The Story Behind the Retracted Band Name Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head

It’s hard to land a band name. Sometimes you even land on one and decide later, for whatever reason (likely a good one), that it’s not right.

Such is the story of the Seattle-born indie rock band Brite Futures. Let’s dive in.

V for Vendetta

In 2005,  the Wachowskis released the thriller Ve for Vendetta. The movie, created by the folks who did The Matrix, was good and thoughtful, albeit not perfect. But in the movie, there is a moment when we see actress Natalie Portman freaking out with her head shaved. For those who haven’t seen the movie, it’s rather shocking.

And so the members of the band named themselves just that when they started in 2005—Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head.

While the band, which started in a food court and was meant to get girlfriends, began with songs about partying and candy, it developed into a serious project, including six record releases.

Natalie Portman

While the movie star knew about the band, she didn’t seem particularly enthused. The band would put her name on the guest list for every show. And while it’s not surprising she didn’t show up, she was actually told about the band. One of the member’s sisters, who lived in New York City, met Portman and told her about the band. Said Portland, “Oh, that’s cool.” And she signed an autograph.

In the end, they found out she didn’t love the name.

Name Change

The name didn’t last. And five years after forming, and two years before it disbanded, the group decided to change its moniker to Brite Futures.

“We chose our band name on a whim when we were still in high school, and Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head has seen us through an unexpectedly amazing four years,” said the band. “But now it is summer once again, and time for a change. Also, it has recently come to our attention that our muse Ms. Portman is not so keen on us using her name in ours … so we feel it is time to move forward with a new name. We are Brite Futures.”

Alas, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head wasn’t meant to be.

Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images