Natalie Portman Has “Complicated” Feelings About ‘Léon: The Professional’ & The “Cringey” Aspects Of The Film

In 2023, Natalie Portman is one of the biggest stars on the planet. However, back in the mid-‘90s, she was a pre-teen actress looking for her first major break. That came in the film, “Léon: The Professional.” However, nearly 30 years after the release of that film, which was celebrated upon its release, Portman has “complicated” feelings about that movie and the filmmaker involved.

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Speaking to THR, Natalie Portman talked about the various projects she is currently promoting, including her “Angel City” docuseries and the upcoming Todd Haynes film, “May December.” However, she also talked about one of the roles that really put her on the map, in Luc Besson’s thriller, “Léon: The Professional.” 

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In recent years, ‘Léon’ has been looked at from a different point of view. The film follows the story of a hitman who takes a young girl under his wing and teaches her the tools of the trade after her family is murdered. Obviously, there are folks who are upset by the gun violence in the film, but the real problematic issues surround the sexualization of Portman’s young teen character. This has led many to have issues with Besson’s film, and it’s something that Portman is well aware of. 

“It’s a movie that’s still beloved, and people come up to me about it more than almost anything I’ve ever made, and it gave me my career, but it is definitely, when you watch it now, it definitely has some cringey, to say the least, aspects to it,” explained Portman. “So, yes, it’s complicated for me.”

In addition to the problematic content of the film, the director, Besson, has come under fire due to accusations of sexual assault. As for the allegations that Besson has been facing, Portman doesn’t really talk much about it. Clearly, she didn’t experience any of that while filming, but she is clear that she wants to make sure no victims feel invalidated.

“I really didn’t know. I was a kid working. I was a kid,” Portman said. “But I don’t want to say anything that would invalidate anyone’s experience.”

Of course, it’s understandable why Portman has such mixed feelings about Besson and “Léon: The Professional.” This is a filmmaker and a film that really kickstarted her career. From there, she went on to star in “Star Wars” films and really just turn into one of the most successful actors of her generation. But with that, it’s clear she is uncomfortable saying anything about it.