Natalie Portman Says Léon: The Professional Was ‘Cringey’

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Natalie Portman Says Léon: The Professional Was ‘Cringey’

Natalie Portman recently reflected on her first acting role in Léon: The Professional and revealed her thoughts on the controversial movie years later.

What did Natalie Portman say about Léon: The Professional?

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Portman looked back on the Luc Besson– directed movie. The actress starred in the film at the age of 12, with the role of Mathilda Lando marking the beginning of her onscreen career.

“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,” Portman explained. “So, yes, it’s complicated for me.”

Besson’s other works include Lucy and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. In recent years, the director has faced sexual misconduct allegations from several women he has worked with.

Natalie Portman has appeared in some of the biggest movie franchises in the world, including Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actress earned an Academy Award for her role in 2010’s Black Swan as well as a Golden Globe.