Last week, LucasFilm made the jaw-dropping announcement that directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will no longer be at the helm ofHan Solo: A Star Wars Story, with just three weeks left of production. Just a few days later,Ron Howardwas confirmed to step in and take their place, and today a new parody video reveals that one of the most hated characters in theStar Warsuniverse, Jar Jar Binks, wants to use this opportunity of a new director stepping in to put him in the movie and start a comeback for the character. Thankfully, this is only a parody, and it will not likely happen for real.
Funny or Diedebuted a new video that features an individual disguised through a silhouette that is calling for the return for Jar Jar Binks in the newHan Solo Star Warsmovie. Most discerning fans will realize right away that this figure beneath the silhouette and disguised voice is actually Jar Jar Binks himself, since the silhouette clearly resembles the character’s unique face, with the use of Jar Jar’s oft-used phrase “meesa” clearly revealing that this person is actually Jar Jar trying to get back into theStar Warsfranchise through this movie.
While it seems highly unlikely that this will happen, it is actually feasible that this character could return in this movie. Jar Jar Binks first surfaced in the firstStar Wars prequel,The Phantom Menace, where he immediately became one of the most hated characters inStar Warshistory. While he returned inAttack of the Clones, his role was significantly decreased, due to the fan outcry, and in the third prequel,Revenge of the Sith, he was barely seen at all, only popping up in a few scenes, most prominently in the funeral procession for Padme Amidalla (Natalie Portman). SinceHan Solo: A Star Wars Storyis set 10 years beforeA New Hope, it’s certainly possible that Jar Jar could show up, in terms of the story’s place in theStar Warstimeline, but it certainly seems unlikely.
George Lucashas stated in interviews that the Jar Jar Binks character was inspired by the Disney character Goofy, with pop legend Michael Jackson originally considered to play the role using prosthetics. Instead, Jar Jar Binks became the first fully CGI character within theStar Warsuniverse, portrayed by Ahmed Best, who was cast based on his work in the musicalStomp. The director reportedly originally pictured the character as a silent comedic actor similar to the work of Buster Keaton. Ahmed Best returned to voice the character in episodes of the animated seriesStar Wars: The Clone Wars.
It was revealed earlier this year in Chuck Wendig’s 2017 novelStar Wars: Aftermath: Empire’s End, which is set after the events ofReturn of the Jedi, Jar Jar Binks has become a street performer who entertains refugee children, although he is loathed by adults, who blame him for his part in the rise of the Empire. It is believed that this character’s portrayal in the novel was meant to reflect how children enjoyed the character while adultStar Warsfans hated him. While it seems unlikely that this character will ever surface in theStar Warsuniverse again, he is still alive, which means it is theoretically possible, although unlikely forHan Solo: A Star Wars Story. Take a look at this parody video below with Jar Jar Binks in disguise.
