Est. 1998
Michael Reportedly Wanted To Play Jar Jar Binks In Star Wars
It is reported that Michael Jackson supposedly wanted to star as Jar Jar Binks in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels. Apparently he wanted to appear in the 1999 movie ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,’ but was ultimately beaten to the part by Ahmed Best.
Ahmed explained:
”That’s what George Lucas told me. Me, Natalie Portman, and George’s kids – we were at Wembley Arena at Michael Jackson’s concert. We were taken backstage and we met Michael.There was Michael and Lisa Marie Presley.
George introduced me as ‘Jar Jar’ and I was like, ‘That’s kind of weird.’ Michael was like, ‘Oh. OK.’ I thought, ‘What is going on?’
After Michael had driven off, we all go back up to a big after party. I’m having a drink with George and I said, ‘Why did you introduce me as Jar Jar?”
He said, ‘Well, Michael wanted to do the part but he wanted to do it in prosthetics and make-up like Thriller.’ George wanted to do it in CGI.”
Ahmed, 41, suspected the ‘Star Wars’ creator opted against casting Michael because his profile threatened to overshadow the film.
He told Vice:
”My guess is ultimately Michael Jackson would have been bigger than the movie, and I don’t think he wanted that.”
Michael was a keen Star Wars fan, with life size figures of Darth Vader, C-3PO and Boba Fett being among his personal possessions at his Neverland Ranch.
Source: Contact Music, The Guardian & MJWN
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