan knew Anakin’s behavior was becoming increasingly alarming, and he would have finally acted on that. Likewise, Padmé having this conversation with Obi-Wan, perhaps even voicing some of her own concerns as well, would have yet again proven how wise and perceptive she was. This conversation alone would have made both characters seem more proactive, something that both were sorely missing inRevenge of the Sithin particular.
Why Did George Lucas Let Padmé Amidala Down?
The deleted scenes fromRevenge of the Sithreflect the same character Padmé was revealed to be in bothThe Phantom MenaceandAttack of the Clones. Clearly, as George Lucas was also the creative mind behind those movies,this was the characterization Lucas himself wanted for Padmé. This begs the question, why would George Lucas have made these changes toRevenge of the Sithif they diminished Padmé’s character so significantly?
Why would George Lucas have made these changes toRevenge of the Sithif they diminished Padmé’s character so significantly?
Sadly, it seemsAnakin’s story came at the expense of Padmé’s. Lucas wanted the story tightened (perhaps in part due to criticisms about the other prequel movies,The Phantom Menacein particular) and for the focus to be on Anakin. That meant removing several of Padmé’s key scenes, among others, as they didn’t necessarily serve that larger narrative.
The issue is, particularly given the nature of Padmé’s death, Padmé’s story really needed these additional scenes. Without them,Revenge of the Sithdid Padmé a great disservice, suggesting she overlooked many of Anakin’s most egregious acts and then simply gave up all hope. While George Lucas may have had his reasons, the deleted scenes fromStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithreveal how much betterPadmé Amidala’sprequel trilogy story could have been, and it is truly a shame that was changed.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Cast
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith details the fall of the Jedi Order and Anakin Skywalker’s transformation under the influence of Darth Sidious. Released in 2005, the film explores Anakin’s internal conflict and the shifting political landscape, leading to the rise of the Galactic Empire.
