Interestingly, they had auditions for Padme Amidala and the runners up assumed positions of the handmaidens to the Queen, according to a magazine article I read several months ago.

Many fans would have preferred for Knightley to do the job, but Portman is doing a decent job herself.

Colin Farrell. He's alright. I have nothing against his abilities to act and perform, but he seems a bit too young for an Obi-Wan in Episode III. He just doesn't have the look of a calm and wise Jedi Master (with an accent ) like Ewan McGregor does.

James Frano.. he's a pretty good actor. He could probably pull of Anakin without much trouble.

Rumors were that Leonardo Dicaprio wanted the spot for Anakin Skywalker only if he was granted some kind of 'action' scene with Portman, but Lucas turned that down outright.