Michael Jackson wanted to play this surprising Star Wars character
Think back to the first Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace, and now think about it with Michael Jackson. Back in the late 90s, he campaigned HARD to be include in the movie, but he didn’t want to be a Jedi, or even a Sith. Jackson wanted to be Jar Jar Binks.
Let that sink in for a second.
In a brand new interview with the man behind George Lucas’ favorite character, Ahmed Best, he discusses all things Jar Jar, from how he perceived the role back then, to how it’s now become the “most hated” role of his life. Back then, the cast and crew of Phantom Menace thought Jar Jar was going to be a huge fan favorite. 1999 was such a crazy year!
But, the biggest bombshell from interview is that the King of Pop himself wanted to play Jar Jar. Lucas and Jackson had previously worked together on the Disney Park attraction, Captain Eo, and when it came time to make Phantom Menace, Jackson envisioned himself in the Gungan role, but a tad bit different.
“[Because] of ‘Thriller’ and all the music videos he did, he was really into prosthetics and makeup,” Best explains. “He wanted to do it that way, and George wanted to do it CGI.”
Best tells a story about how one time he, Lucas, and Natalie Portman went to go see Jackson in concert together. Best could tell that he and Jackson had unspoken beef, and he was even introduced to the musician, first, as Jar Jar.
“He was one of my biggest idols growing up, and then all of a sudden I take a job from Michael Jackson. Not everyone can say that.”
The whole interview is worth a watch, and you can check it out here. But rest easy, friends. Even Best doesn’t want Jar Jar returning to the Star Wars universe anytime soon, if ever.
(Image via Lucasfilm.)