Natalie Portman’s Animated Triumph: How Arco Became Her Dream Project
Natalie Portman calls her work on the animated film Arco a dream come true, praising her dual role as both voice actor and producer. The film is already being hailed as one of 2025’s standout animated features and is a top contender for major awards.
Natalie Portman, long known for her live-action performances, surprised fans in 2025 by diving into animation with not just one, but two major projects. One of these was an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits, where she voiced Mary Muggle-Wump, a character tormented by the infamous couple at the story’s center. Despite a cast packed with talent—Margo Martindale, Alan Tudyk, and Johnny Vegas among them—the film didn’t win over critics, who found little to praise beyond the voice work. But Portman had another animated ace up her sleeve: Arco .
Arco tells the story of a boy from a distant future who travels back to 2075, only to find himself stranded. As he searches for a way home, he forms a bond with a girl named Iris and catches the eye of a group of conspiracy theorists intent on capturing him. Critics have been quick to call it the year’s best animated film, with the movie racking up awards and earning a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Animated at the 2026 Golden Globes. With that kind of momentum, it’s likely to make a splash at the Oscars as well.
Portman’s Passion for Animation
While promoting Arco to Gold Derby, Portman—who also produced the film—spoke glowingly about her experience. She described her character, a ‘nanny droid’ tasked with raising Iris in her parents’ absence, as a role that brought back memories of her earlier sci-fi work.
“It was a dream come true,”
she shared.
“Finally, I got to be the droid instead of just acting opposite the droid! It makes sense that if you have a nanny bot, you would want it to embody the best of the mother and father.”
The droid, named Mikki, is a blend of both parental figures, and to achieve this, Portman’s voice was mixed with Mark Ruffalo’s. Interestingly, Ruffalo doesn’t actually play Iris’s father—Chris Hemsworth takes on that role. Perhaps Portman just wanted to bring another Avengers alum into the fold. In the original French version, the mother is voiced by Alma Jodorowsky, granddaughter of the legendary filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky.
Echoes of Sci-Fi Legacy
Portman’s comment about acting “opposite the droid” is a clear nod to her time in the Star Wars prequels, where she played Padmé Amidala, a senator whose fate is forever tied to the Skywalker saga. Her character’s tragic end—dying after giving birth to Luke and Leia—remains one of the most memorable moments in the franchise. Despite the mixed reception those films received, Portman has hinted at a possible return to the galaxy far, far away, and her new robotic role might just be a subtle wink to fans.
Even if she never revisits that universe, Portman has shown she’s more than capable in the realm of science fiction. With Arco, her acclaimed performance in Alex Garland’s Annihilation, and her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she’s built a legacy that spans genres. Now, with her success in animation, Portman’s future in Hollywood looks brighter than ever.