Jar Jar Binks is a complex character and an even more complex issue. He’s hated and maligned by some, beloved by others, merely tolerated by as many more. Personally, I look back to my adolescence and find that my teenage self identifies with him more and more. I was clumsy and obnoxious and wanted nothing more than to do the right thing, even though plenty of people didn’t even want to be around me. I get where he’s coming from. The sort of people who would bully Jar Jar were the same sort of people that would bully me when I was young.
The actor tasked with bringing that tragicomic sensibility to life was the outstanding performer, Ahmed Best. Best took the comedic timing and stylings of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, the gymnastic qualities of a clumsy athlete, and infused them into the Gungan misanthrope to the best of his ability.
He gave an interview to Vice to promote his new show, “2 Black Dudes,” and they talked about the character and he offered his perspective on a number of things, even putting to bed charges that Jar Jar might be racist in some way. But one of the most interesting tidbits came when he revealed that Michael Jackson had lobbied George Lucas for the part.
…you mentioned that Michael Jackson originally wanted to play the role of Jar Jar Binks. Was that a joke?
That’s what George 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 afterparty. 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 makeup like ‘Thriller.'” George wanted to do it in CGI. My guess is ultimately Michael Jackson would have been bigger than the movie, and I don’t think he wanted that.
It makes one wonder how different the film might have been, had Michael Jackson taken the part. Jackson had worked with Lucas previously on Disney’s “Captain EO,” but as far as I can tell hadn’t collaborated beyond that. Michael Jackson was an incredibly physical performer and was no stranger to acting.
Would Jar Jar have been a softer and more sympathetic character with Michael Jackson’s softer voice? Would those bullying haters have globbed onto Jar Jar as the “problem” with the prequels with Jackson under layers of makeup? Would anyone even believe the King of Pop as the galaxy’s clumsiest Gungan?
Obviously we’ll never know. Best brought his talent and abilities to bring the character of Jar Jar Binks to life in all three of the “Star Wars” prequels and a few episodes of “The Clone Wars.” As much as I identify with and appreciate Jar Jar in the movies, his most shining moments came in the television show with episodes like “Bombad Jedi” and “The Disappeared.” He was able to go full clown and the show was better able to embrace the tone needed to make him much easier to swallow for all audiences.
If anything, lets hope this goes at least some way in turning the corner on the bullying that goes on in the name of the Jar Jar Binks. Most of us were just like him once, it’s important to remember that.
“2 Black Dudes” hits television screens this fall. You can read the full, compelling interview between Vice and Ahmed Best here.