Why Bai Ling’s Star Wars Role Was Cut—And How She Stole the Spotlight Anyway

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Known for her fearless sense of style, Bai Ling—born in 1966—often embraces bold fashion trends typically aimed at a much younger crowd. Her unapologetically edgy image even earned her a role as Senator Bana Breemu in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, though her scenes were ultimately left on the cutting room floor.

Bai Ling wears a shimmering off-the-shoulder violet gown with sheer, textured sleeves and a matching hooded veil as Senator Bana Breemu in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)Bai Ling wears a shimmering off-the-shoulder violet gown with sheer, textured sleeves and a matching hooded veil as Senator Bana Breemu in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) (Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

Bai attributed this to her appearance in the June 2005 edition of Playboy magazine, but George Lucas maintained that the decision to cut her scenes was made almost a year before her Playboy shoot.

The removed scenes were subsequently included in the “Deleted Scenes” section of the Revenge of the Sith DVD. Lucas discusses this on the DVD as well.

Bai Ling Turns Heads in Jeweled Promise Lux Wedges

While her Star Wars role was cut, Bai Ling’s fearless fashion choices have kept her in the spotlight. From red carpet appearances to off-duty street style, she turns heads with bold, unconventional looks.

In December 2012, the Chinese-American actress, known for her slightly scandalous looks, rocked a leopard print dress and a pair of $50 bright blue jeweled wedges by Promise.

Bai Ling flaunts her legs in a leopard-print mini dress and sky-high turquoise Promise “Lux” jeweled peep-toe wedges while out shopping in Beverly HillsBai Ling flaunts her legs in a leopard-print mini dress and sky-high turquoise Promise “Lux” jeweled peep-toe wedges while out shopping in Beverly Hills (Credit: WENN)

Bai had on a boldly printed (and short!) dress (which she struggled to keep down), paired it with a studded beret, and then capped off the already busy outfit with a pair of bright blue jeweled peep-toe wedges:

Bai Ling heading to Barneys for a day of shopping in Beverly Hills on December 21, 2012Bai Ling heading to Barneys for a day of shopping in Beverly Hills on December 21, 2012 (Credit: WENN)

What did you think of Bai Ling’s daring street style—bold, eye-catching, or too much?

Yes, a lot was going on in this look, and it might have been considered too provocative for someone her age by conventional standards—but this was Bai Ling we were talking about. She was always unapologetically herself and clearly confident in her skin, so why not let her flaunt it?

While we couldn’t help but wonder how she managed to keep her skin looking so smooth, the real scene-stealer in this outfit was her pair of poppy blue peep-toe wedges, which added significant height to her petite 5ft 3in (160 cm) frame. Bai Ling, who wears a US shoe size 8, effortlessly pulled off the towering heels with confidence.

Bai Ling shows off her foot tattoo in vibrant turquoise Promise “Lux” peep-toe wedges, embellished with silver studs and set on dramatic 6-inch wedge heelsBai Ling shows off her foot tattoo in vibrant turquoise Promise “Lux” peep-toe wedges, embellished with silver studs and set on dramatic 6-inch wedge heels

Bai wore the Promise “Lux” wedges, embellished with sparkling stones and set on towering 6-inch metal-trimmed wedge heels with a 2-inch platform for added drama.

Mixing Prints and Platforms: Bai Ling’s Colorful Christmas Look

And, just a few days later, she was at it again — this time sporting a pair of bright yellow ankle-wrap pumps while decked in lavender lace, sequins, and stripes.

Bai Ling tops her dark hair with a hat as she arrives at Villa Blanca restaurantBai Ling tops her dark hair with a hat as she arrives at Villa Blanca restaurant on December 24, 2012, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Winston Burris / WENN)

A lot is going on in this look, so let’s start at the top. Bai covered her long, dark hair with a pageboy-style hat featuring a boucle brim and a knit flower, and she covered her eyes with gold sunglasses.

Bai Ling turns heads in bold yellow ankle-strap platform heels, pairing them with blue lace tights, sequined shorts, a striped cardigan, and a boucle-trimmed pageboy hatBai Ling turns heads in bold yellow ankle-strap platform heels, pairing them with blue lace tights, sequined shorts, a striped cardigan, and a boucle-trimmed pageboy hat

Bai wore a black-and-white-striped knit cardigan over a black lace top, glittery silver shorts, and blue lace leggings. She carried a black chain-strapped clutch and a phone in one hand.

Bai Ling wears a black-and-white-striped cardigan, a black lace top and silver sequined shortsBai Ling wears a black-and-white-striped cardigan, a black lace top, and silver sequined shorts (Credit: Winston Burris / WENN)

Despite everything happening here, Bai’s neon yellow cuffed pumps still caught our attention.

Bai Ling highlights her foot tattoo in bold yellow Michael Antonio “Lavonne” platform heels, featuring edgy cutout details and a sky-high silhouetteBai Ling highlights her foot tattoo in bold yellow Michael Antonio “Lavonne” platform heels, featuring edgy cutout details and a sky-high silhouette

Bai rounded out her eccentric outfit with the Michael Antonio “Lavonne” platform pumps, which feature cutout details on the cuff and the sides of the vamp. This style has unfortunately sold out online.

Lavonne - Yellow Michael AntonioYellow Michael Antonio ‘Lavonne’ Pump

Bold Fashion Moments: Bai Ling’s Most Unforgettable Looks

Bai Ling is renowned for her fearless and avant-garde fashion choices. Here are some of her most talked-about style moments:

Bai Ling’s Gold Dragon Dress at the MTV Movie Awards

  • Event: 2015 MTV Movie Awards
  • Outfit: Bai Ling captivated audiences in a daring black bra-style top paired with a mini skirt, accentuated by a gold-plated 3D dragon accessory that extended down her back.
  • Footwear: She completed the ensemble with custom-made towering pumps by Rocky Gathercole.
  • Read more: Bai Ling’s Gold Dragon Dress With Long Tail Down Her Back

Bai Ling’s Sheer Dress on the Runway for ‘A Night with Haiti’

Bai Ling’s Appearance at OK! Magazine’s “So Sexy” Party

  • Event: OK! Magazine’s “So Sexy” Party
  • Outfit: Bai Ling turned heads in a striking ensemble featuring a thigh-high slit dress paired with orange crystal-trimmed heel-less sandals.
  • Footwear: The bold heel-less sandals showcased her unique fashion sense and love for unconventional footwear.
  • See her look: Bai Ling Wows in Orange Crystal Heel-less Sandals and Thigh-High Slit Dress

These moments underscore Bai Ling’s status as a fashion icon unafraid to push boundaries and express her individuality through bold style choices.