Natalie Portman’s fame in the entertainment industry is unmatchable as even casual moviegoers recognize her face when it pops on screen. The actress who is known for her numerous stellar performances, initially appeared in the industry as a child actress following her debut in Gary Oldman’s Leon: The Professional in 1994.
While Natalie Portman was just a kid when she ventured into Hollywood, she gradually became the leading woman in a plethora of films. But while her debut role launched her career, she was rejected from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Natalie Portman Refused To Star Alongside Leonardo DiCaprio
Appearing in the competitive entertainment industry as a child actress during the 90s, Natalie Portman mesmerized her audience with her natural talent. Portman’s phenomenal performance even drew the acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann to her and seek her out, for the role of Juliet in his 1996 movie Romeo + Juliet.
Willing to cast Portman alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Luhrmann even started the casting process. However, later on, Luhrmann took a step back when he realized the staggering age difference between the duo, which made everyone extremely uncomfortable on set. Apparently, while filming, DiCaprio was 21 and Portman was only 13.
“It was a complicated situation and […] at the time I was 13 and Leonardo was 21 and it wasn’t appropriate in the eyes of the film company or the director, Baz. It was kind of a mutual decision too that it just wasn’t going to be right at the time.” Portman declared.
Thus, as the great age gap nearly garnered a lot of controversy, Baz Luhrmann refused to cast Natalie Portman in Romeo + Juliet. Instead, the filmmaker chose Claire Danes to pair with Leonardo DiCaprio, in Hollywood’s one of the best romantic films.
Natalie Portman’s Controversial Debut In Gary Oldman’s Movie
Although Natalie Portman was refused her big break by Baz Luhrmann, based on her age difference; the actress apparently made her debut with a super controversial movie featuring Gary Oldman. Reprising her role in the 1994 film Leon: The Professional, the actress appeared in the film that had undertones of a s*xual relationship between a minor and an adult.
Playing the role of a young orphan who was mentored by a professional hitman (Jean Reno), after the murder of her family, Portman was only 11 years old when she was offered the opportunity by Luc Besson. According to the storyline, Portman’s character who was only 12 years old, fell in love and garnered an imaginary relationship with Reno’s character.
Years later, after helming a successful Hollywood career, when Natalie Portman reflected upon her debut film, she cringed hard. “It’s a movie that’s still beloved…and it gave me my career, but it is definitely, when you watch it now, it definitely has some cringey… it’s complicated for me.” the actress shared. Thus, after appearing in Besson’s bizarre movie, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet would have been a divine opportunity for Portman.
Watch Leon: The Professional on Netflix.
Source: HelloGiggles, The Hollywood Reporter
