Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Black Swan and Star Wars, has been making headlines in 2025 for her personal and professional transformations. At 43, Portman is navigating a fresh chapter in her life after a high-profile divorce, a move to Paris, and a string of exciting new projects. From her rumored romance with a French musician to her starring roles in upcoming films like Fountain of Youth and Photograph 51, Portman’s journey is captivating fans worldwide. Here’s a look at her latest moves, her reflections on her career, and how she’s finding joy after a challenging year.
A New Home in Paris
After finalizing her divorce from French choreographer Benjamin Millepied in March 2024, Natalie Portman made a bold decision to stay in Paris with her two children, Aleph, 13, and Amalia, 8. In a recent interview with Net-a-Porter, Portman praised the city’s culture of privacy, saying, “They’re very good at privacy here. I feel like the biggest compliment is ‘elle est très discrète’ [‘she is very discreet’].” This move marks a significant shift from her life in Los Angeles, where she felt more exposed to public scrutiny, especially during her divorce. Portman, who met Millepied on the set of Black Swan in 2009, described Paris as a place where she can raise her children away from the Hollywood spotlight, offering them a more grounded upbringing.
Portman’s decision to embrace Paris wasn’t just about privacy. She’s also drawn to the city’s cultural richness, which she says differs from American norms in both “deep and surface ways.” In a conversation with Us Weekly, she explained that Western cultures are often assumed to be similar due to shared pop culture, but Paris has a unique vibe that she’s come to love. This new environment seems to be a perfect fit for Portman as she focuses on her family and career while healing from a tough year.
A New Romance with Tanguy Destable
One of the biggest stories surrounding Portman in 2025 is her rumored relationship with French musician and producer Tanguy Destable, known by his stage name Tepr. Reports first surfaced in early March when French outlet Voici claimed the actress had “fallen” for the 44-year-old artist. The pair were later spotted on a date, confirming the buzz. Insiders told Times Now that Portman is “feeling happy and optimistic” about this new chapter in her love life, a stark contrast to the challenges she faced during her divorce. While Portman and Destable haven’t made their relationship Instagram-official, sources say she’s excited about this fresh start.
The romance follows a difficult period for Portman. Her split from Millepied, finalized after over a decade of marriage, was reportedly complicated by rumors of his infidelity in 2023. Despite the pain, Portman has remained focused on her children and her work, telling ABC News that she strives to balance openness with protecting her kids’ privacy. Her ability to move forward with grace has earned her admiration from fans, who are thrilled to see her finding joy again.
A Busy Year on the Big Screen
Portman’s career is as vibrant as ever, with several high-profile projects in 2025. She stars alongside John Krasinski in Fountain of Youth, a Guy Ritchie-directed action-adventure film that premiered on Apple TV+ on May 23, 2025. The movie, which follows estranged siblings searching for the mythical Fountain of Youth, has been compared to Indiana Jones and National Treasure for its thrilling, nostalgic vibe. Portman plays Charlotte, a historian recruited by her art-thief brother Luke (Krasinski) to decode clues hidden in 17th-century paintings. The star-studded cast, including Eiza González and Stanley Tucci, has fans buzzing, and early reviews call it a “globe-trotting blast.” Portman told TODAY that the project brought her happiness during a tough time, reflecting her desire for lighthearted roles post-divorce.
Portman is also set to star as Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51, directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech). The film, announced in early May, explores the life of the British scientist whose groundbreaking work on DNA was overshadowed by her male colleagues. Portman’s “fierce intelligence and wit” were praised by Hooper, who called the project a “theatrical event” that highlights themes of science, rivalry, and redemption. The role aligns with Portman’s passion for portraying strong, complex women, and it’s already generating Oscar buzz.
Additionally, Portman teamed up with Lena Dunham for Good Sex, a romantic comedy acquired by Netflix for a staggering $55 million. Portman plays a couples’ therapist navigating her own love life post-breakup, with Dunham directing and co-starring as her best friend. The film’s massive deal at the European Film Market in Berlin underscores Portman’s star power and her ability to draw audiences to fresh, funny stories.
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Portman, who began acting at age 12 in Leon: The Professional, recently opened up about the challenges of being a child star. In an Interview magazine discussion with Jenna Ortega, her co-star in the upcoming film The Gallerist, Portman described enduring a “long Lolita phase” where she was sexualized by the industry. She credited her mother for protecting her on set and said she adopted a “tough girl” persona to avoid being typecast. Portman also admitted to crafting a “bookish” public image as a defense mechanism, telling Ortega, “There’s a public understanding of me that’s different from who I am. I can be stupid and silly in real life.” Her candidness about Hollywood’s pressures has resonated with fans and younger actors like Ortega.
Portman’s connection to Star Wars also made headlines this year with the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Reflecting on her role as Padmé Amidala, she told The One Show she’d love to return to the franchise, jokingly suggesting Padmé could come back as a Jedi with a lightsaber. While a report from Star Wars News Net confirmed she’s not in talks for Ahsoka Season 2, her enthusiasm for the franchise and its fans remains strong. She even admitted to taking a braid from Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker costume as a memento, only to lose it years later.
A Focus on Family and Joy
Throughout her interviews, Portman emphasized that her children are her biggest inspiration. She told TODAY that Aleph and Amalia guide her career choices, leading her to projects like Fountain of Youth “‘that she can share with them. Her move to Paris reflects this priority, offering a quieter life where she can focus on being a mom. Portman also spoke at the ChangeNOW summit in May, advocating for sustainability, a cause she’s passionate about. Fans on X praised her for using her platform to address important issues, with one user, @PlantBasedNews, asking if more celebrities should follow her lead.
Looking Ahead
Natalie Portman’s 2025 is a testament to her resilience and versatility. From finding love with Tanguy Destable to starring in blockbuster films and speaking out on social issues, she’s proving that she can balance personal growth with a thriving career. As she told Times of India, she’s drawn to roles that reflect her life’s highs and lows, and her upcoming projects promise to showcase her range. Whether she’s chasing immortality in Fountain of Youth or uncovering scientific history in Photograph 51, Portman continues to captivate audiences with her talent and authenticity. Fans can’t wait to see what’s next for this Hollywood icon as she embraces her new chapter with grace and excitement.
Must Read :- Hybrid Work Models Take Center Stage in 2025: How Google and Others Are Shaping the Future of Work
