Jar Jar Binks gets George Lucas’s seal of approval: “Of Course He’s My Favorite”

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George Lucas, during a fan event honoring the 1999 prequel release of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” expressed his personal affection for the movie, labeling it as one of his favorites. Known for its complex political backdrop, the introduction of young Anakin Skywalker, and the debatable Gungan character Jar Jar Binks, this first episode has been a source of division among audiences and critics, with it being the least favorably rated “Star Wars” film on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Lucas seems to disagree with this widespread opinion. (Source: Screenrant Instagram)

Specifically, Lucas highlighted the frequently controversial character, Jar Jar Binks, remarking, “Indeed, Jar Jar is my preferred character,” and complimented actor Ahmed Best for his outstanding performance. The recognition holds weight given that many fans consider Jar Jar’s presence a downfall in the franchise. Nevertheless, Lucas’s remarks demonstrate the creator of Star Wars’ admiration for the humor, vitality, and technological advancements brought by the character to the saga.

Online enthusiasts have had prolonged discussions about Jar Jar Binks’ significance and impact. On Reddit, you’ll find a diverse array of opinions. One fan expressed, “Jar Jar’s main issue lies in his timing. The Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film in two decades. The anticipation and enthusiasm were at an all-time high. However, the greater the expectations, the harder the disappointment when those expectations aren’t met. The Phantom Menace disappointed fans significantly, it received a lot of criticism, and the blame was largely placed on the less enjoyable aspects of the movie… and Jar Jar was a humorless, irritating character who didn’t contribute much of value to the story.

A different fan mentioned that Jar Jar Binks was a “significant and abrupt shift” in the Star Wars series’ atmosphere when the prequels were released. Another individual conceded that the intense dislike Jar Jar has received over time could perhaps be excessive: “I can’t figure out why he’s so disliked, but he’s certainly a goofy character.

Nevertheless, Best’s acting, which blended physical performance, vocal skills, and pioneering motion-capture technology, laid the groundwork for more complex digital characters in future Star Wars productions. This ranges from Supreme Leader Snoke in the sequel series to the entirely digital creatures featured in The Mandalorian.

Despite this, Best’s unique performance incorporated physical presence, voice work, and groundbreaking motion-capture technology. This paved the way for the creation of more advanced digital characters across Star Wars projects, including Supreme Leader Snoke in the sequel trilogy as well as the fully CGI creatures seen in The Mandalorian.

Leaving Jar Jar Binks out of the equation, the movie “The Phantom Menace” introduced intricate themes such as power struggles, ethical dilemmas, and the emergence of a new hero, which have lingered significantly throughout the Star Wars universe. Series like “The Clone Wars,” “Andor,” and “Ahsoka” have further expanded upon these roots, demonstrating that the storytelling from the prequels continues to influence contemporary narratives within the Star Wars franchise.

Ultimately, Lucas’s insights invite longtime fans as well as novices to reassess “The Phantom Menace.” They imply that even characters once deemed insignificant or flawed can gain depth through careful crafting and purpose, thereby enriching the enduring appeal of a distant galaxy.

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2025-08-28 19:22